Tena Helton is a professor of English.

Can you give me a brief timeline of how your career led you to UIS?

I always knew I wanted to teach. I earned my bachelor's degree in English with an education concentration from North Carolina State University and later completed my master's with the same focus. After earning my Ph.D. in early American literature from Louisiana State University, I sought a place that prioritized teaching while aligning with my research on the antebellum period (1800-1860). When it comes to pre-Civil War history, there’s no better setting than Illinois—the Land of Lincoln.

What did you like to do growing up?

I love games—board games, video games, playground games. Whether it’s trivia, strategy, word or drawing games, I enjoy them all.

Do you have a travel bucket list? What’s at the top?

I love to learn, and I think traveling is one of the best teachers. I learned to read on the road with my dad when I was young.

When my kids were younger, we loved traveling to museums, national parks, galleries and theme parks. I've visited all 50 states, except Alaska. I'm looking forward to seeing the Northern Lights there one day.

Is there a book, movie or TV show that you recently watched and liked?

The Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House was outstanding. It wasn't much like the book, but it is still superb nonetheless at capturing the absolute devastation of a family at the hands of the house's evil intent. A top-notch adaptation. 

What’s your favorite season of the year and why?

I really enjoy spring. Everything is volatile, new and reborn!

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Getting to Know You is recurring feature in the Chancellor's Newsletter to highlight our many talented UIS employees.