Category: News - Department of English

New Chapter: College Integration Strengthens Arts and Humanities at MSU

June 24, 2026

A new chapter at Michigan State University begins July 1, 2026, as the College of Arts & Letters and Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) officially integrate, creating new opportunities for students, faculty, and the campus community while strengthening the arts and humanities at MSU. The integration brings together the broad academic programs and creative resources of the College of Arts & Letters with RCAH’s distinctive community-engaged residential education model.

News

MSU English Alum’s Play and Work of Theatre Faculty Distributed to PBS Stations Nationwide

June 17, 2026

When Sally: A Solo Play, written by Michigan State University Department of English alum and acclaimed playwright Sandra Seaton, premiered at Wharton Center for Performing Arts in February, audiences witnessed…

News

MSU Students Partner with Capital Area District Libraries to Enhance Summer Reading Challenge

June 4, 2026

As readers across the Ingham County area take part in the Capital Area District Libraries’ (CADL) Summer Reading Challenge, Michigan State University students are helping guide the way — one graphic novel at a time. During the Spring 2026 Semester, students in the Readings in Graphic Narratives (ENG 325) course taught by Julian C. Chambliss, Professor of English, partnered with the CADL to create a comics-focused display.

Award / English / News / Student / Student

Sixth in MSU History: Commitment to Housing Justice Earns Student National Beinecke Scholarship

June 1, 2026

Michigan State University student Roberto “Marcos” Garcia received the nationally competitive Beinecke Scholarship, becoming the sixth MSU student to receive this prestigious award. He was one of only 16 recipients selected from 93 nominees nationwide. The scholarship provides graduate school funding for students intending to pursue research-focused graduate study in the arts, humanities, or social sciences and is valued at $35,000.

Award / English / Faculty / Faculty / Faculty Stories / News

Mary Juzwik Receives MSU Beal Outstanding Faculty Award

May 18, 2026

Michigan State University Professor Mary Juzwik received a William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award, one of the university’s highest honors. The award recognizes her sustained contributions to research, teaching, and outreach, as well as her leadership in English education. Juzwik’s interdisciplinary scholarship and commitment to mentorship have shaped both the field and the next generation of educators.

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College of Arts & Letters Students Earn First-Place Awards at Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum

May 11, 2026

Eight students whose primary majors are in the College of Art & Letters received first-place awards for their research and creative scholarship presented at Michigan State University’s 28th annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF). Several other MSU students who received first-place awards were mentored by faculty within the College of Arts & Letters.

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Citizen Scholars First to Complete Reflective Leadership Certificate

May 5, 2026

When the College of Arts & Letters’ Citizen Scholars Program at Michigan State University introduced the Undergraduate Certificate in Reflective Leadership in the Arts and Humanities in 2023, the goal…

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The Spartan Behind the Blockbusters: Acclaimed Film Producer Returns to MSU to Deliver 2026 Commencement Address

April 30, 2026

Bill Mechanic — you may not recognize his name, yet few filmmakers can match his level of success. The movies he has helped launch are among the biggest ever made, including Titanic, Independence Day, Braveheart, and X-Men. His blockbuster career can be traced back to Michigan State University — an unlikely starting point.

English / Event / Graduating Senior / News / Student / Student

Second-Generation Spartan to Carry on Family Tradition as Student Commencement Speaker

April 28, 2026

When Sloane Barlow first saw the email inviting students to apply for commencement speaker, she nearly passed it over. Who am I to speak on behalf of so many successful graduates?” she wondered as she looked ahead to graduating in Spring 2026 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Journalism and a minor in Media Photography.

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Four Graduating Seniors Honored as the 2026 Louis B. Sudler Prize Winners

April 27, 2026

Four graduating seniors were awarded this year’s Louis B. Sudler Prize, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the performing and creative arts, including fine arts, music, creative writing, theatre, and electronic/photographic arts. Presented each year by the College of Arts & Letters, recipients must be members of the senior graduating class and demonstrate outstanding achievement in the performing or creative arts and show promise for future achievement.