Longwood English & Modern Languages

Congratulations to CW student Keiana Harris! Keiana will be doing an 8-week internship this summer with Nest Academy RVA, a nonprofit dedicated to creating programming for young adults with complex medical, physical, and intellectual disabilities. Through this internship, Keiana will be getting incredible professional experience in nonprofit marketing, program development, and grant writing!

Congratulations to EML students Madeline Moeller, Kara Burks, Edison Moscar, Zoe Nash, and Garrett Ward as they present at the International Conference for the Fantastic in the Arts!

A wonderful former English major is shining at Maggie Walker Governor's school!

Longwood Alumna Kristin Murmer Janssen ’94 Named Executive Director of Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Kristin Murmer Janssen ’94 was appointed executive director at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies in Richmond.

One of our amazing students!!!

When I transferred to Longwood, I was still figuring out exactly what I wanted to study and where I truly belonged. I spent a semester at VCU and another at community college, searching for the right academic path. A friend who attended Longwood kept telling me how supportive the professors were and how much she loved the environment here. I visited a few times, applied over the summer and arrived in the fall as a physics major. What I didn’t expect was how much Longwood would open the door for me to pursue all of my interests.

Originally, I thought science would be my sole focus. But my Citizen 110 course with Dr. Derek Taylor (professor of English) completely changed that. I realized I had been missing the humanities side of my education. After talking with him about the English program, I decided to add a second major in English literature alongside physics, and I tacked on a minor in mathematics. It might seem like an unusual combination, but at Longwood it felt natural. My professors encouraged me to explore every side of my interests, and that freedom helped shape my academic journey. I’m proud of that.

During my time here, I’ve tried to embrace Longwood’s citizen leader mantra by getting involved wherever I could. I’ve been active in the Society of Physics Students and the Math Club, and I’ve also worked with The Rotunda campus newspaper, where I currently serve as the news and features editor. One of the projects I’m most proud of was planning and leading a trip for students to travel to Cleveland, Ohio, to witness the 2024 total solar eclipse. After securing funding, 22 Longwood students were able to experience the eclipse for less than $50 each. I also organized a lighting talk event titled “Who Tells Our Stories?,” which brought together the Longwood community to discuss the importance of preserving inclusive histories, cultures and communities. Watching the eclipse and standing alongside other students who attended the talks showed me just how much Longwood supports student ideas.

Longwood has also helped me connect deeply with the Farmville community. Through Farmville Pride, I found mentors and friends who helped me build a sense of belonging. Last summer I worked as an intern helping organize and promote the town’s Pride event. I got involved in Waterworks Players, the brilliant, local community theatre. I’ve also tried to show up to community gatherings, from local events to knitting groups, and spend time in places like Three Roads brewery, where people come together to talk and connect. Those experiences helped Farmville feel like home just as much as Longwood has.

If I had to give advice to someone considering Longwood, it would be simple: do it. This is a place where professors truly care about teaching, where mentors invest in your success and where opportunities grow out of the connections you build. Longwood has helped me explore my interests across disciplines, find my community and turn ideas into real experiences. For me, it’s been the perfect place to learn, grow and discover what matters most.

Jordan McPherson '26, physics and English

More 👉 go.longwood.edu/HoL

CeCe Corbin is another former EML alum who is doing great things in her teaching career! Congratulations, CeCe!!!

Help us celebrate some amazing Gayle team members who were recognized for their impact on students, staff, and our school community.

• First Class Teacher of the Year: Cierra Corbin, English Dept.
• Student Support Employee of the Year: Nurse Ashley Fleming
• Service Employee of the Year: Greg Stevens, Facilities
• SRO/SPO: Deputy Virginia Powell

Thank you for the care, consistency, and leadership you bring every day. We’re proud of you and grateful you’re part of T. Benton Gayle Middle School. Go Panthers!

So proud of recent alum Alex Reiss!!! New Teacher of the Year!

Happy Homecoming weekend EML alums! Drop a line here to let us know you're coming.

Articles Homecoming & Alumni Weekend, Nov. 14–16, is THIS WEEKEND—and is turning out to be the biggest alumni event in Longwood history. Nearly 900 alumni are already registered and planning to return to campus, and for many, that means reconnecting with you—the professors, mentors and staff who helped...