Heather Etelamaki (BA '12, MA '15) When I started in the English graduate program for creative writing in 2013, I knew I wanted to be a writer and also have a career separate from writing to help support myself. I’d known that many authors had “day jobs” to help pay the bills. Every author had … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Heather Etelamaki
Cover for D. Kimball Smith's recent book Strategies of Failure in the Early Modern Sonnet (Routledge, 2026) Too many years ago I was speaking to a colleague about a book I was thinking about beginning. I was a little shy about it, since it was in its early stages, but we always turn to our … Continue reading Faculty Spotlight: D. Kimball Smith
Our new graduate students come from across Kansas, the Midwest, and the world. We're so glad they're here. Name: Ellie DonohoeHometown: Tipton, IowaAlma mater: Wartburg CollegePlease tell us something interesting/unique about you: I am a high school English teacher at a rural school in Iowa.If you could transform briefly into a literary character, who would you want … Continue reading Meet the New Grad Students
From “Kansas Fall Color Parade” (Photo: Dr. Megan Kennelly) The Fall 2026 semester is underway -- and we're looking forward to some great events ahead! This semester, several of our events will be Hyflex (in-person with a concurrent streaming option), so we can accommodate colleagues and students who may not be able to join us … Continue reading Fall Preview
Award-winning faculty Krista Danielson and Wendy Matlock Following on awards announced in May, two faculty members have received department awards for excellence. Krista Danielson, instructor in English, has received the department’s annual Excellence Award for Term Instructors. A K-State graduate with a Masters in English, Krista excels as an instructor in professional, technical, and creative … Continue reading 2026 Faculty Awards
Peony in bloom, Manhattan, KS (May 2026) Final grades for Spring 2026 are submitted, it's much quieter on campus, and the peonies have bloomed. It's time for summer -- and a well-earned break after a busy academic year. We hope the change of seasons brings everyone some time to rest, relax, and recharge. As we … Continue reading Spring into Summer
Location: Social media.Object: Project Titles, graduating M.A. students.Observations: 1) Each spring, for many years, we displayed the M.A. Project and Thesis titles of our graduating M.A. students at our annual spring Awards Banquet. 2) For the past few years, we have continued a newer tradition: with the help of our 2026 Graduate Program Assistant Ruth … Continue reading Found Object: 2026 M.A. Projects
Katelyn (Katie) Mermis (BA '27) When my plane touched down on Australian soil, I felt so many emotions. There was a little excitement, but what I mostly felt was fear. I didn’t know a single soul on the entire continent and I didn’t even know if my phone would work once I lost wifi connection. … Continue reading Undergrad Student Spotlight: Katelyn Mermis
Cover for Tom Sarmiento's recent book The Heartland of U.S. Empire: Race, Region, and the Queer Filipinx Midwest (Temple UP, 2026) “‘Flyover country’ is not as bland as you might think,” argues Associate Professor Tom Sarmiento in his new book, The Heartland of U.S. Empire: Race, Region and the Queer Filipinx Midwest (Temple Univ Press, … Continue reading Faculty Spotlight: Tom Sarmiento
Philip Nel and his co-editors have published Λέξεις-Κλειδιά για την Παιδική Λογοτεχνία [Keywords for Children’s Literature, Second Edition] (2026), a Greek edition of their earlier book (New York University Press, 2021) 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 … Continue reading April 2026 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity
K-State English 