Welcome to the UH Hilo English Department

Our English program reflects the diversity of our student population and our location in the Pacific through a well-rounded, culturally balanced curriculum.

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Welcome to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's English department. Our English program reflects the diversity of our student population and our location in the Pacific through a well-rounded, culturally balanced curriculum. Courses in composition, literature, film, and creative writing provide students with solid foundations in all aspects of the discipline, preparing graduates for a variety of career opportunities.

Did You Know?

More Did You Know...

The University

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is characterized as a comprehensive, diverse, regional university. Scholarship and research are an important part of faculty work and student engagement, but the primary focus is on providing high-quality baccalaureate and postgraduate education.

Second Hawaiʻi International Conference on English Language and Literature Studies (HICELLS 2023)

The Department of English is organizing the Second Hawaiʻi International Conference on English Language and Literature Studies (HICELLS) with its theme “Research and Teaching in English Language and Literature” at UH Hilo main campus on March 10-11, 2023. The conference aims to provide an avenue for research scholars in the fields of English language and literature Studies to share their expertise with other scholars, researchers, and students from various international backgrounds, and to discuss among scholars and educators the new trends in research and pedagogy in English language and Literature.

Student Experiences in Our Programs

Outside of the classroom students have the opportunity to participate in field-related internships and work positions through the Research, Internship, Applied Learning, and Employment Opportunities and the SECE system , as well as the opportunity to publish writing and art in UH Hilo's student-run publications.

Our Faculty and Staff

We are your academic ʻohana. We teach the vast majority of courses, using best practices from education research.

Leanne Day
Leanne Day
Assistant Professor, English
Francis Dumanig
Francis Dumanig
Associate Professor, English; Program Coordinator, TESOL Certificate, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Patsy Y. Iwasaki
Patsy Y. Iwasaki
Assistant Professor, English
William Lawrenz
William Lawrenz
Lecturer, English
Seri I. Luangphinith
Seri I. Luangphinith
Professor, English
Justina Mattos
Justina Mattos
Chair, Performing Arts; Associate Professor, Drama
Kirsten Mollegaard
Kirsten Mollegaard
Chair and Professor, English
Mark T. Panek
Mark T. Panek
Professor, English
Suzanne Romaine
Suzanne Romaine
Affiliate Professor, English
Kimberly Russell
Kimberly Russell
Instructor, English
Lauri R. Sagle
Lauri R. Sagle
Instructor, English; Director of Composition
Susan Wackerbarth
Susan Wackerbarth
Instructor, English; Creative Writing Coordinator

Contact Us!

Please contact us for more information, a site visit, or a Zoom meeting.