Title: Professor of Medieval Literature
Company: Purdue University
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Dr. Dorsey Armstrong, professor of medieval literature at Purdue University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in academia.
With over three decades of experience, Dr. Armstrong has established a successful career in academia, specializing in higher education. She currently excels as a professor of medieval literature at Purdue University, a role she has held since 2002, where she combines teaching with ongoing research. Her previous experience includes serving as professor at California State University, Long Beach from 2000 to 2002. Laying a solid educational foundation, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a PhD in English literature with a focus on medieval studies from Duke University in 1999. Additionally, she is a co-founder of The Bonnie Wheeler Fellowship Foundation, a position she has held since 2009, and has volunteered with her local art museum. She also serves on the executive board and as editor of the flagship journal for the International Arthurian Society. She is also a member of the Early Book Society, the International Courtly Literature Society, and the Modern Language Association.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Dr. Armstrong was honored with The Charles B. Murphy Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education at Purdue University in 2017 and has received several other teaching awards throughout her distinguished career. Reflecting on her path, she was determined to pursue a career in education. During her undergraduate studies, she was drawn to courses that were not widely popular, finding a special affinity for literature despite its challenges. She faced the rigorous demands of mastering multiple languages and deciphering ancient handwriting, but she embraced these challenges with determination. Her proficiency in English as her major revealed the significant impact she could have in this field, solidifying her decision to pursue academia.
Additionally, Dr. Armstrong has produced a series of lectures for the Great Courses, a program designed for lifelong learners who are not enrolled in college but remain eager to engage intellectually. Her lectures cover a diverse range of topics, including King Arthur, the Black Death, and the medieval world. She is also the co-founder of The Bonnie Wheeler Fellowship Fund, Dr. Armstrong is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of female leadership in higher education. The fellowship provides critical support to female academics, helping them complete projects, advance from associate professor to full professor, and qualify for administrative positions.
Dr. Armstrong attributes her success to her unwavering dedication to sharing her research findings with others. She credits having a supportive mentor as a powerful example of how women can uplift each other in academia, which has inspired her to expand her own role as a mentor, fostering the next generation of scholars and academics. Looking to the future, she hopes to continue developing innovative courses and inspiring her students through teaching. Additionally, she aspires to move into administration in higher education, where she believes her experience and dedication to teaching can address some of the pressing challenges facing the sector. She sees the need for committed educators to step into administrative roles, bringing a teaching-focused perspective to problem-solving and leadership in academia.
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