Notable Alumni

CAREERS & ALUMNI

Where can a degree in English take you?

English majors develop the ability to read deeply, write clearly and think critically – three valuable skills that can help you pursue a career in nearly any industry, from business and finance to health care, entertainment and education. Want to see what kinds of careers await you? Check out the diverse career paths of some of our graduates and you’ll find award-winning entertainers, published academics and SFA’s very own president emeritus, Dr. Baker Pattillo.

Dr. Ben Click, Class of ’80 and ‘82
Professor, St. Mary’s College, Maryland

Dr. Ben Click, Class of ’80 and ‘82

Ben Click is a professor of English at St. Mary’s College in Maryland. He is also the director of the college’s Writing and Speaking Center and the Twain Series on American Humor and Culture. Dr. Click is co-editor and contributing author of a critical reassessment of Charlie Chaplin, called Refocusing Chaplin: A Screen Icon in Critical Contexts.

Will Jennings, Class of ’67
Songwriter

Will Jennings, Class of ’67

Will Jennings is an American songwriter, known for writing the lyrics for "My Heart Will Go On," the theme for the film Titanic. He has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards.

Dr. Baker Pattillo, Class of ‘65
SFA President 2006-2018

Dr. Baker Pattillo, Class of ‘65

Dr. Baker Pattillo was one of the charter members of SFA’s Sigma Tau Delta English Honorary Society chapter. He was president of Stephen F. Austin State University from 2006 through 2018.