New Faces: Michele McConnell

September 6, 2023.Reading time 8 minutes.

Michele McConnell in front of a green background.

The College of Arts and Humanities welcomes new faculty Michele McConnell to the Department of English. Dr. McConnell specializes in literacy studies, adolescent literacies, critical literacy, and collaborative and participatory writing practices.

Kudos to Fresno Writers – Summer 2023

September 5, 2023.Reading time 17 minutes.

Alumna Roda Avelar, left, won a prestigious Ruth Lilly poetry fellowship. Alumnus Brian Turner published his first of three new poetry collections this year.

Celebrating the professional accomplishments of students, alumni, and faculty in Fresno State’s Department of English and Creative Writing Program.

New Faces: Brenna Womer

August 29, 2023.Reading time 7 minutes.

Brenna Womer with a big smile on a light green background.

The College of Arts and Humanities welcomes new faculty Brenna Womer (she/they) to the Department of English.

In Memoriam: Dr. Eugene Zumwalt

August 11, 2023.Reading time 19 minutes.

Professor Emeritus Eugene Zumwalt. Photo by George Johnson

Dr. Eugene Zumwalt, a Fresno State professor emeritus of English, passed away on July 27 in Tollhouse, California. He was 99.

New English alumni land new jobs months before graduation

June 12, 2023.Reading time 10 minutes.

Left: Nayeli Guerrero | Right: Beth Contreras

By Jefferson Beavers, communication specialist, Department of English Two brand-new Fresno State alumni have begun their summers with full-time jobs that were secured and started months before finishing their undergraduate studies in the English Department. Literature major Beth Contreras started working as a legal assistant for the Fresno County Public Defender’s office in April, and […]

Kudos to Fresno Writers — Spring 2023

June 2, 2023.Reading time 35 minutes.

New Fresno State alumna Mialise Carney, left, and alumna Kathy Fagan both won significant awards for their creative writing this spring.

This compilation includes news between January and May 2023

Students inspire during commencement season

May 24, 2023.Reading time 27 minutes.

Graduate Dean's Medalist Mialise Carney, Dean Honora Chapman and Undergraduate Dean's Medalist Lucca Lorenzi in full regalia on the Fresno State campus.

We are excited to acknowledge the achievements of our College’s most accomplished students. From the creative artists to the humanists, every scholarship winner and Student of Distinction reflects the experimentation, compassion, and curiosity that Fresno State fosters.

English alumni carve unexpected paths to meaningful careers

May 23, 2023.Reading time 51 minutes.

Meet five English alumni who’ve gone on to successful careers outside of teaching or publishing.

Once a Young Writers’ Conference attendee, creative writing major now part of editorial board

April 25, 2023.Reading time 9 minutes.

Isabella De La Torre, by Jefferson Beavers

For high school students like De La Torre, the English Department’s biggest annual event marks a series of firsts: the first time stepping onto a college campus, the first time attending a writing conference and for some, the first time seeing their writing published.

6th Annual Art Song Festival: Prize Winners

April 24, 2023.Reading time 3 minutes.

Last week, the 6th Annual Art Song Festival concluded with the announcement of the winners in the poetry, composition and vocal prize categories. Special guests Alexander Hahn and Kelley O’Connor judged this year’s vocal competition.