Alumni Spotlight: Laura Thacker

Laura Thacker (BA '12, MA '14) The most beautiful thing about studying English is the ability to step outside of yourself and experience a new perspective. In a 1964 interview, James Baldwin said, “You think your pain and heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Laura Thacker

Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Gilson

Jamie H. Gilson (BA '14, MA '16) Before I came to Kansas State, before I found the room for Greg Eiselein’s class on my first day, before I convinced my academic advisor to let me take “Intro to Literary Studies” as an undeclared major, before I taught Expository Writing I & II, and well before … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Gilson

From the Archive: Alumni in Children’s Literature

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 periodically some of the posts that have garnered a lot of views or that address topics of continuing … Continue reading From the Archive: Alumni in Children’s Literature

Winter 2025-2026 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Traci Brimhall's poetry appears in issue 49 of the journal Southward: New International Writing (2025) 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 in research, scholarship, and creative activity outlined below.  Want to catch up on past … Continue reading Winter 2025-2026 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Alumni Spotlight: Kinsley Searles

Kinsley Searles (BA '22, MA '24) When I first started studying English in K-State, my goal was to go on to get my Ph.D. and become an English professor. I envisioned myself writing articles, presenting at conferences, and chatting with students. But in my career today, you can often find me blowing up marshmallows in … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Kinsley Searles

November 2025 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Phillip Marzluf's essay appears in Studies in Travel Writing (10 Oct. 2025) 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 in research, scholarship, and creative activity outlined below.  Want to catch up on past successes or to find future … Continue reading November 2025 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

From the Archive: Undergrad Student Spotlight: Alexander Hurla

Alexander Hurla (BA ’22) 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 periodically some of the posts that have garnered a lot of views or that … Continue reading From the Archive: Undergrad Student Spotlight: Alexander Hurla

October 2025 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Philip Nel's contribution to the OUPblog titled "Turn off AI. Pick up a crayon" (10 Oct 2025).  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 in research, scholarship, and creative activity outlined below.  Want to catch up … Continue reading October 2025 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

September 2025 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Cover for The Nature of Our Times: Poems on America's Landas, Waters, Wildlife, and Other Natural Wonders (Paloma Press, 2025), which includes a contribution from Traci Brimhall.  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 in research, … Continue reading September 2025 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Rabas

Kevin Rabas (MA '98) In Jonathan’s Office             for Jonathan Holden On Jonathan’s office wall, a chalkboardwith a big egg drawn. He motioned,and I sat down among the stacksof books and papers. One fan gustand the room would lift uplike a pigeon flock. Jonathanasked me if I spoke German,and I said I had been to … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Rabas