About

The Department of English and Creative Writing at the University of Rhode Island
welcomes all. We believe in offering every student the opportunity to thrive in an
inclusive environment.

Our faculty and students research, study, and create in a challenging and supportive
atmosphere that fosters intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and mutual respect.

In 2020 and 2021, we wrote statements expressing our support for our diverse student body in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and violent attacks on Asian and transgender people.

In the Department of English and Creative Writing, we continue to celebrate the power of literature to remake the world.

180Undergraduates
37Graduate Students
17Full-Time Faculty

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs


Department of English Affiliated Programs/Publications


Annual Scholarship Awards

The Nancy Potter Scholarship is awarded annually to a junior English major for excellence in English studies (selected by the Department of English).                 

The Edna L. Steeves Scholarship is awarded annually to an English major with high academic achievement (selected by the Department of English).

The Rox-Ellene Greenlaw Memorial English Scholarship provides funds to a female third-year English major who is a Rhode Island resident. Based on academic excellence and achievement, dedication to studies, personal integrity, willingness to assist others, and love of the literary arts (selected by the Department English).

The Dana Shugar Memorial Scholarship is awarded in alternate years by the Departments of English and Gender and Women’s Studies to a female undergraduate student, based on academic excellence and financial need.

The Gertrude Spencer Scholarship is awarded to an English major for excellence in written command of the English language.

The Beverly Swan Endowment supports a female English major. Financial need and academic achievement are considered.