Kathy Hagood is an Associate Professor of English in the School of Humanities at Howard Payne University, where she has taught since August 1998. With a passion for literature and a deep commitment to student relationships, Hagood strives to help students discover the lasting impact literature can have on their lives, perspectives, and understanding of the world.
Hagood teaches a variety of courses, including Composition I and II, British Literature, Western World Literature, Language Arts for Teachers, Children’s Literature, Literature by Women, and Development of Drama. Although she enjoys teaching multiple courses, Literature by Women is among her favorites, along with Children’s Literature and Development of Drama. Through these courses, she encourages students to explore diverse voices, engage with meaningful stories, and recognize the ways literature can shape their understanding of themselves and others.
For Hagood, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching at Howard Payne University is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with students. Many of these relationships extend well beyond the classroom and continue for years. She also values the Christian love shared among faculty, staff, and students, which contributes to the university’s welcoming and supportive community. Her approach to teaching reflects her belief that literature can be life-changing and that education is an opportunity to encourage both intellectual growth and personal development.
Hagood holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Theatre and a Master of Arts in English. Her academic interests include women’s literature, children’s literature, drama, and the ways literary works reflect and influence human experiences.
In March 2020, Hagood presented on the theme of women supporting other women in Guadalupe Garcia McCall’s Summer of the Mariposas. Written for adolescent readers, the novel follows female characters on an Odyssey-like journey, offering opportunities to examine sisterhood, resilience, and the strength found in relationships among women.
Outside the classroom, Hagood enjoys gardening, swimming, beach-combing, and reading. She also devotes time to caring for feral cats in her community, providing food, vaccinations, and spay and neuter care. At home, she shares life with her two Shih Tzus, Aengus and Cadyn.
Through her longstanding service at Howard Payne University, Hagood continues to share her love of literature, foster meaningful relationships, and contribute to a campus community grounded in Christian care and personal connection.
