Riley Hines, Distinguished Scholar

Hines was also awarded Outstanding Critical or Research Essay by an English Major

Major: English

Minor: Creative writing

Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma

Favorite Experience at UA: My greatest success at the University of Alabama was completing an English Honors thesis on Victorian sensation novels. After hours of research and writing, it was really encouraging and fulfilling to see all of my hard work come to fruition.

Favorite Class: My favorite professor at the University of Alabama is Dr. Albert Pionke. I have taken several of his classes, all of which have encouraged me to a deeper level of critical thinking. Dr. Pionke also cares a lot for his students and is genuinely a kind person. Additionally, he is always willing to help his students and clearly loves both teaching and what he teaches.

Future Plans: After I graduate in May, I plan on continuing my education by attending The University of Alabama’s graduate school. It is my hope to then earn a Master’s degree in English.