Pittsburg State University English

08/22/2026

Our August alum / author feature is one of our own: Dr. Jamie L. McDaniel, former faculty member in English and Modern Languages, now Professor of English at Radford University, where he teaches disability studies, British Literature, film studies, professional writing, and game studies, and where he founded the English major concentration in Game Studies. 🎲 🕹️

Jamie's debut poetry collection, *Liner Notes*, is out from Finishing Line Press and in presale now through August 28th. The poems move through music, memory, grief, and the strange work of keeping people with you after they're gone. His poem "The Black Dog" won the 2025 Chautauqua Creative Writing Contest for Poetry.

If you took a class with Jamie, worked down the hall from him, or just remember him talking about horror films longer than anyone asked him to, the presale is the best way to support the book. Order at https://finishinglinepress.com/product/liner-notes-by-jamie-mcdaniel/ and find more of his work at jamiemcdaniel com. Link to presale provided in Insta bio. 📎

08/14/2026

Did you miss us? Our Instagram page may have taken a summer hiatus, but we're back in action and ready for the start of the Fall 2026 semester. Our faculty have had some fun adventures this summer. Here's a peek at some of what we've been up to.

Also - keep an eye out on information from Professor Laura Lee Washburn who is planning a student trip to London and Edinburgh for Spring Break 2027. More info on that to come as it develops. 👀

We're excited to see everyone on Monday morning! 💛 ❤️

08/12/2026

Theater/Theatre, anyone?

IT’S TIME!! Introducing our 2026-2027 Theatre Season! We’re ready to have our Gorillas back on campus!

07/29/2026

Two PSU English MA alumni nominees! Congrats to Melissa Fite Johnson & Allison Blevins!

07/29/2026

Movie on the BIG screen on campus!

🎥 Don’t forget to register for Pitt State Movie Night!

Join us at Carnie Smith Stadium on Thursday, July 30, for a showing of Superman (2025)! Enjoy food trucks, drinks, and superhero action under the stars. This event is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and the community.

There is no registration fee (food is available for purchase), and the first 100 guests to register will receive a complimentary food voucher from the Alumni Association!

Registration isn’t required, but it’s recommended. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/pittstatemovienight

🕣 Gates open at 8:30 pm - movie begins at dark!
➡️ Please enter on the east side of the stadium.

Pitt State Movie Night is sponsored by the Alumni Association, Athletics, Campus Activities, and the Kudos & Recognition Committee.

07/29/2026

Do you have a cool fam too? Nominate them!

Calling all Pitt State students! Nominate your family for the 2026 Honorary Family Award! Share your story and apply by August 21st, 10 p.m. Open to current Pitt State students only. Details: https://bit.ly/4bwRmDJ

07/25/2026

Us, too!

Born This Way 📚

07/22/2026

We are sad to announce the recent passing of Dr. Lyle W. Morgan II on July 16 at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg. His obituary and details about the upcoming celebration of life on August 1 is now available: https://www.brennermortuary.com/obituary/Lyle-Morgan.

He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and the many students he taught over the decades, both in English teacher education and in the medical sciences.

Dr. Lyle Morgan carried the University mace at graduation. Congratulations to all our graduates who have worked so hard!

05/07/2026

English and Modern Languages end-of-year awards ceremony. Congratulations on some wonderful achievements this semester.
We are so proud of all of our students! 👏