CAL Website Preserves Flood History In September 1986, Michigan experienced one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. For three days straight, persistent heavy rain and severe thunderstorms flooded the central lower area of the state, leaving 10 people dead, more than $505 million in total damages (about $1.1 billion by today’s standards), and 22 counties declared as…
A life-long lover of films and graphic novels, College of Arts & Letters alumnus Greg Wright is using his Ph.D. in Contemporary American Literature and Film from Michigan State University as a successful comic book writer. The author of the graphic novels Wild Bullets and Monstrous first considered writing screenplays after earning his Ph.D. in 2007, but soon discovered he enjoyed writing graphic novels…
Kaylah Jetton has been focused on going global since kindergarten and has no plans of stopping. From attending a language intensive grade school to majoring in Global Studies and studying abroad in Japan, the MSU senior has found her passion in helping others at home in Detroit and around the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2DcXbTxk00&feature=emb_title Jetton comes from a background focused on cultural…
When Jonathan Montalvo moved to Indiana from Lares, Puerto Rico, at the age of 15, he knew very little English. After many years practicing, he became fluent and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Spanish Studies at Purdue University. It was then he realized his calling to become a professor and educate students on Spanish language and Caribbean…
The College of Arts & Letters Community Partner Award (Faculty) recognizes a CAL faculty member’s community contributions at the local, state, national and/or global/world levels. It recognizes participation, student mentorship and overall leadership, as well as significant involvement as reflected in one or more community engagement activities. This award is linked to the spirit of Bolder by Design to “enrich community,…
Walking the Great Wall of China or exploring the Parthenon without leaving the classroom may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, however, this futuristic concept is a present-day reality thanks to virtual reality programs. Experience Architecture majors senior Tommy Truong and junior Eric Martin are researching how to utilize virtual reality to enhance the pedagogy of the humanities…
A collaborative class among Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Bard College recently explored how art and architecture produce and reveal race, gender and class. Assistant Professor Tessa Paneth-Pollak and her students make up the Michigan State University portion of the collaborative class, "Contested Spaces: Art, Architecture, Politics.” The course, HA491 “Contested Spaces: Art, Architecture, Politics,” offered last…
Philosophy alumna Katherine Galvin is the new Director of Programs for the Big Ten Academic Alliance, effective January 3, 2017. In her new role, Galvin leads a team of professionals in support of programs such as the fiber-optic network linking member campuses; the acclaimed Academic Leadership Program; and large-scale research collaborations in traumatic brain injury and health equity. In addition, she…
After graduating with a major in English and an emphasis on Creative Writing and Film Studies, MSU alumnus Dakota Morgan was unsure what he wanted to do with his degree. He was accepted and attended law school for a year, but then learned about Epic, a healthcare software business located in Madison, Wisconsin. He applied for a position with the…
Three College of Arts & Letters faculty members recently worked together on editing a special issue of English Education journal that focuses on teaching in the wake of racial violence. Published earlier this month and titled From Racial Violence to Racial Justice: Praxis and Implications for English (Teacher) Education, the faculty members who guest-edited the special issue include: April Baker-Bell, Assistant Professor of…