MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Mary Behrman (PhD Emory University) is a senior lecturer of English at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches courses in early British literature and composition/rhetoric. Her research focuses on Ricardian literature, the Arthurian legend, and the use of the medieval in modern works, particularly novels. She has published articles in several journals, including The Chaucer Review, Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Teaching, and Studies in the Novel. She attended her first MAPACA conference in Philadelphia in an era long past: 2007. Mary returned to MAPACA’s conferences due mainly to the efforts of the Medieval and Renaissance chair, Diana Vecchio, who always sent her a lovely email after every presentation, telling her how much she enjoyed Mary’s paper and encouraging her to attend the following year’s conference. Eventually, she began working with Diana as the co-chair of the Medieval and Renaissance Area and slowly moved her way up MAPACA’s administrative ranks, serving as an advisor, the Vice President of Areas, and then president of the organization. During her tenure, she helped to usher in several new areas, including Rhetoric and Composition, developed an application process for board membership, and worked on attaining non-profit status for the organization. Mary greatly enjoyed her time on MAPACA’s board and remains grateful to her fellow board members for all of their hard work and for all of their support. She is thrilled to accept the Lorance Award, named after Loretta Lorance, whose determination in the face of adversity greatly inspired her and serves as a model for us all as we continue to weather the pandemic.