Miami University Department of Languages, Literatures, and Writing

Graduation festivities take place this weekend at Miami and we're proud of the 12 EGS majors who are graduating this spring and summer.

Say hello and congratulations to Rachel McDaniel, a Summa Cum Laude grad, who has loved language as long as she can remember. She chose English Studies because it "just fit my personality and dreams perfectly."

When asked about her favorite course or experience, she mentioned Dr. Kickel's Jane Austin class as well the the Fantasy World-Building class with Dr. Pearman.

Rachel wants EGS majors to know "I feel that what you gain from this major is largely determined by what you invest in it." She has accepted a position with a fiction publisher as a designer and writer.

Rachel, you said in your survey that you're excited about this next chapter...we're excited for you and the other grads as well. Congratulations!!!

Let's celebrate Georgia Fuller and her LLW Writing Award winning entry entitled "Constrain Within Composition". Georgia wrote this piece for a Women Writers course (ENG 232), taught by Dr. Kelli Johnson.

Thank you for allowing us to share your work, Georgia. Congratulations on the writing award!

2026 Winner - Georgia Fuller - Constrain Within Composition (ENG 232).docx Constrain Within Composition A powerful juxtaposition in historical literature is the relationship between women and writing, wherein there is both freedom and constraint found. Many women of the 19th century experienced oppression disguised as “True Womanhood,” a concept that pervaded every cor...

Today we shine the grad spotlight on Marley Specht, an English Studies and Community Arts major, who is graduating with Summa Cum Laude Latin Honors.

Marley chose EGS as his major after enjoying a few English courses at Regionals. His favorite course was the EGS Capstone with Dr. Tory Pearman which focused on the body in literature. He also stated that the Writing with AI class was insightful.

Marley plans to pursue a Master's Degree after graduation and has this advice for current and potential EGS majors, "Get your low-level courses done early. They're the hardest ones. Once you get into 300 levels, they get easier and more fun. Save those for the end because you will get burnt out otherwise."

Congratulations to you, Marley!

This year, LLW has named two winners of the LLW Writing Award.

Coriann Clark's submission is titled "Discourse Communities - Flee, all is Discovered" and was written for ENG 225, taught by Professor Jay Arns.

Coriann has graciously agreed to share her work with us.

Congratulations on the award, Coriann!

2026 Winner - Coriann Clarke - Discourse Communities - Flee, all is Discovered (ENG 225).docx Discourse Communities Coriann Clarke Jay Arns Miami University Eng 225 H A 04/23/25 Flee, all is Discovered Introduction I struggled to find a discourse community that I felt strongly associated with. This is understandable as I also struggled with finding myself for an even lon...

It is Finals Week at Miami so here we go again, celebrating our Spring and Summer English Studies Graduates as well as LLW Award Winners.

Congratulations to Hailie Edwards who is graduating Summa Cum Laude! Hailie said she chose English Studies "for my love of writing. I've always been interested in the horror genre, and with an English Studies major, I can pursue my dream of publishing one day. But that isn't the only thing I've learned as an English Major. I've acquired many skills along the way, including analysis, research, and leadership. Many skills I will take with me through life."

Hailie will seek a job in project management after graduation and credits Dr. Dich's mentorship for helping her develop the confidence to enter that field.

When asked what advice she has for current and future EGS majors, Hailie commented, "Do more than your classes or credit hours. Do the independent studies with professors, and complete the experimental learning projects. Get yourself out there! Prove to others why an English Major is something to be proud of! "

We wish you all the luck, Hailie!

And the accolades keep rolling in!

LLW Professor John Tassoni has won the Faculty Achievement Award in Scholarship and/or Creative Activity.

John Tassoni is recognized for a career of exceptional scholarship, including three books, 23 peer-reviewed articles, numerous book chapters, and more than 50 conference presentations. He helped develop and explain the composition studio model, an approach to writing instruction that provides collaborative support for student writers and that has influenced not only our writing programs here at Miami, but other writing programs across the country. He served as founding co-editor of the Journal on Centers for Teaching and Learning from 2009 to 2023 among other editorships.

Congratulations!

ATTENTION: English Studies (EGS) Majors

There’s still time to fill out The Reading Nook usability survey for the chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and English Studies swag! The last day to respond is this Wednesday, April 22nd.

It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your responses will help ensure future website updates align with EGS students' needs.

Don’t miss out!

Congratulations to LLW Faculty member Dr. Matthew Nunes who has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Miami Regionals Excellence in Teaching Award for full-time faculty. A student-centered educator, he designs courses that emphasize meaningful, transferable learning and real-world application. Through curriculum innovation, experiential learning, and community partnerships, he helps students build confidence as writers and thinkers. His clear communication, reflective practices, and sustained support foster engaging learning environments across formats, empowering students to apply their skills beyond the classroom.

So proud of you!!!

The Silent Poet , Zee Carter .azariacarter , and KTP burned the house down at today’s Spoken Word poetry performance and Q&A!! 🔥🔥🔥 It was standing room only for an inspiring afternoon of poetry in celebration of National Poetry Month. Thanks to everyone who brought their students and extra chairs!! 🎤

ONE WEEK AWAY! Join us Monday, April 13 at 1:15 In the Jack Rhodes Study at Miami Hamilton for a 🎤 spoken word 🎤 poetry performance and workshop with Cincinnati poets Desirae Hosley (), Zee Carter (.azariacarter) and Keshawn Townsend (). This event is sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Writing.