Education
EdD, Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Southern Methodist University
MAH, concentration in Literature, University of Dallas
BA, English Literature, University of the South
Biography
Kate Belknap received her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of the South in Sewanee Tennessee, her Master of Humanities from the University of Dallas and went on to earn her Doctor of Education from Southern Methodist University. Now an instructor of English at Colorado Mesa University, Belknap teaches English Composition, Western World Literature I, Introduction to Literature and Mythology.
While she enjoys teaching all of her courses, Mythology brings Belknap a particular joy, "I teach it from a perspective of enduring themes, and attempt to connect the ancient stories to our lives today," she said. "Students tell me that they not only enjoy the material presented in the class, but that it informs and broadens their world view as well. Anytime I can teach my students more than just the specific course material, I feel like I have done my job. World Mythology is a love of mine and I feel fortunate to be able to share the subject with my students."
Belknap is an active person and frequently jokes about her short attention span, so she tries to make her classes as lively as possible. She experiments with new tasks and techniques on a regular basis in a never-ending attempt to provide the best learning environment for her students. "Funny stories from my life often punctuate my lectures, and sometimes I think that I may have missed my calling as a stand-up comedian," she said. Belknap's scholarly interests include Native American myth and rock art.
When not teaching at CMU, Belknap continues to teach skiing (Telemark and Alpine) at Powderhorn Resort, where she has worked since 1996. In the summers she changes hats, quite literally, to a broad-brimmed Ranger hat to work as a River Ranger in Dinosaur National Monument in Dinosaur, Colo. from June -August. As a River Ranger, Belknap patrols the Green River through the Gates of Lodore and the Yampa River.