Kenli Elyse Doss, a senior, is double majoring in English and Drama. Originally from Piedmont, AL, she has made her presence known on the acting scene at JSU. She was nominated for JSU Woman of the Year 2019-2020 and for the Irene Ryan Award for her recent performance in The Laramie Project, an online production by the JSU Drama Department. Soon, she will have some of her writings published through The Shakespeare Project in a study guide for area teachers. Kenli will also play Theresa in an upcoming JSU production of Boy Gets Girl. 

Why did you choose to attend JSU? 

Jacksonville has always been home to me, so it was a no-brainer. 

Why did you choose your majors in English and Drama? 

Reading and writing has always been the love of my life, and, when I came to JSU, Carrie Colton sparked a love of theatre inside of me. 

In your opinion, what is the coolest thing about the Drama Department? The English Department? 

The Drama Department is like a tight-knit family where everyone is supported and cared for. The English Department is full of professionals who inspire me to be better at what I do. 

What is The Laramie Project about? Who did you play? 

The Laramie Project is a heart-touching drama about the death of a gay college student in Laramie, Wyoming, as a result of a hate crime. I played 9 roles in the play, ranging from Reggie Fluty (the police officer who found Matthew) to Rebecca Hilliker (a teacher at the university Matthew attended). 

How do you feel about your recent nomination for the Irene Ryan Award? 

Being nominated for any award based off my passion is incredibly surreal. I felt both shocked and honored– not to mention incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to compete at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) virtually this year. 

What clubs/organizations are you involved in? 

I am Vice President of the Writers’ Club and Secretary of Alpha Psi Omega. 

Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus? 

Before the pandemic, the lobby of the Stone Center was the place to be for theatre kids. 

What is the last book that you have read? The last production you have seen? 

Right now, I’m reading The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut (I’m on the last chapter now.) and the last production that I saw was an online recording of The Merry Widow at the Met. 

What are your hobbies? 

When I have spare time, I like to write fiction and poetry. I also watch a lot of anime and play Sims 4. 

What are your post-grad plans? 

I plan to pursue acting for a while and save some money for graduate school. 

What advice would you give a student who is new to JSU? 

Do what you love, and it will be easy. 

What is a course you would recommend to a freshman at JSU? 

Any class with Dr. Michael Boynton.