MSU College of Arts and Letters

10/23/2026

Michigan State University scholar Kinitra Brooks brings her expertise in Black horror and conjure traditions to a National Geographic TV series exploring how monster myths reflect anxieties about race, gender, and class. It premieres Oct. 24 on Disney+.

Read more: https://cal.msu.edu/news/from-black-horror-to-monster-myths-msu-scholar-kinitra-brooks-shares-her-expertise-in-new-national-geographic-series/

10/23/2026

Did you know a statue representing the mythical Greek story of Perseus stands on Grand River Ave. between Michigan State University's campus and downtown East Lansing?

“Andromeda” is a bronze sculpture by Michigan-based artist Anthony P. Frudakis picturing the mythological princess who was freed from her chains and “steps forward to take her place in the evening sky where she dances eternally.”

Frudakis draws inspiration from his Greek heritage and Classical Greek sculpture, creating artwork depicting historical, mythological, and spiritual figures.

You can find “Andromeda” in the median across from the MSU Broad Art Museum connecting the City of East Lansing with campus.

10/22/2026

To complement his Spanish coursework, Michigan State University student Anthony Wilson spent a summer in Valencia, Spain, through a cultural and language immersion program.

“Being outside of America finally and getting out of that bubble was just so eye-opening,” Wilson said. “There are so many languages that I could learn, so many cultures that I could experience, so many different ways that people live and grow up.”

Read more: https://cal.msu.edu/news/from-lansing-to-spain-msu-student-expands-his-world-through-education-abroad/

10/21/2026

Lucy Van Hof, a junior majoring in Religious Studies with a Peace and Justice Studies minor, was nominated for the national Award for Academic Achievement Abroad presented by The Forum on Education Abroad.

The nomination was for Van Hof's research project, “Seeds of Change: John Paul Lederach’s Transformation Theory in Monteverde Quaker Friends Meeting" and for her work helping a local Costa Rican community navigate organizational change and envision its future.

More: https://cal.msu.edu/news/msu-student-nominated-for-national-award-for-community-engaged-research-in-costa-rica/

10/20/2026

Proud of this: Michigan State University ranks #36 worldwide and #17 in the U.S. for its arts and humanities research, according to the U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities for 2026-2027. 💚 🤍

10/16/2026

From 1920s printing presses to modern digital design, MSU Experience Architecture student Julia Bolash is finding inspiration in both the past and present. As co-founder of the Spartan Printing Association, she is helping preserve the art of letterpress printing while exploring how design, technology, and accessibility can shape the future.

Read her story: https://cal.msu.edu/news/experience-architecture-student-finds-inspiration-in-1920s-printing-presses/

10/14/2026

MSU Department of Romance and Classical Studies Instructor Brandon Conley connects students in the Classical Society Club with the past through the opportunity to clean and examine centuries-old Roman coins.

Michigan State University Classical Society club held an annual ancient Roman coin cleaning for students to learn more about their historical significance and to connect with ancient history beyond the classroom.

10/13/2026

The MSU College of Arts and Letters recognized two people for their exceptional contributions to mentoring undergraduate students outside the classroom.

The 2026 undergraduate mentorship awardees are Casey McArdle and Christy Stehouwer. Congrats!

Read more: https://cal.msu.edu/news/2026-outstanding-undergraduate-mentorship-award-recipients-honored/

10/13/2026

The MSU College of Arts and Letters recently recognized five faculty members for their outstanding leadership, teaching, innovation, and community engagement, as well as their impact in enhancing curriculum and student experiences.

The 2026 faculty awardees include Zarena Aslami in the Department of English; Jonathan Choti in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures; Tim Conrad in the Department of English; Casey McArdle in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures; and Charlene Polio in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures. Congrats!

Read more: https://cal.msu.edu/news/2026-faculty-award-winners-recognized-for-outstanding-achievement/

10/12/2026

The MSU College of Arts and Letters recognized 10 staff members and a staff team for their dedication, service, and leadership that supports the success and impact of the college, its people, and its programs.

The 2026 awardees include Katie Crombe, Heather Dainton, Allison Fox, Melissa French, Ashley Housler, Justin Kenton, Carrie Lewis, Rugelio Ramereiz, Suzie Reed, Marina Valli, and School of Residential Community-Engaged Arts and Humanities staff members.

Read more: https://cal.msu.edu/news/2026-staff-award-winners-recognized-for-exceptional-dedication-service-and-leadership/