As Lauren Ruth graduates this Saturday with her bachelor’s degree in English literary studies, a certificate in gender studies, and a certificate in linguistics, the world gains a thoughtful writer committed to preserving the past and making it accessible for future generations.
Originally from Neosho, Missouri, Ruth has always been interested in the humanities. She chose to pursue higher education at MSSU for its proximity to home and affordability—but what she’s found during her time here has gone far above convenience.
Ruth has come a long way since her arrival at the university. However, the journey to success hasn’t been without its challenges.
“My first year at MSSU was difficult and I ended up taking a couple years off before I came back with a fresh mindset,” she said. “After I reenrolled, I took a class on world literature that surveyed the ancient world into the Renaissance. I knew I wanted to be an English major after that class because it allowed me to write in a style I enjoyed while blending my interests together. I’m grateful for that class in helping me think about how I could preserve and manage texts like those in the future.”
As Ruth reestablished herself academically, her understanding of and passion for English deepened, extending beyond the classroom. She felt a sense of belonging in Kuhn Hall that was just as palpable as her desire for knowledge.
“I’ve developed a new appreciation for how the English department fosters a great community of students who share a love for literature,” she said. “It’s challenged me to think deeply about my place in the world. There’s really a wide-range of opportunities for English majors!”
That sense of possibility became tangible through her internship with MSSU’s Archives and Special Collections at Spiva Library.
“During my internship, I digitally preserved a collection of documents and photographs about the life and career of a newspaperman that lived in the early and mid-20th century so that it could become publicly accessible,” Ruth said. “He worked throughout the 20th century while witnessing rapid changes in the world. He had a role in conveying information to the public through his editorial work at The Chicago Tribune, both in Paris and New York. There was a lot of variety in this collection, so I tried to find a balance in highlighting items from his personal life, like photographs, or from his career, like newspapers or correspondence.”
Ruth now has a greater understanding of the importance of preserving stories like the newspaperman’s.
“These stories are physical records of history that are crucial to understanding our past,” she said. “Archives allow for critical reflection and encourage further learning, research, and education. Making these stories accessible helps foster that reflection.”
This immersive learning experience proved to be transformative, providing her with extraordinary reassurance that this is what she was destined to do.
“It was incredible working in the archives,” she said. “I could interact closely with physical items from history, then take what I learned and curate it into an exhibit for a public audience. I truly loved every minute I spent working there. I credit my internship in Spiva Library for really cementing my desire to pursue a career in archival studies. I’ve always known that I wanted to work in this field, but never truly knew how much I loved the environment until I spent a semester working there. I learned a lot, and I’m even more eager to continue this career path after graduation.”
Beyond this hands-on opportunity, Ruth’s studies have prepared her to navigate an ever-evolving world.
“The skills I Iearned during my time as an English major transfer well to a real-world setting,” she said. “So much of it focuses on improving critical thinking along with written and spoken communication, and these skills stem from analyzing, interpreting, and researching texts. Feedback from my professors helped strengthen my academic and creative writing even more over time. It’s been a rewarding experience to be part of a community that fosters diverse perspectives.”
Ruth concludes her time at MSSU well prepared and with an impressive list of accolades. She earned the Nadean Harder Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Performance and Scholarship in Medieval or Renaissance Studies, as well as the Outstanding BA/BS Award for Academic Excellence as an English Major. She’s even been recognized for her talents in creative writing.
“I’ve had two poems published in bordertown, MSSU’s literary magazine, which is something I never would have imagined years ago,” said Ruth. “My voice as a writer has grown so much throughout my time as an English major. I’ve truly enjoyed sharing my ideas and passions with professors and classmates. I’ll cherish these accomplishments and those who helped me grow as a student. I’m grateful for a space to share my creative work, and it’s surreal to see my work alongside such talented writers!”
As her creative voice developed, so did her intellectual focus. Ruth’s coursework opened new paths of inquiry she will carry into her future studies.
“Earning the Gender Studies certificate has been particularly rewarding for me academically because it’s a field of study that I’ve enjoyed writing about the most,” Ruth said. “I was interested in this certificate because I am drawn to topics that challenge traditional social norms and support diverse. It encourages us to think critically about our place in the world. I hope to continue my research in this field by also applying it to Medieval and Renaissance studies after graduation.”
Indeed, Ruth looks ahead with a clear sense of direction as she enters the next stage of her education.
“I hope to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree after graduation,” she said. “I want to preserve historical archives and help make them publicly accessible either online or in-person. The last two years at MSSU has been a wonderful experience because I discovered my passion in gender and sexuality studies, which I’ve explored through research and academic writing. I’ve also met a lot of new friends that I hope to keep in contact with long after graduation!”
As Lauren Ruth crosses the stage this Saturday, she carries a newfound purpose. In a world where histories can be lost, overlooked, or even rendered inaccessible, her efforts ensure that voices of the past will be preserved to inform and shape our future.
