Dr. Robert Merritt: A Legacy of Teaching

Bluefield University’s Dr. Robert Merritt, professor and former chair of the Department of English, is planning to retire following the 2021-2022 academic year after 32 years of teaching.

Throughout his career at BU, Dr. Merritt has grown the English Department, pushed many students to succeed, and helped students achieve their career goals.

“I have helped hire a number of qualified and popular English faculty. I have overseen the Creative Writing program – a number of students have been published and/or have jobs in writing or editing, (and) I started The Bluestone Review,” Dr. Merritt said in recounting his accomplishments over the year. “Many new courses are in the catalogue, (and) I have brought many established poets and fiction writers to campus.”

Former BU student Taylyn Strange is another example of the impact Dr. Merritt has had on BU and its students. She credits Dr. Merritt for her growth in English during and after her time at Bluefield. 

“Dr. Merritt helped me grow as an English student because he showed me that there are absolutely no limits to reading and writing,” Strange said. “He showed me that each word written was valuable and was written for a purpose.”

Strange added that Dr. Merritt was influential both inside and outside of the classroom, and that he was a very approachable professor.

“He is one of those professors that you know that you can go to for anything,” she said. “He creates a comfortable learning environment inside and outside of the classroom.”

Current BU student Laura Kimzey shared similar sentiments, praising Dr. Merritt for his attention, compassion and dedication to students.

“He has helped me with writing by critiquing my ideas, challenging my excess or unsupported statements, and encouraging me when I succeed,” Kimzey said. “Dr. Merritt has paired English well with life, both with memorable experiences like discussing Heart of Darkness with the lights out and by asking how different works make us students feel and think.”

Dr. Merritt is most proud of The Bluestone Review that he started in 1992, which is BU’s annual literary journal that showcases different forms of writing and art work from the Bluefield community and surrounding areas.

“The Bluestone Review has had some amazing events where contributors have shared their work,” Dr. Merritt said. “One year we had an artist painting and artworks on display, a band playing, as well as songs by contributors and DVD discs of the event, including a video interview with West Virginia playwright Jean Battlo.”

Dr. Merritt also pioneered the Honors Program at BU. This program focuses on offering high-achieving students exclusive, specifically-focused, and academically-rigorous classes. 

“We offer exciting, enhanced courses in all disciplines,” Dr. Merritt said about the Honors Program. “A number of Honors graduates have gone on to graduate school, including physical therapy, dental and medical schools.”

While Dr. Merritt has helped develop the Bluestone Review and BU Honors Program, he has also helped grow the English Department by adding classes such as Mythology, Literature and Healing, and Fairy Tales. He teaches a number of the classes in the English Department, and said he particularly enjoys teaching Shakespeare, Writing and Healing, and poetry.

As a result of his dedication and contributions to Bluefield, Dr. Merritt has received several awards, such as the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2013 and other honors from different institutions. 

“Currently, I am a Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing, Dr. Merritt said. “I have received a year-long faculty fellowship from the Appalachian College Association (and an) Outstanding Service Award from the National Association for Poetry Therapy.”

While he has enjoyed his career at BU, Dr. Merritt said he is excited about his retirement and has many plans to fill his newfound free time.

“I have several more books to write and countries to visit with my wife, Mimi (who also taught at BU for 22 years),” Dr. Merritt said. “I want a big vegetable garden and to get into better and better physical shape, (and) visit our children wherever they are.”

Dr. Merritt has left his mark on many students in his time at Bluefield, and his students will always remember what he taught them.

“I am so thankful for Dr. Merritt’s hand in shaping me and preparing me to move on from my time at Bluefield,” Kimzey said.

Strange agreed, adding that Dr. Merritt’s passion for education continues to challenge her even in her own classroom now as an English teacher at Graham High School in Bluefield, VA.

“I have had many great English teachers and professors,” Strange said, “but none of them pushed me to be my best in the same ways that he did.”