Friendly Inspiration
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| Bradley Tuggle, 2001 Rhodes Scholar |
A mentor is typically defined as a trusted counselor or guide. Bradley Tuggle, UA's 15th Rhodes Scholar, would insert "a close friend" into this basic definition, and that's how he describes Drs. John Burke, Dwight Eddins, and James Taaffe.
Currently at Oxford University pursuing a master of philosophy degree in English Renaissance Studies, says his desire "to study and teach English for the rest of [his] life" took shape under his mentors' friendly guidance.
As Brad's undergraduate adviser, Dr. Taaffe helped him determine his course, which would come to include studies in philosophy and English as well as extensive travel. Taaffe describes his role as a listener who "helped Brad with a series of 'if ... then' clauses so that together we could chart the possible directions of a series of decisions. If we did 'A,' how would that influence 'B,' and what would be precluded if we decided on 'A' instead of 'B'?"
But Taaffe's advice wasn't always about classes, says Brad. "He would just as quickly recommend a great restaurant in Paris as recommend a book."
When Brad learned in his sophomore year that Dr. Burke was teaching a senior seminar that incorporated James Joyce's Ulysses, he went straight to Burke to request permission to enter the class. Burke was "both startled and thrilled to come upon a student who demonstrated such initiative and intellectual curiosity." Brad was equally surprised by Burke's willingness "to take on one more student," especially a sophomore.
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| Dwight Eddins, John Burke, and James Taaffe |
Later Brad studied Joyce in Dublin and wrote, under Burke's direction, his senior thesis on Edmund Spenser and the idea of epic. Burke contends that Brad "did at least as much for me as I did for him. He helped restore my faith in the educational enterprise, and he reignited my joy in my role as a teacher/learner on a university campus. I am most grateful to him for that."
Brad met Dr. Eddins, a 1961 UA Rhodes Scholar, in his junior year during Eddins's seminar on 20th century American literature. The kindred spirits immediately appreciated each other's interest in the philosophy of literature. Eddins, who calls Brad "the cream of the crop," someone who "makes me proud of what we're able to do here at Alabama for our ablest students," guided Brad through the Rhodes Scholarship application. Although quick to acknowledge the value of that guidance, Brad values even more how Eddins teaches literature - as the study of human emotion and relationships. According to Brad, Eddins encourages students "to appreciate the great art around them, to opt for Mozart instead of AC/DC, Wallace Stevens instead of Stephen King," thus making "their lives more joyous and meaningful."
Upon the completion of his studies at Oxford, Brad plans to return to the United States to pursue his doctorate. As a professor of English, he hopes to come home to The University of Alabama, where his friendly counsel may help form yet another Rhodes Scholar.
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| Mallory Hayes Rottinghaus, 1995 Rhodes Scholar |
University alumna Mallory Hayes Rottinghaus credits much of her academic success, which led to her receipt of the Rhodes Scholarship in 1995, to vibrant relationships with faculty in the departments of history and English. "I think motivated students tend to seek out mentors, and the faculty were always willing to take time to help in any way they could, including figuring out how to fit together all the study programs I wanted to pursue. In history, Dr. George McClure and Professor McDonald [Forrest, now retired] and his wife were so helpful to me, and Dr. Yarbrough [biologist James, then dean of the College of Arts and Sciences] was wonderful in working with me on my schedule. The University of Alabama has a real tradition of academic excellence, and the number of students receiving Rhodes Scholarships is a special aspect of that. Dr. Eddins and Dr. Burke assisted me with good advice and encouragement during the application process for the Rhodes. I will always be grateful to the University faculty for their depth in their fields, their generosity of spirit, and for their willingness impart that love of learning to their students."
