Joy Milano

Assistant Professor of Writing and Communication Arts, Director of Assessment

B.A. (Michigan State University, 1992), M.Ed. (Grand Valley State University, 2003)

JMilano@kuyper.edu • 616.988.3682

Professor Milano joined the Kuyper College faculty in 2004. She primarily teaches CO322, Principles of Speech; CO233, Research Writing; CO331, Journalism and CO360, Creative Writing. Principles of Speech is an introductory public speaking course wherein the basic structures and techniques of the main types of public speaking are studied. Research Writing, Journalism and Creative Writing are all second-year writing courses where students will continue to hone their written communication skills. Research Writing focuses on research techniques and using research to shape various types of essays, while Journalism introduces the types of print and online journalistic communication as well as critical media analysis. Both classes culminate in extensive final projects chosen by the students. Creative Writing expands on the creative genres of nonfiction essay, fiction, poetry, drama and devotional writing in a writing workshop style with students expected to submit two writing portfolios during the semester. Before coming to Kuyper, Professor Milano taught as an adjunct at Montcalm Community College. She was also a freelance journalist and newspaper editor.

"Frederick Buechner wrote, 'A word doesn't merely say something; it does something. It brings something into being. It makes something happen.' As I teach both written and spoken communication at Kuyper College, I strive to bring this ethos to my classes. Each of us has something to say, in our own particular way.  As we communicate, we shape and share our identities, our knowledge, our message and beliefs. The students of Kuyper College are called to ministry in many aspects of our world. Effectively communicating the gospel is an integral part of that ministry, whether through poetry, research or a speech, and is the focus of my work."

Professor Milano is originally from the West Michigan area and currently resides in Ada with her husband and two children. When not at Kuyper College, she can be found playing roller hockey or swimming with her children, reading, watching sports, taking care of the family's pets, working in the garden, and working on craft or home improvement projects.