Kevin Rabas got a surprise in his classroom Friday.
The chair of Emporia State’s Department of English, Modern Languages and Journalism — and the state Poet Laureate to boot — was visited by President Allison Garrett, Provost David Cordle and Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Brent Thomas. The reason? To formally recognize Rabas as the 2018 Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor.
Rabas is now the 40th professor to receive this honor. He joined the ESU faculty in August 2005 and has taught a variety of courses, including composition, literature, drama and creative writing. He has also served as co-advisor of the student literary journal Quivira and co-director of the Creative Writing Program. He sees himself fostering learning through inspiration.
Rabas has his bachelor’s degree from Missouri-Kansas City, master’s degrees from Kansas State and Goddard College and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.
Rabas has also published nine books — with his 10th due out this year — along with four plays and several short stories.
The Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award has been given since 1979 to the professor that best demonstrates several qualities, including teaching excellence, professional activities, an intellectual atmosphere and status as a student mentor. As a part of winning this award, Rabas will give the December 2018 commencement speech.
