College Welcomes New Faculty and Staff

The College of Arts & Letters is thrilled to welcome 28 new faculty and staff members whose diverse expertise will enrich our community, strengthen collaboration, and expand opportunities for students. New colleagues will be recognized during the 2025 Faculty and Staff Welcome Reception on Sept. 29 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.

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Joshua Yumibe Named an MSU Research Foundation Professor

In recognition of his influential scholarship in film and media studies and his contributions to Michigan State University's research mission, Joshua Yumibe has been named an MSU Research Foundation Professor. He is among just four MSU faculty members to earn this prestigious designation in 2025.

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Study Abroad Offers Authentic Immersion in German Culture

Emma Steury, from Grand Haven, Michigan, is an MSU junior with a double major in English and German. She traveled to Germany this summer to participate in the German Language and Culture in Mayen study abroad program led by Liz Mittman and Patti Spinner, both Associate Professors in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures at Michigan State University. This…

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Mandela Washington Fellows Make Their Mark at MSU and Beyond

For the fourth year, Michigan State University was among 25 educational institutions across the country to provide a leadership institute for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This year, the university welcomed 23 Fellows from 19 African countries for a six-week program in civic engagement that ran from June 19-July 17, 2025.

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Gift Becomes a Source of Strength and Tribute to a Great Friend

A moment of generosity on Give Green Day became an anchor for Addyson Richard, a transfer student and Film Studies major in the College of Arts & Letters. It was the middle of the Spring 2025 Semester, and Addyson was busy with classes and paying for her education, but she felt that giving a little would help make a big…

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MSU Film Studies Faculty Member Appears on ‘Jeopardy!’

Peter Johnston, Interim Director and faculty member in the Film Studies program at Michigan State University, relied on his high school quiz bowl experience and arts and humanities background to secure a spot on the iconic game show “Jeopardy!” Johnston’s appearance as a contestant aired July 15. He played a strong game solidly taking second place. “It was so surreal…

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Kathleen Fitzpatrick Named a University Distinguished Professor

Kathleen Fitzpatrick, a nationally recognized scholar of digital humanities, Professor in the Department of English, and recently appointed Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies for the College of Arts & Letters, is now a University Distinguished Professor, which is among the highest honors bestowed upon faculty by Michigan State University.  Fitzpatrick is among the 10 MSU faculty members named…

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Graduate Candidates Receive 2025-26 Dissertation Fellowship Awards

Four College of Arts & Letters Ph.D. candidates have been awarded 2025-26 Graduate Dissertation Fellowships by the Center for Gender in Global Context at Michigan State University for their research projects that will include a significant focus on women, gender, or sexuality.These Women’s & Gender Studies Dissertation Fellowships are made possible through the generous funding provided by MSU’s Graduate School.Two…

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Ask the Expert: How Detroit and Its People Are Integral to the Rise of Techno Music

The story of techno music often focuses on a global narrative without acknowledging that it began in Detroit, Michigan — a place where Black people for decades have harnessed sound and music to reflect their experiences. During the 1970s and 1980s, techno was explored and celebrated by Black and queer communities across radio waves and in warehouse spaces around the…

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English Alum Distills Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, and Spartan Spirit and Now the Spring 2025 Commencement Address

When Chad Munger graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in English, he had no idea what he wanted to do with his degree or career. But his willingness to take risks and to seek out and seize opportunities has propelled him to success as an entrepreneur and to becoming a transformative philanthropist. It also has led him to…

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