Focus Newsletter

From Fifth-Grade Dream to Published Author: Jamie Hart’s USI Journey

Jamie Hart has always had a story to tell, and now, they are turning that lifelong dream into reality at the University of Southern Indiana.

An Evansville native and Creative Writing major in USI’s English Department, Hart is on track to graduate in Spring 2028. They chose USI for its close-to-home location, affordability and, most importantly, the strength of its creative writing pathway. Staying local made the transition to college life feel more manageable while still allowing the space to grow as a writer.

That growth has already led to a major milestone: publishing a first novel, The Elite Rebellion, about a future society where test scores decide everything. The story follows two young men pulled into an elite military force until one faces a choice between loyalty and his conscience, kicking off a high‑stakes chase that tests their friendship and sense of self.  

“I’ve dreamed of being a full-time novelist since fifth grade,” said Hart, who began working on The Elite Rebellion during their senior year of high school, drafting the story and revising it multiple times over the years. The goal—to create a thrilling, action-filled read with a deeper message beneath the surface.

As Hart prepared to launch the book, USI faculty played an important role in helping to strengthen the final version. Although he didn’t know Hart was working on the project at the time, Dr. Casey Pycior’s, Associate Professor of English, Creative Writing lessons inspired them to revise the book one more time before publishing.  

Hart also credits Dr. Benjamin Warner’s, Instructor in English, lectures with providing eye-opening insights that helped during those final revision stages. “Jamie entered my 101 class as an already strong writer, but what has impressed me most about their development is their growing ability to make small yet meaningful adjustments in both syntax and argument,” said Warner. “That skill requires a deft hand, and Jamie seems to possess an intuitive sense of it.”

Hart also learned that strong characters are essential. If readers don’t care about the people in the story, they explained, they won’t have a reason to keep turning the page.

“While I was working on this book, I learned a lot more goes into writing a story than simple rising action, climax and falling action,” Hart said. “To have a captivating story, you have to make your readers feel like they’re a part of it, like they’re the ones in danger when the main character is in danger.”

Hart used an online publishing service that prints and distributes books to nearly all major online retailers. Seeing the story move from a draft to a published novel has been a powerful experience, and one that taught them how much work goes into writing beyond the basics.

Outside the classroom, Hart stays connected to the writing community through USI’s Student Writer’s Union, where they continue to build skills and share a passion for storytelling with other student writers.

After graduation, Hart hopes to pursue their ultimate goal: becoming a full-time novelist. If that path doesn’t work out immediately, they plan to use their degree to explore related careers, including working as a literary editor or agent for a publishing company. Hart has also considered teaching creative writing at the high school level.

For now, they are focused on what has always driven them—telling stories that entertain, challenge and pull readers into another world.

And with The Elite Rebellion now published, Hart is already proving that a dream that started in fifth grade can become something real.

From Studio to Museum: Aaron Walker’s Creative Journey from USI to the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art 

From Kentucky to Florida and back again, Aaron Walker’s journey to the University of Southern Indiana was shaped by both creativity and a willingness to follow opportunity.

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, Walker moved to Florida at just 5 years old and lived there until he was 20. While in Florida, he began his college education at Daytona Beach Community College before returning to Kentucky with several college credits already completed. He continued his studies at Owensboro Community and Technical College, where he earned an associate degree before deciding to pursue a bachelor’s degree in studio art at USI. Continuing this education felt like a logical step toward his career goals. He recognized that many careers require both credentials and experience. 

A mix of inspiration and unique campus features drew Walker to USI. After touring campus with former art professor and professional artist Monty Helm, he was drawn to the hands-on experience offered in film studies within USI’s Communications and Media Program. Access to the campus Aquatic Center didn’t hurt either. Those distinctive details helped seal the deal. 

As a Studio Art major, Walker spent much of his time immersed in creative work. Although commuting from Kentucky made extracurricular involvement more challenging, he regularly attended art receptions and gallery events on campus. Much of his USI experience was spent in studio spaces and computer labs, often late into the night, creating alongside fellow art students. 

Choosing studio art felt natural. “I’ve always been gifted in art and had a strong pull toward it,” said Walker. Beyond talent, he saw art as a lifelong pursuit, something meaningful and sustainable that wouldn’t quickly lead to burnout. 

Today, he works at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art (OMFA), where his bachelor’s degree is required for his current position, as operations manager and for advancement opportunities within the organization. He credits his time at USI as instrumental in making a career in the arts possible. 

Walker encourages current and prospective students to see college as more than a pathway to a paycheck. “School is important not to tell you what to think, but how to think,” he explained. Even courses that feel difficult or unrelated help develop critical thinking skills and create a well-rounded perspective. For him, higher education was about personal growth as much as professional preparation, constantly becoming a better version of himself along the way. 

From Oregon to Opportunity: Tora Timinsky’s Leap of Faith to USI 

Tora Timinsky made the decision to leave her hometown of The Dalles, Oregon, a small rural community, and transfer across the country for higher education. She didn’t have Indiana in her six-month plan, but sometimes, the best opportunities come from taking a leap of faith.

Timinsky played golf and attended college in nearby Dufur, Oregon, before entering the transfer portal the summer after her sophomore year. That’s when Ann M. Sullivan, the University of Southern Indiana women’s golf coach, reached out. As Timinsky researched USI, she was drawn to the beauty of the campus and the opportunities it offered. The idea of living somewhere completely new was both intimidating and exciting. 

“I thought to myself, when would I ever live in Indiana?” she said. “I wasn’t sure, so why not take the chance and move across the country?” 

Now a Communication Studies major, Timinsky has found her academic home at USI as well. She loves working with people, writing about topics she’s passionate about, editing and creating content, and engaging in meaningful conversations. 

Timinsky has immersed herself in campus life, working with the campus radio station, 95.7 The Spin, as a sports reporter covering both USI Men’s and Women’s Golf teams. She also broadcasts select basketball games and recently signed up to deliver the Tuesday morning sportscast. In addition, she serves on the leadership team for the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and is actively involved in Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), where she is both the chapter secretary and one of the social media chairs. 

Set to graduate in May 2027, Timinsky is keeping her options open. She hopes to continue her education and travel, embracing the same spirit of exploration that brought her to USI and Indiana. She’s learned that some of the best experiences come from unexpected opportunities. 

Her advice to current and prospective students: Take the leap. 

“College may seem daunting, and moving away from the comfort of home can feel intimidating,” she said. “But you’ll never know what’s out there unless you give it a chance. Home will always be there, so go explore, try new things and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.” 

Learn more about transferring or getting admitted to the University of Southern Indiana at USI.edu/admissions. 

Dr. Kristin LaFollette, Associate Professor of English, published five poems in the Winter 2026 issue of Blood and Thunder. She was also a guest on ABC 25's Local Lifestyles on January 9 and gave an interview about her forthcoming book of poems, Intern Year (Harbor Editions, November 2026). She recently joined the Board of Directors at Perugia Press, a press that publishes and supports women's poetry. 

Dr. Wendy Turner, Director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program, published a chapter in the new book "Teaching Activities for Social Work: Creative Pedagogies to Engage Students" edited by Jill M. Chonody.  The chapter is titled, "Engaging Students in Policy" co-authored with Heather Witt, pp. 409 - 414. 

Dr. Christine Wisch, Teaching Assistant Professor of Music History, published a chapter, "Abre niña el piano: Women, Social Mobility, and Music in Salons in Mid-Nineteenth-Century Madrid," in Four Centuries of Women's Musical Salons: A Cross-Cultural History, published by Cambridge and edited by Jacqueline Avila and Rebecca Cypess. 

Dr. Greg Blair, Assistant Professor of Art and Design, (Editor, Designer) and Dr. Silvia Rode, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, (Introduction) presented Utopia on the Wabash. Visions of New Harmony. Society of Photographic Educators Midwest Conference, 2024. 

Dr. Zach Pilot, Associate Professor of Psychology, was a guest on Hot Mess Help Desk podcast hosted by two College of Liberal Arts alumni, Lainie Krumenacker and Maya Ice.  

Episode 13: Triple Threat: First-gen, Non-traditional, & Commuter Students with Dr. Zachary Pilot 

College doesn’t come with a handbook, especially for first-gen, non-traditional, and commuter students juggling more than just classes. In this episode of Hot Mess Help Desk, we talk with Dr. Zachary Pilot about navigating college without cheat codes and figuring things out in real time. From balancing family responsibilities to decoding campus terminology, we explore why feeling behind doesn’t mean you are and how connection, self-compassion and actually using your resources can change everything. If you’re freestyling your way through higher ed, this one’s for you. 

Takeaway: You’re not lost, you’re learning. And asking for help is part of doing it right. 

Dr. Aaron Pryor, Assistant Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, has been selected to present a Lightning Talk at the University of Michigan's 2026 Mental Health on College Campuses Conference. The session is titled "The Power of Purpose." 

This session explores how cultivating purpose and meaning can enhance success and wellbeing among first-generation students, low-income students and students with disabilities. Drawing from both higher education and clinical perspectives, the session will highlight how helping students connect their personal “why” to their educational journey fosters resilience, belonging and motivation. Participants will gain practical strategies for integrating purpose-centered reflection into advising, mentoring and clinical settings. 

Dr. Alexandra Natoli, Assistant Professor of French, was awarded a prestigious Broadening Academia Initiative Hybrid Fellowship from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Mandel Center. The Museum's generous support will permit her to spend one week in Washington, DC over spring break conducting archival research for her monograph project, “The ‘Heart’ of Auschwitz:” Memories of a Death Camp Latrine. Dr. Natoli's fellowship will continue through April 2026. 

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