MASTHEAD
The students who make the Nomad possible
Jackson Bedenbaugh (they/he)
Managing Editor
Jackson is a writer, artist, and archivist double majoring in English Studies and Religion at WCU. They also serve as an associate editor for Hood of Bone Review, a biannual literary arts journal. They enjoy birding, book collecting, and desperately trying to keep their car in working condition.
Blake Murdock (they/them)
Assistant Editor
Blake is a dry-humored poet slowly attempting to take over the student media publications while double majoring in Psychology and Creative Writing at WCU. They’re also co-editor of The Gadfly, the university’s satire magazine. They write poetry that’s like normal poetry except written by someone who knows too many synonyms for “blood,” and they intend to be around for the heat death of the universe, just for fun.
Rachel Surrusco (she/they)
Design Editor
Austin Knepper (he/him)
Nonfiction Editor
Austin is a self-proclaimed dog, writer, artist, and student at WCU, majoring in English and minoring in Film Studies. He currently works professionally as a content-writer at TheGamer, and as the creative nonfiction editor for the Nomad. Poetry and creative nonfiction are his favorite genres to write in, particularly delving into the vast enormities but familiarities of life’s experiences.
Jess Taylor
Poetry Editor
Jess is a writer, artist, and student, at WCU who is majoring in English. She is passionate about all types of literature and loves to delve into every possible genre presented to her. She likes to spend her time reading, writing, being outdoors, and planning for/playing in her Dungeons and Dragons campaign.
Avery Luft
Fiction Editor
Avery is a writer, colorguard athlete, an avid music lover, majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. She currently works as a choreography director, artist in local craft fairs, and receptionist at WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center. She enjoys writing creative nonfiction that pulls from nostalgic childhood memories and Florida gothic themes, where she grew up before moving to North Carolina. She loves reading and editing fiction and helping writers achieve their best work through mindful support and detail-oriented descriptions.
Staff Readers
Jonas Ciliento
Mars Gilbert
Lucy McClain
Samantha Panfil
Makayla Wamsley
Skylar Welch