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English Department

Student studying

Working closely with dedicated faculty members, students in this department hone their ability to think and read critically, reason persuasively, and write eloquently. Through exploring a constantly evolving range of course offerings, English majors learn the methodologies and vocabularies appropriate to literary study; contemplate the forms and purposes of literary art in a variety of periods and cultures; and investigate the intersections between English and many other disciplines.

The English Department also fosters a culture of curiosity and intellectual endeavor, as well as respect for a variety of cultures and intellectual approaches, through advising, internships and service learning, study abroad, and extracurricular programming. Students who pursue optional creative writing courses balance critical study with creative endeavor, learning the history and forms of literary art as apprentice practitioners.

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Highlights

  • 35-50 students per graduating class major in English or minor in Creative Writing
  • Spring term study abroad opportunities and senior capstone experiences
  • Internship opportunities at a celebrated international literary magazine, Shenandoah
  • Lean 11-course major makes it easy to study abroad, double-major or complete a minor
  • Frequent readings and lectures by visiting writers and scholars
  • Compatible with pre-med or health professions preparation
  • Departmental prizes and scholarships awarded annually

View the to see what the English Department has been up to this past year. 

Department Info

  • Payne Hall
    Ƶ
    Lexington, Virginia 24450

Holly Pickett

Department Head

Charity Corman

Administrative Assistant

Feature Stories


The English professor’s poetry collection explores natural and human transformation.

The public reading by the former Shenandoah editorial fellows will take place Feb. 11 in Northen Auditorium.

In the podcast’s first episode of season six, Pickett, professor of English, discusses the power of humanities in a rapidly changing world and the life lessons that can be continuously unearthed in Shakespearean text.

Smith served as the literary magazine’s editor for 23 years.

The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.

The public reading will take place Nov. 12 in Northen Auditorium.

The public reading will take place Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium.

Pelzer has enjoyed connecting with others with shared interests through the Gaming Club, University Singers, SABU and the Office of Sustainability.

Nathaniel Goldberg and Chris Gavaler

The professors co-authored an article that investigates the different ways comics are ordered.

Nathaniel Goldberg and Chris Gavaler

The discussion will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2 in the Harte Center Gallery.

Three Ƶ graduates received scholarships from the National Leadership Honor Society to support graduate and professional study.

While exploring the connections between “Station Eleven” and William Shakespeare, professor of English Holly Pickett and her crew of summer research students examined the foundational value of the humanities to society.

English Announcements

Everyone is welcome to a launch party for Lesley Wheeler’s new poetry collection, Mycocosmic, from 5 to 7 pm on Mar