Lone Star College-University Park professor earns recognition in prestigious literary journals

HOUSTON, TX -- Gregory Oaks, a professor of English at Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park), has a deep passion for teaching and an unwavering love for creative writing. His poem “Topography” is a testament to his literary talent, recently earning recognition from the highly regarded publications Copper Nickel and Poetry Daily.

Oaks described “Topography” as a meditation on the landscape of Texas, and it uses lyrical language to explore the relationship between people and place. He is excited to share his work with a broader audience and encourages other writers to take a creative writing class and to read other writers’ poetry.

“I am so honored to have my poem published in Copper Nickel and Poetry Daily,” said Oaks. “These are these are two very respected literary journals, and I am grateful to the editors for their support. I hope my poem will resonate with readers and inspire them to think about the relationship between people and place in new ways.”

Copper Nickel is a quarterly poetry journal published by the University of Colorado Denver. Poetry Daily is an online poetry anthology published by The Daily Poetry Association, a nonprofit organization in partnership with George Mason University. Daily Poetry has over 570,000 subscribers and is one of the most widely read poetry publications.

Oaks received his master’s and doctorate degrees in creative writing fiction and has written poetry for over five years. His previous works have also earned him recognition in esteemed publications like the Gettysburg Review.

“Professor Oaks exemplifies the caliber of our faculty at Lone Star College-University Park,” said Steve Kahla, Ph.D., LSC-University Park vice president of instruction. “We are fortunate to have many multi-talented professors who not only excel in teaching but are also deeply committed to their craft and passions. Greg’s ability to connect with students and inspire others in the literary world is exceptional.”

When not teaching or writing, Oaks channels his creativity into the visual arts, a passion he wholeheartedly enjoys. His artwork is currently on display in a joint exhibit with LSC-University Park Professor Amy Young, titled "Merging Visions." The exhibit runs through Feb. 22 and is in the first-floor art gallery of Building 12 at LSC-University Park, 20515 TX Hwy. 249, Houston, TX 77070.

An artist talk featuring both Oaks and Young takes place Feb. 13 on the first floor of Building 12 in room 116. This event promises an insightful exploration of their creative processes and the inspirations behind their artworks.

LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes with a variety of start dates. Classes are available in traditional, online, and hybrid formats, accommodating daytime, evening, and weekend schedules. For more information or to register online, visit LoneStar.edu/UP-NextStart, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.

Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. Led by President Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.D., the college is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.

Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the new Visual and Performing Arts Center, the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy. For information on taking fall or summer classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281.290.2600 or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. Academic advisers are available to assist students with questions about course selection, degree plans or the registration process.

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