iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Associate Professor Vessela Valiavitcharska has been awarded a fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton, New Jersey, for the 2026–27 academic year. Learn more: english.umd.edu/news/english...

Vessela gently smiles in front of greenery

000

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Five English majors had the chance to do good this summer with support from the Daniella Odutola Memorial Internship Fund which provides $1,000 scholarships to help students pursue summer internships. Meet this year's recipients: english.umd.edu/news/daniell...

Pictured from left to right: Kristina Chroneos, Emmanuel Dean, Ellyse Davisson, Grace Marshall, Paige Racine

000

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Meet Department of English Chair Lee Konstantinou. As he begins this new role, he's focused on strengthening the support that allows faculty, staff and students to do their best work while guiding the department through the opportunities and challenges ahead.

110

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

In 2004, a young English major approached Professor Michael Olmert with an unusual request: Would he write the foreword to a self-published poetry chapbook? Read more: english.umd.edu/news/newly-r...

Newly Retired English Professor Michael Olmert Reflects on 40 Years at UMD

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Congratulations to Professor Barry Pearson on the release of “Classic Blues” from Smithsonian Folkways! This collection brings together legendary blues artists to celebrate the rich legacy and enduring influence of the blues. The collection also features extensive liner notes by Pearson.

Barry Pearson holds vinyl record of "Classic Blues"

141

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

A new Forbes analysis of LinkedIn data ranked English among the most versatile college majors, with a 69% versatility score, highlighting graduates' ability to build careers across a wide range of industries. Learn more: www.forbes.com/sites/courtn...

110

Reposted by UMD English

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Spend an evening with bestselling author Lisa See on June 16 at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring, presented by @peoplesbooktakoma.com RSVP: withfriends.co/event/279062... Students attend free: withfriends.co/event/279698...

withfriends.co

6/16 - Lisa See for Daughters of the Sun and Moon by People's Book

Get tickets and support People's Book by becoming a member

142

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Distinguished Professor Mary Helen Washington reflects on the legacy of Paule Marshall in an interview with Yale University Press. Read the interview: yalebooks.yale.edu/2026/06/05/p...

Mary Helen Washington signs book at table. Book "Paule Marshall: A Writer's Life" is propped next to her.

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

withfriends.co

6/16 - Lisa See for Daughters of the Sun and Moon by People's Book

Get tickets and support People's Book by becoming a member

142

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Earlier this month, we celebrated the faculty who make our department thrive!

Three reception attendees smile for group photo with Michael Olmert on the far right.

100

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

If you missed the ARHU commencement ceremonies last week, don't worry! You can view photos and watch the livestream, which includes the speech from undergraduate commencement speaker and English alum Jason Reynolds '05. arhu.umd.edu/arhu-commenc...

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Of the many students graduating this week, Sydney Alexandria Mitchell ’26 leaves behind a world shaped by storytelling and community. Read more about Mitchell: english.umd.edu/news/sydney-...

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

English major Noora Ghahremani ’26 has been named the University Medalist. Learn more about her accomplishments: today.umd.edu/a-close-obse...

Noora Ghahremani in magenta cardigan with with arms crossed

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

From centuries-old math practice books to early Shakespeare play advertisements, Jessica Reed ’26 is getting hands-on experience with rare materials at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Read more: english.umd.edu/news/english...

Exterior of Folger Shakespeare Library English Student Gains Hands-On Experience With Rare Texts at Folger Shakespeare Library

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Last week’s final Writers Here and Now of the semester celebrated our MFA graduates. Congratulations to Elizabeth Bryant ’26, Arielle Heiman ’26, Taína ’26, Annie Przypyszny ’26, and January Santoso ’26 We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your writing takes you next.

Arielle Heiman, Elizabeth Bryant, Taína, and January Santoso smile

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Please join us tomorrow (April 15) at noon for the annual Vambery Lecture from Professor of English and Comparative Literature Gerard Passannante. The lecture is titled "The Puritan and the Gambler." Learn more english.umd.edu/events/vambe...

Vambery Lecture
The Puritan and the Gambler
Gerard Passannante
April 15, 2026
2115 Tawes Hall
12:00p.m.
Sponsored by Center for Literary & Comparative Studies

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

This week, Creative Writing alum joined us for Writers Here and Now. Clare Banks M.F.A ’02, Megan Howell M.F.A. ’20, L. S. McKee M.F.A. ’05, and Flora Qian M.F.A. ’16 joined students Somto Ihezue ’27 and Annie Przypyszny ’26 for a Q&A followed by a reading from each of their recent works.

Flora Qian, Megan Howell, and Clare Banks sit on panel.

Flora Qian, Clare Banks, L.S. McKee, and Megan Howell smile.

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

This week, we celebrated the book launch for John Drabinski. Special thank you to Michael Sawyer for guiding the conversation and to the John B. Slaughter Endowment Series and the Center for Literary and Comparative Studies for sponsoring.

John Drabinski speaks on panel while seated.

120

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Congratulations to Sarah Rupprecht ’28, an English major with a minor in business, who has been awarded the Jack Godfrey Memorial Scholarship. This merit-based award provides financial support to an undergraduate who demonstrates a strong passion for learning and creative writing at UMD.

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

In Adam Lloyd’s “Business Writing” course, students create work for real companies. In Fall 2025, students partnered with Ferretly, a social media screening firm, to write blog posts on AI ethics, responsible screening and industry-specific concerns. Read more: english.umd.edu/news/profess...

Professional Writing Program Brings Real-World Clients into the Classroom
Business writing students create 19 articles through social media screening firm partnership.

041

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Last week, graduate students gathered in Tawes for the 19th Annual Graduate English Organization’s Conference titled “Epistemologies & Pathways to Knowledge.”

Three students on panel listen to audience question

120

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Professor Kellie Robertson has been elected President of the New Chaucer Society and will step into the role in July 2026 at the biennial congress in Freiburg, Germany. The New Chaucer Society is an international organization dedicated to advancing the study of medieval culture.

021

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Earlier this week, Canadian-American journalist and author Vauhini Vara joined us for the second session of the Ways to Meet AI series sponsored by UMD Arts for All and The Studio for Literary Technology. Vara read from her book "Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age."

Lillian-Yvonne Bertram and Vauhini Vara sit on stage

Lillian-Yvonne Bertram seated holding mic

041

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Bhanu Kapil joins us for the next lecture in the Bebe Koch Petrou Lecture Series. Kapil is an award-winning writer and will present her talk titled “Notes on the Perimeter.” english.umd.edu/events/bebe-koch-petrou-lecture-writing-environmental-humanities-bhanu-kapil

Bebe Koch Petrou Workshop and Lecture series
Notes on the Perimeter
BHANU KAPIL
Thursday, March 12
Workshop: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Lecture: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
2115 Tawes Hall

010

Reposted by UMD English

College of Arts and Humanities at UMD @umd-arhu.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Join ARHU Dean Stephanie Shonekan and a panel of ARHU experts for an engaging pop-up roundtable discussion on war and its impact on communities, democracies and futures. March 12 | 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Taliaferro Hall Learn more: arhu.umd.edu/events/arhu-...

011

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Join us virtually on March 23 to discuss Sandra Newman's "Julia," a retelling of George Orwell's "1984." english.umd.edu/events/alumn...

Join Alumni Book Club Department of English March 23 | 6:30 p.m. Join virtually Julia book cover by Sandra Newman

020

Reposted by UMD English

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Giving Day is next Wednesday (Mar 4). When you support the UMD English Department, you’re supporting students who are doing meaningful work right now in seminars, workshops, internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.

Collage image of students holding books, cooking, wearing caps and gowns; there's a building of Tawes and Testudo

011

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

ARHU faculty gathered in Tawes for “Imagining Otherwise: A Panel Discussion on Environmental Futures and the Humanities.” The conversation centered on how the humanities help us rethink environmental futures, especially the slow, uneven harms that often go unseen in science and policy.

Neda Atanasoski, Joshua Shannon, Cy Keener, and Jayson Porter pose for group photo

130

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Writers Here and Now! K. Iver read poems from their book "Short Film Starring My Beloved’s Red Bronco." Lena Valencia shared from her short story collection "Mystery Lights." Thanks to MFA students Jupiter Berrysmith and Arielle Heiman for their introductions.

Jupiter Berrysmith and Arielle Heiman smile

110

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

011

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

This Black History Month, we celebrate Professor Emerita Merle Collins and her award-winning novel “Ocean Stirrings,” which recovers the overlooked life of Grenadian activist, and mother of Malcolm X, Louise Little. Read more here: tinyurl.com/ysx67huj

Photo of Louise Little on blue and orange picture of Grenada

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate the launch of Professor Emily Mitchell’s short story collection "The Church of Divine Electricity." Special thanks to Lecturer Rachel Vorona Cote for moderating the conversation.

Rachel Vorona Cote and Emily Mitchell seated

Emily Mitchell engages questions from the audience

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Have you listened to The Black Studies Podcast? Earlier this week, John Drabinski, professor in the Department of English and the Department of African American Studies, spoke with Clarissa Myrick-Harris, professor at Morehouse College. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Music.

030

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

On February 16, virtually join this month's Alumni Book Club session to discuss Ray Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles" (1950). The book imagines post-WWII America in a tech-driven future, where human advancements lead to both wonders and disasters. Learn more here english.umd.edu/events/alumn....

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Welcome back! This semester started off a bit chilly, but there's a lot to look forward to. Stay up to date by visiting the English events calendar english.umd.edu/events

Plaza facing side of Tawes Hall in the snow

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Join us Feb 4 at noon as we celebrate the release of Associate Professor of English Emily Mitchell's short story collection "The Church of Divine Electricity," winner of the Elixir Press Fiction Award. Learn more here: english.umd.edu/events/book-... Photo of Emily Mitchell by J. M. Tyree

"The Church of Divine Electricity" sits on window sill next to green plant

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Eleven UMD English students are gaining early access to the publishing industry through a competitive mentorship with Penguin Random House. Working alongside professional editors, they gain hands-on experience and real-world feedback. Read more here: english.umd.edu/news/11-engl...

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Congrats to Doctoral Candidate Rashi Maheshwari for her acceptance as a 25-26 Arts for All Fellow. Rashi was invited to the 2026 a2ru Emerging Creative Summit, Rewilding: New Stories of Collective Wellbeing (Mar 5-8).

110

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

The first Alumni Book Club session of the year is happening on January 26. Join us virtually as we discuss Andrey Kurkov's Grey Bees (2018; trans. Boris Drayluk 2020). Learn more here: english.umd.edu/events/alumn...

Join the January Alumni Book Club; Andrey Kurkov's Grey Bees cover; January 26, 6:30 pm, virtual,

010

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Doctoral student Lisa Osei was one of five students selected to represent the College of Arts and Humanities at the launch event of UMD's Forward Campaign. Thanks to donor support, students can explore and advance scholarship in emerging fields. Together, we move #MarylandForward: forward.umd.edu

Provost Jennifer King Rice, Lisa Osei, and President Darryl J. Pines smile in front of Banner that reads, "Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless."

Lisa Osei poses while reading the book "Afro Futurism: A History of Black Futures"

Lisa Osei talks while seated next to 3 other individuals on a stage

Five people including Lisa Osei stand on a stage in front of an audience

030

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Undergraduate students presented their research last week at the Rites of Discovery: Science, Law, and Literature organized by Professor Ralph Bauer. Students discussed topics like trickster history in Gerald Vizenor's "The Heirs of Columbus" and Jean de Léry's notions of Barbarism in Europe.

Student wearing black beanie reads at podium in front of an audience

Student in audience asks a question wearing a purple hoodie

Ralph Bauer listens to audience question at the podium

Students on panel listen to a person in the audience ask a question.

030

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Our Book Lab interns proudly presented their prints, zines, and creative projects at the Winter Wayzgoose, a traditional annual celebration for printers that dates back to the 16th century. Each student shared insights into the techniques and materials used to create their projects this semester.

Student holding print with embroidered image

Student holding poster with red and black text for WMUC

Posters, prints, and booklets placed in rows on table

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

At the final Writers Here & Now event of 2025, Professor Emily Mitchell & Visiting Poet Christopher Kondrich read selections from their latest works. Mitchell read from her newly released collection "Church of Divine Electricity." Kondrich read from his forthcoming poetry collection "Tread Upon."

Christopher Kondrich and Emily Mitchell smile

020

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Congratulations to M.F.A. student Tega Oghenechovwen, who was awarded the Elizabeth George Foundation Grant earlier this spring! The grant will support him after graduation as he continues researching and writing his upcoming collection of short stories. Read more: english.umd.edu/news/tega-og...

030

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Please join us this Wednesday, May 7, at 6 pm in Ulrich Recital Hall for a Writers Here and Now event featuring our graduating MFA students! This event is free and open to the public.

000

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Distinguished University Professor of English @mkirschenbaum.bsky.social has emerged as a leading voice on AI. Read our Q&A to learn more about how AI is transforming the way we communicate, educate and govern: english.umd.edu/news/how-matthew-kirschenbaum-sees-ais-impact

0104

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

English Professor Amanda Bailey argues that Shakespeare's plays help us confront today's urgent debates about race, gender and power—not by offering easy answers, but by asking hard questions. Read more in our Q&A: english.umd.edu/news/why-we-still-read-shakespeare

000

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Please join us next Wednesday, April 30 to hear Professor Cecilia Shelton speak about her book in progress! This talk discusses a case study analysis from Shelton's forthcoming manuscript, "Act Like You Know: Black Feminist Methodology in Technical and Professional Communication."

001

UMD English @umdenglish.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Join UMD English at Maryland Day this Saturday, April 26 at Tawes Plaza! We're hosting an abundance of fun literary-themed activities this year, including a banned book giveaway, word blocks, friendship bracelets and temporary tattoos. See the full schedule: english.umd.edu/events/umd-e...

020