As a young woman, Cheryl crossed the Atlantic to study at the University of Valencia in Spain, where she became enamored of the Spanish culture and made it the focus of her life work. She returned a few years later as a Fulbright Scholar to conduct research on Miguel de Unamuno’s poetry. When she began teaching at Western Oregon University, she developed the Spanish major, sharing her passion for the Spanish-speaking world with students. Professor Strand has worked to promote and facilitate study abroad and has enjoyed working with colleagues to create new international opportunities for students and faculty. She taught specially designed literature classes in Oviedo, Spain, and led students on overnight excursions to Spanish cities related to the content of her class. Her interest in global awareness carried her as far as Seoul, Korea, where she spoke to university students about cultural values in the U.S. Closer to home, she studied Mexican culture at a Faculty Development Seminar in Puebla, Mexico. Current teaching and research interests include several contemporary writers from Spain, poetry, literary movements and generations, Spanish civilization, and pedagogical topics. On campus, you will see displayed approximately a dozen Chicano murals painted by students in her “Chicano Life and Culture” class. Mentoring students has given Cheryl immense joy and satisfaction throughout her career.

Office: HSS 309
Telephone: (503) 838-8325
E-Mail: strandc@wou.edu

Spring 2008

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