Jarica Watts

Candidate statement

Associate Professor of English, Brigham Young University

I’m well qualified for the Membership & Elections Chair position, as I’m already doing this kind of work in my current academic and editorial leadership roles. I served a three-year term as chair of my English department’s Communications Committee, where I managed outward-facing communication across multiple audiences and handled the practical realities of social media planning and messaging. In addition, as General Editor of Conradiana, I oversee complex administrative workflows—tracking deadlines, coordinating with contributors and editors, and ensuring that projects move from planning to completion smoothly. This experience translates directly to soliciting nominations, running elections, and communicating with MSA membership through the listserv and social channels. I am also experienced in student support and institutional best practices around inclusion, which prepares me to respond promptly and respectfully to disability accommodation requests at conferences. Finally, I am comfortable serving as a liaison across groups with different needs and priorities. I will enjoy the connective work of ensuring that Special Interest Groups feel supported and meaningfully integrated into the MSA’s larger mission. Department website.