ODU College of Arts & Letters

10/20/2026

The art of writing is alive and well at Old Dominion University. Drop by The Writing Center and you’ll see students learning how to build sturdy sentences and shape a singular style.

Located within Old Dominion University’s Perry Library and run by the College of Arts and Letters, the center offers free writing support for all University students. As many as 20 tutors — all English graduate students — offer guidance.

More good news: This fall, the center moved into a bigger, better-equipped room within the library, Room 1313.

Center Director Megan Boeshart said it is now roughly double its previous size.
“We conduct a lot of workshops over the course of the academic year, but we really couldn't offer [the pervious center] as the location for the workshops. There just wasn't enough room!” she wrote. “Now, we can invite classes to our physical space.”

She said the center now features offices that can be used for online appointments or by students who need quiet quarters to compose prose.

“The tutors have already started decorating and trying to make the space as welcoming to students as we can,” Boeshart said. “We've even got some potted plants that have joined us, including Trimothy the pothos plant.” Pothos is a popular climbing houseplant. “We're seeking name suggestions for our other front desk plant, too! Students can come by the Writing Center and share their ideas on the whiteboard.”

Let the word games begin!

Photo 1. A contractor applies lettering to the Writing Center’s exterior glass wall.
Photo 2. David Robinson, an English graduate student and tutor, stands at the center’s entrance
Photo 3. Jordan Cohen, an English graduate student and tutor, shows off some of the center’s fall décor.
Photo 4. Megan Boeshart, senior lecturer of English and director of the Writing Center poses in the center’s new space.
Photo 5. Trimothy, the Writing Center’s plant/mascot, on duty at the front desk.

Photos by Sam McDonald

10/15/2026

In a time of rapid technological change, ODU will help train a new generation of national security experts — citizens equipped with an understanding of both technical and geopolitical issues.

When national security leaders face fast-moving threats and rapid technological change, the central challenge is rarely a lack of technology or information. Rather, it is knowing how to integrate emerging tools — from artificial intelligence to autonomous systems — into reliable capabilities tha...

10/10/2026

It’s time to turn the page, but not before pausing to appreciate the joyful eruption of creative energy brought to us by Old Dominion University’s 49th annual Literary Festival.

Wonder was in full effect!

Amazing writers, artists, curators and game designers — some students, some faculty, some acclaimed guests — shared their work, their thoughts, their emotional depth during four days of readings, workshops and conversations.

The human ability to connect through stories was center stage, whether the topic was giant puppets, video games or poetry.

These images show members of the Old Dominion University creative community spreading the wonder that can only come from making something uniquely meaningful.

Photo 1: A participant in the Room to Wonder ODU Fall 2026 Game Jam competition shows off his event-appropriate attire. Image by Julian Robbins

Photo 2: Another scene from the Game Jam. Image by Julian Robbins

Photo 3: English Professor John McManus shows off his whimsical side during the Game Jam. Puppet made by Professor Kevin Moberly. Image by Julian Robbins

Photo 4: English Professor and Eminent Scholar Luisa Igloria leads a workshop on Coptic bookbinding. Image by Sam McDonald

Photo 5: Participants in the Coptic bookbinding hard at work. Image by Sam McDonald

Photo 6: MFA student Grace Terry reads from one of her stories included in “Brackish Waters,” a new collection of literary works that explores the diverse character of Hampton Roads. Image by Sam McDonald

Photo 7: Copies of “Brackish Waters” on sale during the launch party for that collection and another anthology, “Constellate.” Image by Sam McDonald

Photo 8: The promotional materials for this year’s Literary Festival featured art by Norfolk artist and Old Dominion University alum Lorraine Fink.
ODU Department of English Arts@ODU Old Dominion University

10/09/2026

Can't make it to the Library of Virginia to see the "Envisioning Revolution" exhibition? Don't worry, the exhibition — or a scaled-down version of it — has come to Old Dominion University's Perry Library. Next week, the student artists who created portraits of unheralded Virginians from the Revolutionary War era will talk about their work.

10/02/2026

Change is in the air!

In the College of Arts and Letters, autumn 2026 brings new leadership.

Dean Zaryab Iqbal was selected to lead the College after Dean Laura Delbrugge announced plans to return to faculty.

Dr. Iqbal also serves as dean of the University’s Perry Honors College. She’ll continue in that role while also leading Arts and Letters as interim dean.

“I come to Old Dominion University with a true dedication to the overarching mission of public institutions committed to serving the educational needs of all students,” Dr. Iqbal said soon after her appointment. “This opportunity to serve is absolutely priceless to me.”

Dean Iqbal joined Old Dominion University in 2025 following 18 years at Pennsylvania State University. Besides her work as an administrator, she is a professor of Political Science, International Studies and Jewish Studies.

Welcome, Dr. Iqbal. Our journey together has just begun!

09/28/2026

Admiral Samuel Paparo — who earned a Master of Arts in International Studies from Old Dominion University — is on the cover of the current Time magazine. And no wonder. His job couldn't be more vital.

U.S Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo’s force covers more than half the earth’s surface. His goal? Winning without fighting.

09/22/2026

Old Dominion University is a place where your career can begin and flourish -- sometimes in surprising ways. In a few short years, Elijah Hoskin went from playing football at S.B. Ballard Stadium to protecting public safety there as an Old Dominion University police officer assigned to football coach Ricky Rahne.

When Elijah Hoskin (B.S. ’25) ran out of the tunnel with Old Dominion University’s football team at the home opener against Norfolk State University on September 5, it wasn’t his first time running onto the field. But, this time, he was wearing a badge instead of a jersey.

09/18/2026

In the College of Arts and Letters, 2026 is unofficially considered The Year of Fran. Here's why:

Step into the office of Fran Hassencahl, Ph.D., a professor who has taught at Old Dominion University since 1976, and you are immersed in a half-century of ideas, exploration and whimsy. On shelves above and near her desk, figurines, flags, fabrics, spices, plants and photos jostle for space. A toy....

09/06/2026

It’s go time for the Monarch Marching Band and Old Dominion University’s new director of athletic bands, Dr. Zach NewCheever, who started work over the summer.

Saturday night’s football game versus Norfolk State University was the season’s kickoff and band’s first major performance of the Fall 2026 season.

Dr. NewCheever said he’s incredibly excited to be in the role.

“The marching band is in a great place right now and is looking for more growth and opportunities,” he wrote. “The Diehn School of Music faculty is committed to providing a top-notch experience for our students and it gives me great joy to be joining this culture.”

Field conductor Greg Bonistalli Jr. said the director is already making a big impact. “He really cares about the program,” the sophomore said. “He keeps pushing us to be better and better. I’m excited to see where the season takes us.”

Go, Monarchs!

Good luck, Monarch Marching Band!

Welcome, Dr. NewCheever!

Old Dominion University Bands Diehn School of Music Monarch Athletic Bands

09/03/2026

With the November general and special elections just eight weeks away, Old Dominion University political science students are gearing up and reaching out.

There’s much to study, much to discuss.

On Tuesday, students active with the Political Science Association held an event called PSA Palooza on Kaufman Mall to recruit members and inform fellow Monarchs about elections and related issues.

Shakylia Jones, a sophomore political science major, is the association’s director of political action. She’ll be part of a voter registration drive later this month as well an information session where voters can learn facts about candidates. “Because your voice does matter,” she said.

Matthew Juarez, president of the association, described PSA Palooza as a success. “It was inspiring to see so many students excited to discuss the many connections that politics has to their life, and how they can make a difference,” he wrote.

The association’s week of outreach continues 12:30 p.m. today, Sept. 3, with a Pizza & Politics event just outside the Batten Arts and Letters Building.

Photo No. 1. Shakylia Jones of the Old Dominion University Political Science Association during PSA Palooza on Kaufman Mall

Photo No. 2. A member of the Pre-Law Association speaks shares information about the group

Photo No. 3. President of the Old Dominion University Political Science Association Matthew Juarez, left, with Associate Professor Jesse Richman