McKenzie London enjoyed her time as a high school English teacher but, after a while, she wondered what it might look like to return to school herself. So, when the University of North Alabama (UNA) posted a job opening for a Graduate Teaching Assistant, it caught her attention. Once she learned more about the role and the English department as a whole, she simply had to apply—and she couldn’t be more grateful she did!
Having grown up in Athens, Alabama, McKenzie was initially drawn to the university because of Florence’s rich and unique culture. She also found the idea of teaching while in school appealing. What cemented her desire to attend UNA, however, was the faculty and staff who welcomed her with open arms. She says, “The faculty’s investment in my personal and professional growth convinced me to join UNA.”
Although McKenzie was thrilled to start her new academic journey, she was also nervous. She didn’t attend UNA for her undergraduate degree, and she had only ever taught high school. All of those fears quickly faded, however, once she officially joined the university. “The English Department at UNA fosters an environment of connection,” McKenzie says. “And despite coming in as a newcomer, I quickly became part of the UNA family.”
In fact, by the time she graduated in 2024 with a Master of Arts in English, she wasn’t quite ready to leave. So, when she saw that the university had an opening in the English department for a lecturer, she made sure to apply immediately. McKenzie loves being a teacher, and she especially loves teaching at UNA.
“There is something unique about UNA’s environment—the sense of community, the relationships between students and faculty, and the genuine support everyone provides. Coming from another university and attending various academic conferences, I’ve seen firsthand how different institutions function,” McKenzie explains. “But UNA stands out.”
McKenzie isn’t quite finished with her own academic journey… she’s interested in earning her PhD! In doing so, she would be able to contribute academically to UNA, both through her teaching and research. And if there’s one thing she’s learned since joining the UNA family, it’s that continued growth and support make a world of difference in the lives of students and faculty alike.
“UNA provides continuous support for students, even after graduation, through career guidance and mentorship,” McKenzie shares. “The instructors truly care about their students—not just their grades, but their future careers and personal success. That’s what makes UNA special, and that’s why I plan to stay here for as long as I can.”