JMU’s Lauren K. Alleyne wins Joseph Brodsky Rome Prize

Lauren K. Alleyne, James Madison University’s executive director of the Furious Flower Poetry Center and a professor of English, has been awarded the 2026–27 Joseph Brodsky Rome Prize in Literature from the American Academy in Rome, one of the most prestigious fellowships in the arts and humanities.

Selected through a highly competitive national process, Alleyne is among 31 fellows chosen from 958 applicants nationwide, representing an acceptance rate of just 3.03 percent.

Alleyne received the award for a project proposal for her third poetry collection, tentatively titled “Forests of the 21st Century.” The work explores the Grimm fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel,” rewriting the narrative through hybrid forms to examine how stories evolve and endure across time and geography.

The Rome Prize supports innovative artists and scholars by providing time, space and a collaborative environment to advance their work in Rome. Fellows reside at the Academy’s 11-acre campus on Janiculum Hill for five to 10 months beginning in September 2026, engaging in cross-disciplinary exchange and creative exploration. Alleyne said her term will start in February and end in July.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime honor, and it is unspeakably rewarding to have a jury of renowned writers select me — and my work — for this amazing opportunity,” said Alleyne.

Alleyne’s recognition brings national distinction to JMU’s Department of English and its creative writing program, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence in scholarship and the arts.

“Lauren’s selection for the Joseph Brodsky Rome Prize is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her extraordinary talent, vision and leadership,” said Traci Zimmerman, dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “Her work continues to elevate JMU’s national profile in the literary arts, and this honor reflects not only her individual excellence but also the vibrant creative community she has helped cultivate through the Furious Flower Poetry Center. We are incredibly proud of Lauren and excited to see how this experience in Rome will further enrich her work and inspire our students and faculty,” said Zimmerman.

Rome Prize winners were recognized in April at the Janet and Arthur Ross Rome Prize Ceremony in New York City.

In addition to fellows, the Academy hosts visiting residents throughout the year, fostering collaboration and dialogue across disciplines as participants explore connections between past, present and future in Rome and throughout Italy.

The American Academy in Rome has supported leading artists and scholars for more than 130 years, with fellows selected annually by independent juries. The Academy awards fellowships in 13 disciplines, including literature, architecture, visual arts, and historic preservation.