Esther Belin Joins MSU as the Audrey and John Leslie Endowed Chair in North American Indian and Indigenous Literary Studies

A citizen of the Navajo Nation and an acclaimed poet, artist, and educator, Esther Belin joined Michigan State University this fall as the new Audrey and John Leslie Endowed Chair…

Continue ReadingEsther Belin Joins MSU as the Audrey and John Leslie Endowed Chair in North American Indian and Indigenous Literary Studies

MSU and Georgia Tech Receive Mellon Funding for Research Project Combining Afrofuturism, Humanities, and Horticulture

Michigan State University has joined the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in The Earthseed Project, a humanities-centered research initiative that uses Afrofuturist literature to connect horticulture, climate resilience, and…

Continue ReadingMSU and Georgia Tech Receive Mellon Funding for Research Project Combining Afrofuturism, Humanities, and Horticulture

Professor Honored with Tamil American Pioneer Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment

Swarnavel Eswaran, Professor in the Department of English and the School of Journalism at Michigan State University, is the recipient of the 2025 Tamil American Pioneer (TAP) Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment. Presented by the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA), the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields while advancing Tamil culture and heritage.

Continue ReadingProfessor Honored with Tamil American Pioneer Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment

New Awards Recognize Exceptional Contributions to Mentoring Undergraduate Students

The College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University created two new awards this year to acknowledge faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to mentoring students outside the classroom. These two Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Awards are nominated by students, endorsed by their chair or director, and selected by a student committee.

Continue ReadingNew Awards Recognize Exceptional Contributions to Mentoring Undergraduate Students

Leonora Souza Paula Selected for National Engaged Scholars Initiative

Leonora Souza Paula, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Michigan State University, has been named to the 2025-2026 Cohort of Engaged Scholars selected by Campus Compact, a nationally recognized nonprofit that strives to strengthen partnerships between higher education and communities. This yearlong leadership and professional development program is designed to deepen community-engaged scholarship.

Continue ReadingLeonora Souza Paula Selected for National Engaged Scholars Initiative

College Welcomes New Faculty and Staff

The College of Arts & Letters is thrilled to welcome 28 new faculty and staff members whose diverse expertise will enrich our community, strengthen collaboration, and expand opportunities for students. New colleagues will be recognized during the 2025 Faculty and Staff Welcome Reception on Sept. 29 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.

Continue ReadingCollege Welcomes New Faculty and Staff

Joshua Yumibe Named an MSU Research Foundation Professor

In recognition of his influential scholarship in film and media studies and his contributions to Michigan State University's research mission, Joshua Yumibe has been named an MSU Research Foundation Professor. He is among just four MSU faculty members to earn this prestigious designation in 2025.

Continue ReadingJoshua Yumibe Named an MSU Research Foundation Professor

Mandela Washington Fellows Make Their Mark at MSU and Beyond

For the fourth year, Michigan State University was among 25 educational institutions across the country to provide a leadership institute for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This year, the university welcomed 23 Fellows from 19 African countries for a six-week program in civic engagement that ran from June 19-July 17, 2025.

Continue ReadingMandela Washington Fellows Make Their Mark at MSU and Beyond