September 2026 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

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Cover for This Music: Record of a Poet Becoming (University of Arizona Press, 2026), edited by Lisa Tatonetti with co-editors Jennifer Foerster, Deborah Miranda, Kim Shuck, and Mimi Wheatwind. Each month during the academic year, we assemble a newsletter of the department's recent publications, presentations, announcements, and awards. We're happy to recognize the recent successes … Continue reading September 2026 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

AFTLS, Much Ado About Nothing, and Shakespeare Lightning Talks

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Faculty and student presenters prepare to share their lightning talks (9 Oct 2026) On Friday, October 9, in McCain Auditorium's Kirmser Hall, the McCain Conversations series returned as faculty and students shared a series of lightning talks on Shakespeare in advance of the performance of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing that same evening at 7:30 … Continue reading AFTLS, Much Ado About Nothing, and Shakespeare Lightning Talks

First Impressions: A. J. Watson

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A.J. Watson (BA '30) in superhero pose during a sculpting exercise in ENGL 345 "Drama," as classmate Jo Benson serves as the "sculptor" (October 2026) Today we introduce a new feature to our blog: "First Impressions."   Using a Q&A format, "First Impressions" offers a glimpse into the first year experience of our undergraduate and … Continue reading First Impressions: A. J. Watson

Recognizing Banned Books Week 2026 at K-State

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Banned Books Week 2026 by Loveis Wise (Artwork courtesy of the American Library Association) One of your favorite books could be a banned or challenged book. The titles Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and Looking for Alaska by John Green may be familiar to … Continue reading Recognizing Banned Books Week 2026 at K-State

Dave Isay at Kansas State

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Earlier tonight, as part of the programming for K-State First Book, we were fortunate to hear Dave Isay speak about his work for StoryCorps and his edited collection of StoryCorps conversations, Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work, the 2026 selection for the university's common reading program. 750,000 conversations: That's how many interviews have been … Continue reading Dave Isay at Kansas State

From the Archive: Manhattan Setting for HBO’s Somebody Somewhere

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Somebody Somewhere (2022-2024) appears at #76 on the recent New York Times 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century (September 2026) Since our blog debuted in 2017, we have published 500+ posts.  While some of you may have been with us from the start (thank you, loyal readers!), others may have joined us more … Continue reading From the Archive: Manhattan Setting for HBO’s Somebody Somewhere

There’s No Place Like Home: Poems of Kansas Landscape and Food at the 2026 State Fair

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As my time as Poet Laureate of Kansas is coming to an end here in 2026, I had one final chance to bring poetry back to the State Fair. This year, I knew I wanted to bring poems by young Kansans to the Fair in both posters placed around the Fair and for a reading … Continue reading There’s No Place Like Home: Poems of Kansas Landscape and Food at the 2026 State Fair

From the Archive: AFTLS and Love Letters to Romeo and Juliet

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Kara Northway, Associate Professor of English, presents “Star-crossed Lovers Seeking Stardom: An Actor’s Letter from 1606” (February 2023) Since our blog debuted in 2017, we have published 500+ posts.  While some of you may have been with us from the start (thank you, loyal readers!), others may have joined us more recently. So, we're highlighting … Continue reading From the Archive: AFTLS and Love Letters to Romeo and Juliet

Found Object: What’s Your Superpower?

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Location: 2nd Floor, English Counseling Services BuildingObject: Whiteboard (September 2026)Observations: 1) Since 2023, the whiteboard on the 2nd floor of ECS has continued to pose questions, ask for opinions, and prompt stories.  2) After asking about the best part of the fall semester ("crunchy leaves," "reading new things," and "pumpkin spice latte on my porch!" … Continue reading Found Object: What’s Your Superpower?

Alumni Spotlight: Angie Franson

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Angie Franson (BA ’94, MA ‘97) on the right in between her two sons, with husband Justin at the end of the table. They were joined by good friends Jana Zaudke (MA ’95) and Sean Zaudke and their family on a trip to Italy in 2025. “Our delight in the sunshine on the deep-bladed grass … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Angie Franson