Faculty Service Award: Jennifer Sinor

Congratulations to Professor Jennifer Sinor, the recipient of the 2025-26 English Department Faculty Service Award! In addition to the department honor, Jennifer was named one of two recipients of the award for the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Throughout her tenure at USU, Jennifer has taken on challenging leadership roles for the department, consistently bringing empathy, inclusivity, and a strategic vision to all her work. Her service includes, but is not limited to, her time as the Graduate Student Advisor and Interim Associate Department Head, chairing the Creative Writing Curriculum Committee, directing the Graduate Studies Program, advising the Bull Pen Creative Writing Club, and holding the position of a humanities and social sciences ombudsperson since 2012. 

“Jennifer is particularly skilled at creative problem solving and finding positive ways to handle complexities that arise within the department,” shares Associate Department Head of English Keri Holt. “Best of all, she does all this with warmth and care — not just about the service work itself, but the people she serves when she’s doing it. She truly makes others feel valued and helps the department function as a team.”

On an individual level, Jennifer has personally mentored many students in the English Department, supervising undergraduate research, Honors projects, and English internships. She has also served on dozens of master’s committees and was previously recognized with the English Faculty Mentoring Award for her mentorship of students and junior faculty. She also provides emotional support to faculty and staff, initiating weekly check-ins and extending guidance. Junior faculty value her advocacy and care, as she has cultivated a department culture where everyone, including students, faculty, and staff, feel not only supported but empowered. 

Jennifer’s service extends beyond USU. She often judges national creative nonfiction contests, reviews manuscripts for university presses, and holds memberships on organizational boards, including the Utah Arts and Museums Advisory Board. She also teaches yoga and meditation courses to the broader Cache Valley; her philosophy of service comes from yoga philosophy, practicing karma yoga, which is selfless service.

“Jennifer’s contributions exemplify the values this award seeks to honor,” notes English Department Head Brian McCuskey. “She combines visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and empathetic mentorship in ways that have a lasting, positive impact on the department, the college, and the broader academic community.”