A new name for ELS

The English, LInguistics, and Speech Department has become the English, LInguistics, and Communication Department. The new name gives us an opportunity to better represent the rhetorical and communication studies opportunities that the department offers. Several exciting new courses are being added to the catalog in Communication.

New Hires

We are excited to introduce you to five faculty members new to UMW within the past few years. Assistant Professor Gary Richards was formerly an associate professor at the University of New Orleans. His specialities include Southern literature, American literature, and sexuality studies. Assistant Professor Zach Whalen earned his Ph.D. at the University of Florida. His speciality is New Media Studies. Assistant Professor Colin Rafferty holds an M.F.A. from the University of Alabama. He is a creative writer specializing in creative nonfiction. Assistant Professor Sheshalatha Reddy earned her Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. Her specialities include 19th-21st-century Anglophone, especially Indian-English, literature. Assistant Professor Benjamin . LaBreche holds a Ph.D. from Yale University. His specialty is English literature of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

CONCENTRATION IN CREATIVE WRITING

I am also glad to be able to tell you about our exciting new concentration in Creative Writing. Students will be able to pursue extra coursework in creative writing beginning with the 2008-2009 academic year. See the link on the home page to explore the new program. As part of our development of Communication studies and Creative Writing, I am also happy to announce that the Communication and Creative Writing Faculty have moved to a beautiful new space at 1201 William Street, the new mansion at College Avenue and William Street. Poetry readings, informal gatherings, and other events are now taking place in this space.

Honors

The deadlines and forms for applying for honors this year have been updated. Please work closely with your faculty advisors to ensure that you meet all deadlines.

Scholarships

The department offers several scholarships. If you are interested in applying, please follow the instructions provided on the home page for the department.