On July 1, 2024, the Department of English welcomed Professor Elizabeth Hewitt as the new chair, succeeding Susan Williams’ term. Hewitt holds a PhD and an MA from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College. Her expertise spans pre-1900 American and African American literature, the intersection of economics and literature, and popular culture. She is currently researching the long history of science fiction, focusing on utopian fictions and experiments in the 19th century US. She has published four books; the most recent, Speculative Fictions: Explaining the Economy in the Early United States (Oxford UP, 2020), is a study of early American fiscal debates. She has also published many essays and encyclopedia entries and presented papers around the world.

Hewitt began her time at The Ohio State University in 1999 and since then has served the department and university at all levels, not only as a professor but also in administrative roles, including recent stints as director of undergraduate studies and as a university senator. When asked about her goals as chair, Hewitt emphasized her commitment to all members of the department as a fiscal supporter, community member and facilitator. As a fiscal supporter, she is committed to advocating for the department within the College of Arts and Sciences to ensure all members of the department can access the support they need. Beyond her role as a fiscal supporter, Hewitt believes in the importance of her role as facilitator to nurture “a community in which people feel appreciated and part of our shared enterprise.” She cites her research on utopianism as a guiding force as she assumes this position, emphasizing that she remains committed to “the belief that if you approach familiar structures with new eyes, you can make them better.”

Some of Hewitt’s favorite books are George Eliot’s Middlemarch, Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, and David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas. Both of her children are Buckeyes, and she loves discussions with her students during office hours about any topic, from poetry to textile arts to sports! Despite Hewitt being a well-known personality in the department, there are still some things her colleagues may not know. For example, she loves untangling knots and finds peace in chopping onions.

Hewitt will serve as chair until June 30, 2028. Be sure to visit 530 Denney Hall and congratulate her on her new position!