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News

Mal Layne: From ISU, to Juilliard, to the World Stage

Trombonist Mal Layne’s journey is a powerful story of perseverance, mentorship, and following her passion.

Profile photo of Mal holding her trombone and standing outside in front of a tree. Words say Play your butt off and be nice to everybody. Mal Music 2022 Professional Musician
Mal Layne

Animation Industry Leader Eric Anderson Exclusive Virtual Guest Lecture

Eric Anderson, senior animator at Epic Games and former Pixar artist, will present an exclusive virtual guest lecture offering the public a rare opportunity to learn from an industry leader.

Covers of the game Fortnite and the movies Elemental Encanto Inside Out 2 Rio2 Ice Age and Spies in Disguise.
Eric Anderson

Highlights of the Upcoming Frank Church Symposium

Visit us on social media to learn about our panelists and speakers and the exciting lineup of topics at this years' symposium!

Learn About Our Guests
Keynote Speaker
2025 Schedule

ISU's School of Performing Arts Presents

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

You are invited to join us for an exhilarating production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, running April 11, 12, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m., with a special matinee on April 19 at 2 p.m.

 5 members of the cast (the main characters) stand in the rotunda in front of pillars. They have serious facial expressions.
Percy Jackson
Headshot of author and ISU student smiling

Acclaimed Author Engages ISU Students in Disability and Literature Discussion

Renowned Catalan author Màrius Serra engaged ISU graduate students in a powerful discussion on literature and disability, offering unique insights into representation, accessibility, and personal storytelling.

Serra
Graphic image of a black marbled square with an arange and white drawing of a microphone. Words say ISU Impact Engaging with the College of Arts and Letters.

Latest Episode: Service is in Our DNA

This episode of KISU features siblings Victor and Cythia “Cindy” Joe as they discuss their lifelong dedication to service, the significance of the Chinese Lunar New Year as a celebration of family and community, and their impactful work in affordable housing, immigration advocacy, education, and mentorship.

Listen Here

Faculty Achievements

Congratulations to our College of Arts and Letters Outstanding Faculty Recipients!

Dr. Lauren MacDonald and Dr. Marie Stango (History) received the Outstanding Teacher Award for their inspiring mentorship and innovative teaching.


Dr. Raphael Njoku (History) earned the Outstanding Researcher Award for his impactful contributions to scholarship.


Dr. Elizabeth Redd (Anthropology), Dr. Karen Hartman (Communication, Media, and Persuasion), and Dr. Mona Xu (Psychology) received the Outstanding Service Award for their leadership and dedication to university and community engagement.

Headshots of six ISU faculty

Student Achievements

International Student Voices: Najmeh Dehghanitafti from Iran

Najmeh Dehghanitafti, a recent PhD graduate in English, reflects on her academic journey, highlighting the comprehensive English and TESOL program, her multicultural teaching experience, and supportive faculty.

Najmeh speaking at a confrence
Read about Najmeh
Headshot of Ailun

Clinical Psychology Students Achieve 100% Internships Match


Six clinical psychology doctoral students have successfully matched with their top-choice internships through the competitive APPIC process for the 2025 academic year.

Internships
Headshot of Gabby

Gabby Perez's Next Step in Advancing Mental Health Care


Perez, a Clinical Psychology graduate, has accepted a forensic psychology fellowship at Patton State Hospital serving underserved populations in the criminal justice system.

Gabby Perez

Events

Explore Our Calendars

There’s more happening this month than we can list here—don’t miss out on exciting events and experiences!

ISU Event Calendar
Performing Arts Calendar
Eric Anderson Headshot

ISU Visiting Artist Scholar Presenters Program: Eric Anderson

April 2 | 2:30-3:30 PM | Zoom In-person viewing at Room 401, Fine Arts Building


Anderson, who has contributed to major films like Inside Out 2, Elemental, Lightyear, and Encanto, will share insights into the animation industry and creative processes behind these iconic productions.

Eric Anderson Headshot

Fulbright Program Information Panel

April 17 | 11 AM | Wood River Room, Pond Student Union Building


Learn about fully funded opportunities to research or teach abroad for a year through the U.S. Fulbright Program. Open to graduating seniors, graduate students, and faculty, this panel features past awardees followed by a Q&A session.

Students studying and eating pizza

2025 Cramsesh

April 24 | 3-6 PM | REND Suites.



Join us for a productive and fun work session and enjoy pizza, acks, prizes, and quiet camaraderie! Bring your projects and laptops—set goals, get things done, and celebrate your progress with a supportive group!

Announcements

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Funds for Student Travel: Apply Now


Funding is available for undergraduate student travel! Submit your proposal to present your research or creative work at conferences, exhibits, or recitals. enhance your résumé, expand your network, and gain valuable professional experience that can open doors to future opportunities.


Request for Proposals – 2024-2025 Undergraduate Student Travel

Donations to the College of Arts and Letters directly support student scholarships and experiential learning opportunities. Please visit our Giving page to make a difference today.

Contact us. We'd love to hear from you!

208-282-3204 | cal@isu.edu

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