English

Are you ready to begin your journey?

The study of English language and literature enriches students’ lives by engaging with evocative authors, ideas, and language across historical periods, cultures, and national literatures. Because people read to be entertained, to be surprised, and to be inspired, we believe that all students benefit from integrating literature with writing on analytical, creative, and professional levels.

The University of Montevallo was recently ranked as the TOP UNIVERSITY in Alabama for the study of English Language and Literature according to Niche’s 2023 Best Colleges for English in Alabama.

Vibrant community

Our tight-knit group of students build community through events like our visits to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Sigma Tau Delta’s Halloween Horror Trivia Party, and The Tower’s Valentine’s Day “Sappy Love Poetry Contest.”

Distinguished guests

UM regularly hosts readings and discussions with local and nationally known authors through organizations like the Poetry@UM Reading Series and the BACHE Visiting Writers’ Series. Recent visiting writers have included PEN Literary Award Winner Jean Guerrero, New York Times bestseller Michael Tisserand, Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Tretheway, and current US Poet Laureate Ada Limón.

Innovative experiences

Initiatives like the Walden Studio, visits to New Orleans, and classes on cooking in the time of Shakespeare connect the study of language and literature to real world experience.

Award-winning faculty

Nationally acclaimed writer and UM creative writing professor Ashley Wurzbacher releases her new novel How To Care For a Human Girl with Atria Books this year.

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Paul Mahaffey

Professor and Chair

mahaffey@montevallo.edu

Susan Martin

Administrative Assistant II

martinsg@montevallo.edu

Are you ready to begin your journey?

Vibrant community

Distinguished guests

Innovative experiences

Award-winning faculty

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Department of English