Ann Riley-Adams is Wayne State College’s newest assistant professor in the Literature and Language Department and is excited to share her love for all things medieval and early modern British literature with her students.  

Riley-Adams grew up in Los Angeles and attended UCLA for her undergraduate degree. Beginning as a student going into law, she discovered in her sophomore year her passion for teaching and learning after taking a class about King Arthur. She took the opportunity to study abroad in Wales and live in London for eight years with her family.  

After moving back to Oklahoma when her two children got older, she went back to graduate school and received her master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Later, she received her doctorate degree in English from the University of Arkansas after completing her dissertation project in the UK, a translation of a 16th Century Welsh manuscript that had never been translated before. She said the manuscript now is being held at the National Library in Wales.  

Riley-Adams said her favorite course to teach is Critical Approaches. “It was my least favorite course to take as a student, so I wanted to make sure I brought something more related for students to enjoy,” Riley-Adams said. “My students are engaged and such a blast to work with.” 

While joining the Wayne community, Riley-Adams is most excited for the Chicken Show and the involvement of the people in her new community. “I have never lived in a small town before,” she said. “Everybody has been welcoming and everything you need is here, so you don’t feel any lack at all. We have just have felt so at home here.” 

Riley-Adams mentioned she is eager to get students involved around Wayne’s campus after she is acquainted and aims to start a medieval club, as well as be a part of the English Honors Society and Literature Club.  

In her free time, Riley-Adams enjoys traveling and meeting new people, as well as seeing the way people do things. In the future, she hopes to plan an adventure to see the Northeast. Riley-Adams said her students and staff have been helpful in her adjustment to Nebraska and is grateful for all the advice she has received from the kind community.  

“This is my dream job; it is absolutely perfect being able to teach about the things I love most,” Riley-Adams said. “Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome and having such a great university and community. I am so blessed to be chosen for this position.”