Illinois State University Department of English
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isuenglishdept.bsky.social
Illinois State University Department of English
@isuenglishdept.bsky.social
The Department of English is committed to a multi-dimensional understanding of English Studies that responds to the changing needs of our students, the field, and the world.
Support English Department Interns! Humanities internships are almost always unpaid, creating financial obstacles for students. We are raising money for Internship Scholarships. Our goal is $5,000. Win a gift basket! Please consider giving and sharing widely! hatch.illinoisstate.edu/.../english-....
December 1, 2025 at 9:55 PM
English department alum, Amy Beth Outland, publishes a new book of poetry, The Black Sun Chronicles, about living with chronic illness. www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2GQLD6...
The Black Sun Chronicles
The Black Sun Chronicles [Outland, Amy Beth] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Black Sun Chronicles
www.amazon.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Come to the next Storyshare on November 6 at 6:00 pm in the English Department Commons. The theme is "Voices & Silences." Share your story!
October 30, 2025 at 7:24 PM
How has it been almost 2 weeks since our Distinguished Alumni Dinner and awards luncheon!? Thank you to all who attended. Thank you especially to our incredible alumni for visiting and sharing their inspirational stories: Dr. Mike Cadden, Melda Beaty, and Brianna Kaleel, our Rising Alumni!
October 29, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Congratulations to PhD alum Dr. Moussa Traore, Professor of English, University of Cape Coast, whose 3rd book is out! _Pulse of the Sub-Saharan Dunes, The Socioeconomic and Political moments: Africa in focus_ is published by the African books collective. africanbookscollective.com/books/pulse-...
Pulse of the Sub-Saharan Dunes, The Socioeconomic and Political moments
This book could not be published at any better moment, in this context of important developments emerging all across the world, especially Africa, precisely her Western part. With the new wave of mili...
africanbookscollective.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Our first Storyshare gathering of the year was a great success. It was an evening filled with solidarity, laughter, and community. Join us for our next gathering on November 8. Stay tuned for details! (We missed our wonderful poet Saima Afreen in this photo- she had to head out before it was taken)
October 9, 2025 at 1:32 PM
So excited for our Homecoming Distinguished Alumni Dinner and Celebration on Thursday, October 16 from 5:30-8:00. RSVP by Oct. 8 to crhuber@ilstu.edu. We will be honoring Dr. Mike Cadden, Melda Beaty, and Brianna Kaleel (Rising Alumnus).
October 6, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The Department of English is excited to welcome back its majors, grad students, faculty, and staff!

A special shout out to the Writing Program’s Dr. Rachel Gramer, Maegan Gaddis, and team for leading 45 writing teachers for prof dev day and 7 days of orientation for writing teachers new to ISU!
August 18, 2025 at 4:26 PM
In celebration of Obsidian’s 50th year of publication, we have two events scheduled: a panel and an offsite event. Obsidian’s AWP panel: Obsidian at Fifty: Activating the Archive—Editors’ Roundtable. Obsidian’s off-site event: details online at obsidianlit.org/obsidian-tow...):
Obsidian Town Hall on Insight
This Town Hall is the second of Obsidian’s Moral Witnessing Series, with an interactive community gathering and conversation to share and discuss what we learn from witnessing and how we are transform...
obsidianlit.org
March 25, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Check out our latest English Department Newsletter! english.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/al...
english.illinoisstate.edu
March 19, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Next Monday, March 24, join us for the Lois Lenski Lecture!
Dr. Brigitte Fielder will speak on "Train Songs, Folktales, and Black Futures" at 7:00 in STV 401. Spread the word!
March 18, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Were you inspired by Dr. Jan Neuleib? If so, consider donating to the Neuleib-Scharton Award for Excellence or any of the other campaigns our Department is running on Birds Give Back Day. We appreciate your support! birdsgiveback.illinoisstate.edu/pages/depart...
Illinois State Birds Give Back
birdsgiveback.illinoisstate.edu
February 27, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Obsidian Town Hall on Process kicks off the Moral Witnessing Series on the process of making witness-based art for upcoming issue VRY PRSNT BLK: The Black Artist as Moral Witness (edited by Duriel E. Harris and L. Renée). TOMORROW February 27 6pm CT Zoom. RSVP at bit.ly/ObsidianOnProcess
Obsidian Town Hall on Process
Join Obsidian: Literature & Arts for our next Town Hall, where panelists will discuss their individual processes of making witness-based art
bit.ly
February 27, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Thursday is "Birds Give Back" Day at ISU, and we're highlighting the Lois Lenski Lecture fund. Let's raise enough money to endow this fund and continue this lecture series for many years to come! birdsgiveback.illinoisstate.edu/pages/depart...
Illinois State Birds Give Back
birdsgiveback.illinoisstate.edu
February 27, 2025 at 12:09 AM
The Department of English at Illinois State University is excited to join the community at Bluesky! Despite all that is happening in our world, we are going strong. Watch out for Storyshare dates, speaker visits, & AI Symposium announcements! And student/faculty/alumni accomplishments!
February 25, 2025 at 5:57 PM