Faculty Member
I was born in Wodzisław Słąski, Poland and immigrated to the U.S. when I was eight, settling in southern Idaho until leaving to pursue my academic career. I now live in Provo, Utah.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Rhetoric and Composition, English, Miami University of Ohio
M.S., Professional and Technical Writing, English, Towson University
B.A. English, University of Idaho
TEACHING
I began teaching during my Ph.D. program in 2004. After my Ph.D., I took a full-time position at another university, but I quickly learned I couldn't live in the flatness of the midwest_ I need mountains. Little did I know that UVU would win my heart not for its geography but for its dedicated students and its mission to the community.
At UVU, I always request to teach English 1010. It is my favorite writing course because students are adventurous and curious. I also enjoy teaching English 2030_ Writing for Social Change, which asks students to research and communicate solutions to problems in our world. My favorite upper-division courses to teach are English 3010_ Rhetorical Theory and English 3320_ Grant and Proposal Writing.
HOBBIES
I love being outdoors and do just about anything to play outside in our beautiful Utah.
In the winter, I alpine ski, telemark ski, skate ski groomed trails, and tour the backcountry with skins on my tele skis.
In the summer, I mountain bike, kayak, hike, run, garden, camp, and sail a Hunter 240 sailboat. I am also getting more comfortable riding my motorcycle, a black Honda Rebel 300.
Finally, as is the case with most of the nation during COVID, I bought a home-away-from-home: a cute pop-up a-frame camper, which I push to its limits on off-road trails in Utah, Colorado, and Idaho.
When I'm indoors, I enjoy cooking and baking_ I make all of my meals from scratch and bake all of my bread. When my body needs a rest, I settle down with NPR stories and knit elaborate sweaters and socks. When I sew I usually make pajama pants, massive shade covers for the deck of the boat, cushions, or whatever else is requested by family and friends.
Major: English
Major: English
Major: English
Wilderness and Environmental Writing, Fall 2024
Grant and Proposal Writing, Spring 2024
Impact Award_ Utah Valley University’s Faculty Success team (Bryan Cowley, Wioleta Fedeczko, Trevor Morris, and Laurie Toro), known as the “SUPER Dream Team,” was recognized for its exceptional dedication and innovative strategies, significantly improving faculty engagement and adoption rates.
The award is given annually to two faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to student success.
Awarded the Center for Social Impact monthly Service-Learning Superstar Award In recognition of the "fantastic work of our service-learning faculty members on campus and in our community," specifically my course design of English 3320_ Grant and Proposal Writing, which is a certified Service Learning course that requires students work with community members to research and write grants.
