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For Dr. Adam Nemmers, the value of higher education extends far beyond preparing students for high-paying jobs. The assistant professor of literature at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú sees his role as helping students “think deeply about who they are, what they believe, and how they understand the world.”

Originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Nemmers has taught at Lamar since 2017. He offers courses in literature, composition, creative writing, and gender studies, with research interests that include modernism, American ethnic literatures, literary theory, creative writing, and American literary existentialism. Beyond the classroom, he serves as faculty advisor for “Pulse,” Lamar’s student-run literary magazine, and co-editor of the Lamar Journal of the Humanities.

Nemmers is deeply involved in the campus community. He serves on numerous committees, including the Faculty Library Committee, Graduate Admissions Committee, and others. He also mentors students through the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Faculty Mentorship Program and the Honors College and contributes to recruitment and retention efforts in the Department of English and Modern Languages.

Nemmers is passionate about the broader purpose of higher education, which he sees as far more than job preparation.

“There’s a popular view that the sole purpose of higher education is job training that leads directly to high-paying careers,” he said. “Job training has its place, of course. There are so many great careers, whether it’s cosmetology, being a lineman, or working in a refinery, and those fields provide excellent, practical skills. But they’re designed to teach specific tasks and competencies. What we do in higher education, especially in fields like mine, is something different. It’s about exploring history, other cultures, and what it means to be human. It’s about engaging students as people, not as trainees.”

For Nemmers, the reward lies in watching students grow.

“Seeing them process, struggle, grow, and ultimately blossom is truly meaningful,” he said. “And along the way, you get to know so many students who are fun, funny, and full of personality. Building those relationships over the years is one of the great joys of this work.”

Nemmers is currently working on two book projects. One, nearly complete, explores transcolonial American literature.

“It’s basically looking at U.S. colonies past and present and comparing that with writing from when the U.S. itself was a colony or a series of colonies, and kind of juxtaposing those,” he said. “I think if I can get it published in 2026, it’ll actually be a book that might get a little bit of juice because of the 250th anniversary.” His other project focuses on American literary existentialism.

He describes his work as a privilege. “There are moments when I’m reminded how fortunate I am. I get paid to read, write, research, and think. It really feels like a privilege, and I don’t take it for granted.”

Although he once considered becoming a novelist, Nemmers found that teaching and interacting with students fuels his motivation. “Through experience, I realized that teaching and interacting with students is something I truly enjoy and that keeps me motivated,” he said.

Even during the summer, when campus life slows down, he remains committed to teaching online courses that provide students with flexibility and help extend Lamar’s reach.

“If I’m already doing this work, I enjoy it, and I’m good at it—then why not keep going?” Nemmers said. “I can’t really imagine life without a book to read, or without a writing project that keeps my mind engaged. I can’t imagine not having students to work with, students I can help encourage and challenge to think critically and grow.”