Arts and Letters News

Living the dream

Kaitlin Porter (’06) and her wife and children are proof that even if you're living tiny, you can live large with more quality family time.

‘How can I be a solution?’

Alumna aims to leave her mark on the world through her advocacy, writing and poetry.

Media arts and design professor awarded fellowship to study representations of Black women in pop culture

Smalls’ research will use popular culture as an entryway to conversations on race, class, gender and power in television and digital media spaces.

Professor, students launch interactive map visualizing civilian death toll in Yemen

Drawing attention to drone attacks and civilian casualties in Yemen also has implications for human rights law and international humanitarian law.

JMU professors receive 4-VA grant to study Spanish-speaking communities' COVID experiences

A central goal of the project is to learn from the COVID-19 crisis to prepare for the next health crisis.

History professor awarded ACLS grant to study Russian peasantry

Moore plans to use her award to support the completion of her book manuscript on the Russian peasantry during WWI.

Serving the college

The 19 retirees have collectively contributed over 500 years of service to their units, the college, the university and the local community.

Alumna overcomes 'block' to create award-winning LGBTQ film

Despite her larger-than-life demeanor, Carrie Brennan carried a sinking feeling that she wasn’t living authentically.

‘Her work has made ours more meaningful’

Over the past two years, Angela Carter has “transform[ed] the department’s outreach, image and identity.”

JMU History professor receives prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship

Michael Gubser is one of approximately 175 individuals awarded prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships for 2021.

Virtual launch set for JMU center focused on African Diaspora studies

President Jonathan R. Alger will be among the guest speakers March 23 for a launch of the new African, African American, and Diaspora Studies Center.

‘Learning everyday’: Davic pinpoints gap in Marines’ stress inoculation

Truman Scholarship finalist Steven Davic reveals ‘the best weapon on the battlefield.’

‘Energy, creativity and insight’: College celebrates final cohort hires

With the addition of scholars Tiffany González and Ja’La Wourman, the College of Arts and Letters cohort hire is finalized.

Professors aid effort to increase mental health crisis intervention

More than 160 people with mental health concerns have been served with funding from a $750,000 grant obtained by a pair of JMU professors.

Three additional scholars join College of Arts and Letters cohort

Three scholars with research spanning social justice interventions, prison corrections and racial inequality have joined the College of Arts and Letters cohort hire.

Scholars of Latinx politics and Islam sign on for historic cohort hire

Rachel Torres and Cyril Uy are the first scholars to join the cohort working broadly across racial and social justice, minority cultures and critical race studies.

Looking to the future

Czech Republic, Taiwan, Maldova. Dukes set their sights on international exchange as they advance in most competitive cycle to date.

JMU sociologist dispels immigrant stereotypes in new book

In his first book, “Fútbol in the Park: Immigrants, Soccer, and the Creation of Social Ties” Trouille dispels some common myths about immigrants.

Silicon Valley executive gives back through English scholarship

The English scholarship created by Silicon Valley executive John Taschek aims to reach “young, potentially rudderless students,” like Taschek remembers himself as a young Duke.

‘Why don’t we put Marilou there?’

SMAD professor Marilou Moore Johnson ('80) went on to become one of JMU's most highly regarded — and sought after — administrators.

A "Commitment to Fairness and Justice"

The Whitten Maher Memorial Scholarship recognizes undergraduates in all JMU disciplines whose writing and design reflects Maher’s commitment to advocacy and change.

Page County drug treatment court to launch with boost from JMU professor

With help from JMU Political Science professor Amanda Teye, Page County will launch of a new adult drug treatment court this spring.