Jacob Berry Named English Major of the Year

For the 2025-26 English Major of the Year and current law student, Jacob Berry, studying English at USU was worthwhile in large part because of the professors. 

One standout professor during his undergraduate studies was Lecturer Jeremy Ricketts, who taught Jacob’s Literary Analysis course, among others. Jacob remembers, “My favorite and most often revisited learning opportunity from Literary Analysis with Dr. Ricketts has been the vast amount of literature from throughout history that I was introduced to. Examining diverse literature throughout history with Dr. Ricketts’s guidance has given me the skills to investigate all literature I encounter on a deep level.”

Throughout his time at USU, Jacob also took five courses from Associate Professor Nathan Straight. In one of those courses, he had the opportunity to suggest literature he wanted to investigate. 

“This allowed me to gain knowledge, experience, and college credit while learning about literature I enjoy,” Jacob reflects. “Dr. Straight, with his knowledge of many disciplines, has taught me to apply my learning of the English language to many areas and disciplines, which apply to all aspects of life and learning.”

Jacob is now practicing these skills post-graduation in law school. He notes, “USU has given me the broad knowledge and skill sets required to study the law. Majoring in English has allowed me to study diverse perspectives and have thought-provoking conversations that will prepare me for my future as a law student.”

At USU, Jacob took advantage of every opportunity to connect with professors and peers, fostering relationships that extend beyond his time in undergrad. He approached each course and each text with curiosity and open-mindedness. His advice for future and current English students is to do the same: “Learn assiduously and celebrate every moment for the knowledge it has to offer.”