From Student to Published Author and Adjunct Instructor
June 24, 2025 | By River Fundock, Student Intern, Department of Communication | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator
June Wolfman, a 2025 graduate with an MA in English/Creative Writing, has made remarkable strides as both a published author and a future adjunct instructor at the University of West Florida (UWF). Wolfman, a resident of Miami, credits the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH) and its faculty for helping refine her writing and teaching skills, which she considers key to her success.
Wolfman’s passion for writing began at a young age, inspired by a character from the classic TV series The Waltons, who aspired to be a writer. “I loved how he spent his time thinking and also honing his craft. I have written ever since,” she reflects. Although she began writing later in life, this early inspiration laid the foundation for her future success.
Before attending UWF, Wolfman had not published any of her work. Through her time at CASSH, she published 11 short stories in journals such as Fiction on the Web and Down in the Dirt.
“CASSH helped refine my writing. I had rough drafts of two middle-grade novels before CASSH, and I spent two summers editing them with Dr. Regina Rogers. She was my writing mentor throughout. I owe the world to her,” Wolfman says.
According to Wolfman, a former practicing contract lawyer in the field of banking, her journey to publication and teaching success wouldn’t have been possible without the mentorship of several UWF faculty members. Among these, Dr. Regina Rogers played a particularly significant role in Wolfman’s development as both a writer and a teacher. Rogers provided guidance, and Wolfman acted on her goals, rapidly progressing from aspiring writer to a published author.
“She has a determination that drives her to act now, rather than hesitate or wait. Every story we have worked on together has been June asking questions, revising, and immediately researching publications to submit to,” Dr. Rogers says.
Wolfman also credits Dr. Kevin Scott, Dr. Bre Garrett, Dr. Jonathan Fink, Dr. Nancy Fox, and Ms. Jasara Norton for their support and guidance throughout her academic career. Dr. Fox, who mentored her as both a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) and Instructor of Record (TA), has been instrumental in preparing Wolfman for her new role as an adjunct instructor. “What she brings to her teaching is a lawyerly discipline, compassion for the challenges of developing writers, the conviction that she can help all of them succeed, and most of all, a dedicated practice of writing so that she knows exactly what she’s talking about because she does it and loves it herself,” Dr. Fox says.
Dr. Garrett, who taught Wolfman in her Rhetoric class, emphasized both the process and the product of writing. Speaking of Wolfman, Garrett commented, “Her students absolutely love her class. She brings innovation to the ENC 1102 curriculum, and she gives back to our community by mentoring our brand new GTAs.” Meanwhile, Dr. Scott’s formal writing seminar taught Wolfman to approach her writing with high expectations and a strong analytical eye. “For my part, it was a ton of fun to watch June, whose greatest love is writing fiction, use the work she did in a literature class to make her creative writing stronger. She’s a star,” Dr. Scott says.
Wolfman, who also paints and sketches, studied poetry with Dr. Jon Fink, who taught her the importance of revision and the value of vivid imagery. “He gave me specific guidance, but never overshadowed my vision or my agency. I loved his class,” Wolfman notes.
Now, as she transitions to an adjunct position this fall, Wolfman’s teaching philosophy reflects her passion for both writing and helping others succeed. “I want to share my love for writing and my belief that writing is a journey of constant growth,” she explains. In addition to teaching, Wolfman enjoys spending time with her husband and two “troublesome” cats, while she continues to pursue her dream of becoming an author. “I am marketing my two middle-grade novels and have attended a writer’s conference to meet with agents.”
Wolfman’s advice for current and prospective students is clear: “Find a professor who both likes your writing and sees where it can improve and try to work with them on writing projects. Definitely try to publish while you are in school.”
June's unique perspective extends to students in STEM fields who may hesitate to explore the humanities: “A person can be a STEM person and enjoy and excel in the humanities,” she says.
As she prepares for her adjunct role, after many years spent in the education field, Wolfman remains committed to her writing career. She has a clear vision for her future, both in the classroom and as a published author. “I’m going to pursue writing full-time, and teaching is part of that path,” she concludes.
Learn more about exciting careers available to graduates of English programs at the University of West Florida here.
