Elevating the Next Generation of Storytellers
At the heart of our work is the belief that stories, language, and critical thinking change lives. In the English Department at Northern Arizona University, we help students find their voices, understand others, and imagine futures they may not yet see for themselves.
This work matters because when students learn to read closely, write with purpose, and think ethically, they gain tools not only for careers, but for meaningful participation in a complex and divided world.
Our students go on to work in editing, publishing, become artists, work in industry, work in philanthropy and non-profits. There is no limit to what an English major can do!
Your Impact on Giving Day
Now more than ever, the humanities are critical as we face the implementation of artificial intelligence. With the broader focus on vocational and technical education, we are concerned the vital literacy skills of critical thinking and communication, the social emotional skills the humanities foster, the importance of creativity to live a whole hearted and vital life will be discounted.
This year alone, we have more than 40 English students who wish to travel to present their scholarly and creative activity. Currently, we are unable to fund student travel outside of a select few scholarships.
Here's how your collective support makes a direct impact:
$1,000 Allows English to...
- Fund travel for students to present scholarly and creative activity
- Remove barriers for students
$5,000 Allows English to...
- Offer finish line funds for students struggling to pay their bills and complete their studies
- Support student retention and graduation rates
$10,000 Allows English to...
- Connect with broader communities
- Create programming for local K-12 students
Meet MA Student, Jackline Ballang '26
Already, support from generous members of Lumberjack country is elevating English students, both graduate and undergraduate. Jackline's story is a leading example of how financial support allows students to excel.
Hear Jackline's story from English Department Chair, Dr. Angie Hansen:
"Jackline Ballang, a second year MA in English-Literature student, has achieved so much because of the opportunities presented by Department of English and College of Arts & Letters awards. At the end of her first year, she was the recipient of the Bryan Short Memorial Award which enabled her travel to the Dream Lab Digital Humanities Summer Institute at University of Pennsylvania. She also received support from the College of Arts & Letters McDonald Anderson Travel Award and the Department of English’s Mary A. Hill Award for Academic Excellence; both helped support her travel to the New Directions in Humanities Conference at the University of Hawaii where she presented her research paper, “Distant Reading of Ecological Narratives in African Literature and American Literature: A Computational Approach to Global Environmental Discourse.”
"... Without a doubt, this support and these professional opportunities, have paved the way for her future success as a PhD candidate; while decisions are still pending, she has gained admission to a competitive national university with full funding, has numerous finalist interviews at prestigious programs, and is waiting to hear from all others."
Thank You for Elevating English
By donating to the English Department, you empower students and faculty to participate in enriching events that celebrate literature, writing, and the transformative power of storytelling. Together, we can cultivate an environment where ideas flourish, voices resonate, and future leaders are inspired to make a lasting impact through the art of words.
Thank you for your #AxeofKindness!
