Testimonials
Emily was hired at OSU-Cascades to create and implement a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. As the sole full-time faculty member, Emily envisioned the program, designed the curriculum, hired a diverse faculty, recruited students, managed the budget, contributed to fund raising efforts, and created community events. This program was an innovation at Oregon State University, using online learning supported by a low-residency program, therefore meeting the needs of students who could not afford the commitments of a face-to-face program. Through this work I found Emily to be resourceful, visionary, strategic, creative, intuitive, and dedicated to the success of both the program and the students. To accomplish her goals, Emily had to learn quickly and create an extensive and varied support network across multiple fields of expertise. A talented teacher, innovator, poet, and collaborator, there was rarely an interaction with Emily that was not joyful and thought provoking. The MFA Emily built is now ranked #4 on the Best College Reviews list of Top 20 Master's in Creative Writing Online. OSU-Cascades was lucky to have Emily as the inaugural director and creator of this program.
— Julie Gess-Newsome | Supervisor
Professor Emeritus | Oregon State University - Cascades
I was lucky enough to work for Emily for a few years while she directed the MFA program at OSU Cascades. Specifically, I supported her in her role as program leader. There are so many amazing parts that make Emily a leader: in particular I loved that she constructed the MFA program from scratch and attended to the day-in and day-out duties at the same time while inspiring staff, faculty and students from her heart. I’m still awe struck at how much creativity and unique engagement she brings. She catapults the learning experience into every conceivable direction, so that each person can learn and grow on their own. It’s a gift she has and it touches everyone deeply. I benefited from my two years working for her and consider those lessons as most crucial during that point in my career development. Emily is agile, passionate, and possesses a brilliantly creative mind that is an asset to any organization.
— Gray Campbell | Direct Report
Learning & Development Manager | Omega Morgan
Emily skillfully navigated competing interests and values when bringing poet CAConrad to campus and inviting a relatively conservative community to join an interactive workshop with a poet I believed would stretch the audience beyond their comfort zone. Emily responded to my feedback and concerns, balancing the values of the community and the pedagogical values of the MFA program, and negotiating a potentially difficult situation with grace, empathy, and the utmost professionalism.
— Diana Tomseth | Collaborator
Founder | Echo Fund
Emily Carr is a very dynamic presenter who brings with her a vast wealth of expertise in many different areas of writing. Through my years of working with Emily, she has demonstrated an ability to connect with audiences from the beginner poet to the published author. She encourages creativity and experimentation from her students and provides patient guidance and support to help her students not only succeed, but also thrive. Emily’s intelligence, inspiration, and innovation shine through in the effort she puts forth on all her projects.
— Paige Ferro | Collaborator
Adult Programs Specialist | Deschutes Public Library