Hope’s Department of English cultivates vision, insight and imagination.

We do this through individual and collaborative practices of writing and reading that bridge boundaries within the global community. 

We’re a collaborative community where students and faculty challenge each other intellectually and creatively.

English students at Hope dive deep into literature of every kind and learn how to improve their writing with masters of the craft. Through composition, creative writing and literature classes, our students become more artistic in their scholarship and more knowledgeable in their creativity.

Small classes and one-on-one collaboration foster an environment that is both demanding and encouraging. We offer a wide range of unique courses taught by professors who love what they do and take joy in furthering their students intellectually, spiritually and socially. Being a part of our department is much more than time spent in class and individual coursework.

The department is dedicated to offering its students plenty of opportunities to supplement their learning and engage in it. From on-campus activities and guest speakers to volunteer opportunities, highly sought-after workshops and student-faculty collaboration, English students at Hope actively involve themselves in gaining practical experience and making unforgettable memories. Every student’s experience in the program is distinctive, tailored to his or her interests and passions. We work together and support each other.

Meet Some of our faculty And staff

We love our faculty and staff, and think you will, too. Get to know some of our English professors and hear them share about favorite authors, their favorite things about Hope and more.

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Kathleen Verduin
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Jesus Montaño
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Dr. Ernest Cole
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Dr. Marla Lunderberg
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Prof. Curtis Gruenler
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Dr. William Pannapacker

Recent blog posts

  1. Changing Environments, Changing Identities: Tsering Yangzom Lama and Shane McCrae

    Posted by English Department '

    Written by Madeline Chrome ‘26 On Tuesday, February 20th, a crowd of Hope College students and ...

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  2. New Faculty Spotlight: Professor Liddell

    Posted by English Department '

    Interview conducted by Piper Daleiden, Hope College English and Psychology Major, Student Managin...

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  3. Yes, And!: How Hope English Builds Friendships That Last a Lifetime

    Posted by English Department '

    Hannah Jones ’21 and Aine O’Connor ’20 first met as teaching assistants for Natalie Dykstra...

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  4. Where in the World Can Your English Degree Take You? Alumni Spotlight with Natalie Weg (’20)

    Posted by English Department '

    Interview conducted by Piper Daleiden, Hope College English and Psychology Major, Student Managin...

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  5. Rooted in Family, Rooted in History: Big Read Author Conversation with Yaa Gyasi  

    Posted by English Department '

    Written by Piper Daleiden, Hope College English and Psychology Major, Student Managing Editor for...

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  6. Winners Announced for the Hope College Academy of American Poets Prize 2024

    Posted by English Department '

    Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Hope College Academy of American Poets (AAP) ...

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