Spelman College is ushering in a new academic era by renaming its English Department to the Department of Literature, Media & Writing, a move that reflects the institution’s evolving approach to storytelling, creativity, and cultural representation. The decision, which became effective in October 2025, marks a significant shift toward a more inclusive and interdisciplinary framework. According to The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, the change comes as part of Spelman’s broader effort to reimagine how traditional disciplines meet the demands of today’s media-driven world. The announcement has sparked enthusiasm among students and faculty who see this as an opportunity to center diverse voices and prepare students for a wider range of creative industries.
Why Spelman College Adopted a New Department Name
The Spelman College new department name reflects more than a cosmetic rebranding—it’s an intentional realignment of curriculum and identity. Department Chair Dr. Patricia Ventura explained that the term “English” historically carried colonial implications that no longer align with Spelman’s mission as a globally minded, Black women’s liberal arts college. Under the new structure, the Department of Literature, Media & Writing will emphasize reading, writing, and media analysis through the lens of culture and identity. Courses in British and American literature will remain, but the major’s framework now centers storytelling across disciplines—from film and journalism to digital and visual media. As outlined on Spelman’s website, the department “foregrounds the study of Black women’s contributions to global cultural histories,” ensuring students graduate with a deeper understanding of media’s power to shape narratives.
Centering Black Women’s Voices in Media and Literature
For decades, Spelman College has championed the intellectual and creative leadership of Black women, and this renaming aligns with that legacy. A feature on Spelman News highlighted that the new department represents “a rewriting of the academic script,” acknowledging that the stories shaping the world today go far beyond the traditional Western canon. Students in the new major can explore a range of pathways including screenwriting, digital storytelling, cultural criticism, and multimedia production. The Spelman College new department name also underscores the importance of equipping graduates with the skills to excel in rapidly changing creative industries while preserving a foundation in critical thought and writing.
How the Change Reflects Broader HBCU Innovation
The academic evolution at Spelman mirrors a larger trend across HBCUs, where institutions are modernizing curricula to meet emerging opportunities in media, communication, and technology. As highlighted in the HBCU Buzz University News section, colleges like Howard and Hampton have also expanded programs that bridge traditional liberal arts with digital literacy. Spelman’s move sets a precedent for other HBCUs to rethink department names and structures that may no longer reflect the diversity of student interests or professional trajectories. The Spelman College new department name stands as an example of how HBCUs continue to evolve academically while staying true to their cultural missions.
A Step Toward the Future of Creative Scholarship
This update signals more than a symbolic shift—it’s a declaration of purpose. By transitioning from “English” to “Literature, Media & Writing,” Spelman College has aligned its academic identity with the future of storytelling, centering Black women’s narratives within the global media landscape. As Spelman continues to produce thought leaders, artists, and scholars, the renamed department represents both a tribute to its literary roots and an embrace of new creative frontiers. It’s a model of how HBCUs can remain at the forefront of educational innovation while honoring their legacy of cultural empowerment and excellence.