Department of English at Kennesaw State University
Share
We are writers, readers, and storytellers. What's your story? Most importantly, we offer the B. A. degree in English, the B. S.
Welcome to the English Department, the largest department in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. A degree in English from Kennesaw State University will enable you to write effectively, to engage critically with texts and with people, and to understand how to make an impact locally, nationally and globally. What we teach is integral to any university degree; this is why almost every stu
dent at Kennesaw State University comes through our classes. degree in English Education as well as minors in film, in language and literary studies, and in writing. Our master’s degree, the Master of Arts in Professional Writing, one of the oldest graduate degrees at Kennesaw State, offers students advanced studies in Creative Writing, Applied and Professional Writing, and Composition and Rhetoric. Our MAPW program is not only unique, but it is also one of the premier professional writing degrees in our state and in the region. The Department of English faculty are committed professionals in their fields. They research, publish and teach across the wide range of interests that define English Studies including American, British and World literatures, film, literary theory, rhetorical theory, teacher education, and the theoretical and practical study of academic, creative and professional writing. Our faculty provide opportunities for professional experience in our fields including offering students opportunities to engage in undergraduate and graduate research, study abroad experiences and internships. The marketable skills you will learn in our department are the reasons why English majors are in high demand in a wide variety of professions. We prepare our students well for graduate school, for teaching, for law and other professional schools, and for careers in advertising, applied linguistics, creative writing, editing, education, film, grant-writing, literature, publishing and professional communications. In fact, English graduates are prepared for any profession that values analytical and critical thinking skills, creativity and proficiency in
the use of language. Our graduates think critically; they engage deeply; and they change the world. If this resonates with how you see yourself in the world, you will find a home in the Department of English. We are looking forward to seeing you transform the global community that awaits you. Please visit our departmental office in English Building 155. We have a committed, professional staff who will assist you. You may also contact me via email ([email protected]). Sincerely,
Sheila Smith McKoy
Chair and Professor
05/18/2026
The KSU English Department is honored to receive the 2026 Regents’ Award for Excellence in High Impact Practices and Experiential Learning, one of the highest honors for teaching and advising within the University System of Georgia.
The award reflects the department’s commitment to experiential learning, an approach that places students in real-world environments before they graduate.
From Department Chair Dr. John Havard: “Experiential learning helps students build confidence and develop professional networks before they graduate. We want our students to leave here not just with a degree, but ready to succeed.”
Congratulations to our incredible faculty, staff, and students!
As the school year comes to a close, new beginnings are right around the corner. This is especially true for our social media and branding coordinator of the past three years, Dr. Erin Bahl, who is now passing the torch to Professor Ananya Vahal-Perez.
Our team supports Dr. Bahl as she transitions into the next stage of her career, so this is a love letter to everything that she’s done for us.
Thank you, Dr. Bahl! ❤️
05/08/2026
"If you're on the fence about whether you should major in English or not... do it for yourself."
A massive congratulations to Gabrielle Punzalan, one of the winners of our English Outstanding Senior Awards!
In this interview, Gabby tells us about all sorts of experiences she never thought she’d have! She shares the stories behind some of her trinkets from her time as a KSU student and the editor-in-chief of Waymark Magazine.
05/08/2026
And a massive congratulations to our first place 2026 Poetry Contest winner, Mark Trager!
These are just the first few lines of his poem, "hin-mu-ri-dil". Read the full thing by following our link in bio!
Congratulations to all three of our winners and thank you to all of our judges!
Image text: KSU English Department Poetry Contest
Mark Trager, "hin-mu-ri-dil"
“she combs her fingers through then
stops
says something in her native tongue
plucks
beautiful lyrical giggle”
Link to full poem in bio!
05/07/2026
“We are all writers here trying to support each other."
A massive congratulations to Heather Voraphongphibul, one of the winners of our English Outstanding Senior Awards!
In this interview, Heather shares some of her memories and philosophies about poetry and writing. She also shows off some of her prized possessions, including a children’s book that she made, and another book that isn’t actually a book at all!
05/07/2026
Congratulations to all of our 2026 RCHSS Award winners! Thank you to these exemplary students and faculty members for all of their hard work! ⭐
05/06/2026
✨Congratulations to Terri Dudenhoeffer, Academic Program Support Specialist for the Master of Arts in Professional Writing () program, for receiving the KSU Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences () Staff Association’s Award for Staff Achievement; a VERY well-deserved recognition. We appreciate you so much! 👏
05/01/2026
Congratulations to our second place 2026 Poetry Contest winner, Nya Roden! () for "The dead are good at boundaries". Read the full poem by following our link in bio!
Image text: KSU English Department Poetry Contest
Nya Roden, "The dead are good at boundaries"
“My - Subconscious - Called - My - Dead - Father's - Phone"
Link to full poem in bio!
04/30/2026
🎉Meet our NEW English Faculty!🎉
Dr. Spencer Chalifour is currently teaching Technical Writing at KSU. He received his PhD from the University of Florida ( ) where he was previously the organizer of the University of Florida Comics Conference.
As an instructor, he strives to expand his students' ideas about writing, looking at information from all angles to interpret the ideas and concepts behind writing and composition!
Welcome to our English Faculty, Dr. Spencer Chalifour! 🪽
04/29/2026
Our Owls have been working hard on their capstone projects. Come support them at the Spring MAPW Capstone Showcase & Awards ceremony Visit our Linktree in bio for more details!
🗓️ May 2 | 10 am–12 pm
📍Kennesaw Campus English Building, Room 102 & 103
Image text: You are invited to
MAPW Capstone Showcase and 2025-2026 Awards
We're thrilled to invite you to the Spring 2026 Capstone Showcase & Awards!
Saturday, May 2nd, 10 AM
Details: http://go.kennesaw.edu/showcase
05/18/2026
05/08/2026
05/06/2026
05/01/2026
04/29/2026