Linda Benson, Instructor Emerita, received her Masters of Arts degree from Oklahoma State University with a focus on American Literature. She has taught at UMBC since 1973. She was Associate Director of the Writing Program for several years, and served as Director for six years. Her teaching and research interests are primarily in creative nonfiction, English as a Second Language and ethnic literature. In particular she enjoys teaching courses in Native American literature, a subject about which she has given papers at professional conferences.