Faculty Champion:Alejandra Rengifo

Name Alejandra Rengifo School Central Michigan University Department History, World Languages, and Cultures Country United States

Bio

From Cali, Colombia (MA University of Colorado 1995; PhD University of Kentucky 1999) is a specialist in Caribbean, Colombian and Latino Literature, and Culture. She is a Professor of Spanish. She teaches courses in Spanish language, Latino Culture and Literature in Honors, and Cultural and Global Studies. Her book, written with Dr. Dolores Flores-Silva, Rosario Ferre y Mayra Montero: entre la espada y la cruz (2009) is a study of the works of both authors. Dr. Rengifo has published articles in Spanish and English in different peer-reviewed volumes in Colombia and the United States. Some of her articles about Leonardo Padura Fuentes, Piedad Bonett, Hazel Marie Robinson, Lenito Bent Robinson, Miguel M. Mendez, and Reyna Grande have appeared in journals in Colombia, Spain, and the United States. A Spanish Professor in the Department of History, World Languages, and Cultures, is invested in building learning communities. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating safe spaces where students “…can identify the common goal of shared learning done through teamwork and social interaction.” Students and colleagues affirm her commitment to student success. One student wrote: “I rarely feel as connected with other students … as I do in the classes with this professor.” A colleague described her as “…a positive role model … who deeply cares about student learning...” A student agreed: “This instructor is one of the most genuinely caring professors I have ever had.”