Welcome to Illinois State University Department of English website.

Photo of Dr. Kass Fleisher, with text reading 'It is with great sadness that the Department of English shares news of the passing of Dr. Kass Fleisher. An in-person campus memorial will be held on April 4,2023 from 6 pm to 9pm at the Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center. An online writing community memorial will be held this spring.'

In Memory of: Dr. Kass Fleisher

An in-person campus memorial will be held on April 4,2023 from 6 pm to 9pm at the Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center.

Photo of book titled 'Let America Be America Again'
K. Aaron Smith pictured holding his new book, 'A New Form-Function Grammar of English' and smiling.
Book 'We find Ourselves in Other People's Stories' laying flat on a table.
Front Cover of book, Mimola or the story of a casket.
Front cover of book, Reform and Literacy Education.
Photo of Professor Steven Kagle, Emeritus

Steven Kagle

The Department of English gratefully acknowledges a generous gift from our colleague, Professor Steven Kagle, Emeritus which established the Drs. Steven and Jill Kagle Undergraduate Assistantship Fund in 2019.

photo of doctor Roberta Trites

Congratulations to Dr. Roberta Trites

for winning the Children's Literature Association's 2023 Anne Devereaux Jordan Award!

Students listening a lecture in a computer hall.

The Publications Unit

Downstate Legacies, FC2, Obsidian, and more! The Publications Unit with the Department of English provides professional & hands-on experience for students in the program!

Visit the Publications Unit website

Diversity & Inclusion

The Department of English prides itself on a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its students, professors, and curriculum.

Learn about our commitment to diversity

A woman of color speaking in front of a classroom.

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News

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Quotes from Students

Dylan Maroney, Junior, English

The best thing that I’ve experienced in the Illinois State University English Department is the compassion that the faculty have for their students. Whether it be offering scholarly assistance, giving advice on getting a job or internship, or providing a guiding hand, they help ensure the current and future success of their students.

Alexa Parker, Junior, English & Anthropology

Being in Illinois State University’s English Studies program has been amazing. There are so many course offerings to explore and so many new interests to discover. The vast range of courses has really benefited me, as I am a double major, and thus I can better tailor my academic experience to fit my unique plan.

Mason McCoy, Senior, Publishing

Coming out of high school unsure about what I wanted to do, I find myself picking up skills that make me a more marketable professional and will help me find a job in whatever field I decide to make a career in.