Dr. Sigrid King didn’t arrive at Carlow by chance. “I relocated across the country for this position based on the mission,” she says. “And I’ve never doubted it.”
Over the past 30 years, Dr. King has built a career shaped by that decision. As Professor of English, she has taught generations of students, guiding them through literature while helping them discover their own voice, confidence, and capacity for expression.
Along the way, it was the people who defined her experience. From the moment she stepped onto campus, Dr. King found a community grounded in care and connection. “When I came for my interview, I was greeted with a hug,” she recalls. “That doesn’t normally happen in professional interviews.”
The sense of support and possibility she felt in that interview stayed with her.
Today, she’s being recognized by her peers in more ways than one. At this year’s Honors Convocation, she was presented with the Sisters of Mercy Award for Excellence in Advising and was awarded with emeritus status. Now, as she prepares to be recognized yet again at Celebration of Service and looks ahead to retirement, Dr. King sat down with us to reflect on a career built not only on teaching, but on relationships, purpose, and the belief that education can change lives.
What brought you here?
I didn’t know anything about Carlow at first. I saw an advertisement for the position, and what really resonated deeply for me was the institution’s mission.
The idea of education as providing the potential for transformation really spoke to me. I was also moved by the history of the institution and the role that the Sisters of Mercy played for the daughters and granddaughters of steel mill workers.
And I think their commitment to leadership that makes the world a more just and merciful place. All of those things really appealed to me.
What makes Carlow unique in your experience?
One thing that I know is somewhat unique, based on conversations with people at other institutions, is the kind of relationship that faculty, staff, and students have here. Carlow is such an incredibly supportive and deeply committed institution. One of the best opportunities I’ve had is simply working with really remarkable people, people who are deeply committed to the students and to the mission.
I remember when I came for my interview, the chair of English at the time, Sister Terry Coyne, hugged me when I walked into the office. That doesn’t normally happen in professional interviews. That sense of caring and support was here from the beginning, and I think from the first day, I felt like all things were possible.
What opportunities have stood out to you during your time here?
One of the most unique opportunities I’ve had is working with the International Poetry Forum archives, which are housed in our library, and bringing them into a class for undergraduate students. It’s extremely rare for students to be able to work with original manuscripts and documents in that way. They did research, and now we’re taking students to New Orleans to present their work at an international conference. That was really empowering for them, because they were actually touching history, looking at letters and materials in the archives.
I’ve also had opportunities to work with the Honors Program and take on leadership roles. I think those kinds of opportunities happen more often in smaller institutions.
How have your students shaped your experience as a professor?
I can think of a lot of moments like that, and they’re all connected to seeing students understand their leadership potential. They already have those skills, but you see them develop as they gain confidence.
Because we’re small, they have so many opportunities for leadership, for travel, for experiential learning. I have a background that’s very similar to many of our students, so every time I see a student discover their strengths and overcome challenges, I feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do.
How have you seen Carlow’s mission lived out over time?
Carlow’s environment really facilitates that and supports it. From the beginning, that sense of care and support was there, and I think it’s still here today. You see it in the way people interact, in the way leadership embodies the mission. The fact that Carlow continues to live its mission every day, and that it is so deeply embodied by our current president, makes me feel like I made the right decision. I relocated across the country for this position based on the mission, and I’ve never doubted it.
You’re planning to retire soon. What’s next?
It’s bittersweet, but I’m excited. My husband also taught here and retired a few years ago, so I’m looking forward to having more time together. We really enjoy traveling, so I’m excited about that.
But Carlow has been a huge part of my life. I will miss the students very much, and I’ll definitely miss my colleagues. I have many good friends here, and I’ll miss seeing them every day. At the same time, I feel ready for new adventures.