Julie Cruz started a PhD in ESM in the summer of 2023. Her career in education spans 20 years, including K-12 and higher education design and instruction as well as writing center administration. She currently works at UT Honors as the Haslam Leadership Scholars coordinator. Julie is passionate about helping students achieve their next level goals, broaden their opportunities, and commit to lifelong learning. She hopes to use the skills she is learning in the ESM PhD for educational policy and advocacy work. Julie received her BA in English and History with a French minor from Hope College (2002), an MFA in Poetry from the University of Florida (2004), and an MA in Literature from the University of Tennessee (2018).