NORMAL - Eight area residents were among the August doctoral degree recipients at Illinois State University.

Area doctoral degree recipients are:

David Hammontree of Normal received his doctorate in English studies. The son of Ronnie and Deb Hammontree of Low Point, Hammontree is an assistant professor of English composition and rhetoric at Purdue University. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in political studies from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in English from Illinois State. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English, Modern Language Association, American Studies Association, Sigma Tau Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha.

Andrea Knapp of Normal received her doctorate in mathematics education. The daughter of Steve and Ann Stoller of North Judson, Ind., and wife of Jonathan Knapp of Georgia, Knapp will be a lecturer at the University of Georgia. She received her bachelor's and master's in mathematics from ISU. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Heart of Illinois Teachers of Mathematics.

Carol Lind of Bloomington received her doctorate in English studies. The daughter of Lelon "Bud" and Helen Brush of Quincy and wife of Ed Lind of Bloomington, Lind teaches at ISU. She received her bachelor's degree in art education and her master's degree in English studies at ISU. She is a member of Sigma Tau Delta and the Medieval Association of the Midwest.

Monica Noraian of Bloomington received her doctorate in educational administration and foundations. The daughter of Elaine Cousins of Bloomington and the late Peter Cousins of Ypsilanti, Mich., and wife of Kirk Noraian of Bloomington, Noraian teaches at ISU. She received her bachelor's degree in history from American University in Washington, D.C., and her master's degree in education from Harvard University. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Children's Discovery Museum Guild.

Petros Panaou of Normal received his doctorate in English studies. Panaou is a teacher for the Ministry of Education in Cyprus. He received his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Cyprus and his master's degree in English at ISU. He is on the International Board on Books for Young People.

Cherie Rankin of Emden received her doctorate in English studies. The daughter of Ester Sparks of Lincoln and John Wibben of Tremont and wife of Gary Rankin, Rankin is an English instructor at Heartland Community College. She received her bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University and her master's degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Brent Sylvester of Eureka received his doctorate in school psychology. The son of Donald and Christine Sylvester of Peoria, Sylvester is a school psychologist for Livingston County Special Services.

Kevin Thompson of LeRoy received his doctorate in mathematics education. The son of Gary and Carolyn Thompson of Rochester and husband of Sara of LeRoy, Thompson is the math department chair and a teacher at University High School. He received his associate's degree in mathematics at Lincoln Land Community College; his bachelor's degree in mathematics at Western Illinois University; and his master's degree in mathematics at ISU. Thompson is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.