Nontraditional Student Alisa Fawn McArthur Finds Success in History, Folklore

LOGAN, Utah — Alisa Fawn McArthur, a senior majoring in history with a folklore minor and a museum studies certificate, is preparing to graduate next month with a background of experience.

A nontraditional student, McArthur balances the demands of her studies with raising four children and working two part-time jobs. Her journey back to academia began after a 10-year residency in the United Kingdom, where her passion for history was deeply reinforced.

McArthur’s academic journey has been unique. After earning her associate's degree in 2006, she took a break from formal schooling, living in the UK where she met her husband and started a family. Upon returning to the United States, she found USU to be an exceptionally welcoming environment for her circumstances.

“It's just been supportive, nonstop," McArthur said.

Throughout her time at USU, McArthur has focused on classes that align with her interests in how people engage with the past. She highlighted the Objects of War class as a favorite, which culminated in a community "road show" where students collected oral histories from Logan residents.

This interest in community engagement is further reflected in her current internship at The Whitaker, a history museum in Centerville. Since June, she has been working on a project to archive local women’s histories, which has resulted in an exhibit currently on display for Women’s History Month. McArthur reached out to the museum directly because she admired their community engagement.

“I really love the way that they engage with the community, which is what I'm interested in, career-wise," McArthur said.

In addition to her academic pursuits and internship, McArthur runs a nonprofit organization called “Nourishing Kin.” The organization hosts gatherings every six weeks centered around Northwestern European folk traditions, featuring handicrafts, song and dance.

Looking toward the future, McArthur hopes to transition into a full-time career in the museum field or with public organizations that support the arts and humanities.

“I would love to be working in a museum or with some of the public organizations that we have here in Utah that support the arts and humanities and history," McArthur said.

McArthur credits her success to the support of her advisors and professors, who have helped her hone her research and writing skills and identify her professional strengths. As she prepares for graduation, she remains a proud Aggie, grateful for the confidence the university has helped her build.