History of the Department:  The Valdosta State English Department is under the College of Arts and Sciences.  English has been an important major since the first days of the school.  During the time covered by this collection, the following have been department head:  Dr. Raymond A. Cook, 1979-1971; Dr. Willa Valencia, 1971-1983; Dr. Thomas Dasher, 1984-1994; Dr. John Hiers, 1994-1998; Dr. Kris Pruitt, 1998-1999; Dr. Sharon Gravett, 1999-; Dr. Mark Smith, Acting, 2002-

Dr. Patricia Marks was a Professor of English at Valdosta State University from 1971-2001. Her collection is made up of papers written by her, notes on the subject, copies of other journal articles, and presentation materials. Also included is professional correspondence with other professors and publishers. Manuscripts and research notes of two of her books are here.