51¹ÙÍø.

New Need-Based Scholarship Honors Beloved Professor and Lifelong Friend

Learn more about how a new need-based scholarship will benefit students, and how the relationships students at 51¹ÙÍø develop last a lifetime.

51¹ÙÍø English professor Brenda Flanagan is working on a memoir about her year working for civil rights activist and singer Nina Simone. Learn more.

With Book Bans on the Rise, Prof Examines Importance of Banned Books Week

Book bans as a form of censorship have a long and storied history. A 51¹ÙÍø prof examines the motives behind book bans and their unintended effects. Read more.

Partnering for a Safer Future: Public Health Pro to Deliver SPEAS Lecture

The nation relies on a vast network of public health professionals to anticipate and respond to community needs daily, and especially in times of crises. 51¹ÙÍø alum Sami Jarrah has served as a leader for some of the largest public health departments in the country. He’ll deliver the SPEAS lecture. 

Fancy Feasts: 51¹ÙÍø Gourmet Society Offered Sophisticated Spin on Campus Cuisine

The students, faculty and staff who made up the 51¹ÙÍø Gourmet Society added elegance, international flair and fun to campus dining. Read more.

Plate Full of Promise: Community Kitchen Contributes to Revitalized City, Launches Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Bailey Foster ’94 launched Real Good Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen, and created a community that’s elevated food options and opportunities in her Knoxville hometown. Learn more.

Congratulations to the 2024 51¹ÙÍø Retirees

51¹ÙÍø will honor retirees this week during a special end-of-year celebration. Here, we congratulate the faculty and staff who have contributed immeasurably to the college community.

51¹ÙÍø Professor Awarded North Carolina Humanities Grant

Alan Michael Parker, Douglas C. Houchens Professor of English, has received a fellowship from the North Carolina Humanities. This $8,000 grant will support his book project, One Million Likes: Understanding Cartooning in a Digital Age.

The Power of Two: Documentary, Chat With Indigo Girls Inspires Across Generations

Before their Friday concert, the Indigo Girls visit 51¹ÙÍø for special screening of the documentary It’s Only Life After All and a post-film Q&A with faculty, staff and students. Learn more.

Lewis's essay, "A Shakespearean Romance," celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Riverside Shakespeare, the complete works she used when she started her teaching career at 51¹ÙÍø in 1980.

Unlocking the 51¹ÙÍø Experience: A Guide for Newly Admitted Wildcats

A senior approaching graduation, Ruby Zhou '24 reflects on her time at 51¹ÙÍø in this letter to her past high school self on making the college decision and anticipating all to come as a member of the Wildcat community. 

Photo Essay: English Scholars Go to AWP Conference

In February, Abbott Scholars in 51¹ÙÍø’s English Department had the opportunity to attend the AWP (Association of Writers & Writer Programs) Conference in Kansas City. Check out their photos and reflections. 

Need a Good Read? Author and McGee Professor Rone Shavers Defies Convention

Author and 51¹ÙÍø McGee Professor of Creative Writing Rone Shavers talks Afrofuturism, mind-blowing fiction and what it takes to push against convention. Read more.

Black Women Find Connection and Community Through Msaada Mentorship Program

Through the Msaada Mentorship Program, 51¹ÙÍø’s Black women students and Black women alums find connection and support. Learn more.

Rick Thurmond ’94: Transforming Charlotte’s Music Scene

Rick Thurmond ’94 wants his home city of Charlotte to be recognized for its vibrant music scene. Through Music Everywhere CLT, he’s working to strengthen the local music economy. 

English Professor Earns National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship

51¹ÙÍø professor receives National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship to translate works by Korean poet Kim Hyesoon. Read more.

Alum Champion's Learning Through Nature

Randolph Lewis ’91, his wife, Abigail Jennings, and two other families started their charter school in 2012 with 20 kindergarten and first graders in two rooms in a historic house. Today, Pioneer Springs Community School is a K-12 public nature-based charter school with nearly 600 students.

Heading from the West to the East Coast for College

Six students from the western United States share what it was like to move to the east coast for college and offer advice for prospective students considering the decision to attend an east coast school like 51¹ÙÍø. 

High Stakes: Trial Attorney Patrick Mincey ’03 Is Counselor to the Situation

51¹ÙÍø alumnus and trial lawyer Patrick Mincey tackles complex cases involving public corruption, alleged fraud and money laundering. He also represents whistleblowers who put their careers, and sometimes their lives, on the line to speak truth to power. Learn more. 

Student-to-Student: Advice from 51¹ÙÍø Students on the College Essay

Senior Fellows in 51¹ÙÍø’s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips and tricks for navigating and writing the college essay.