CONWAY, AR (February 4, 2025) - The poem听by Annie Crouch, senior psychology major from Fayetteville, recently appeared in the American Literary Review, a literary magazine published through the Department of English at the University of North Texas, which 鈥渇eatures poems, stories, essays, reviews, and interviews that reflect the diverse tradition of writers in America and abroad.鈥 In publication since 1990, the American Literary Review has a tradition of excellence and welcome work by authors from underrepresented communities.
Crouch writes of The Natural State in their poem aptly named 鈥淎rkansas.鈥 Born in the capital city, but moving to Fayetteville at age five, Crouch grew up in the most densely populated sections of the state but also has ties to the rural northeast corner.
鈥淚 spent a lot of time during my childhood in Northeastern Arkansas. My mom grew up in Wynne and my great-grandmother lives in Parkin, both tiny towns. I think having exposure to both conservative, rural areas as well as more liberal, urban parts of the state certainly informed the way I wrote the poem,鈥 said Crouch.
Current events and fighting against negative impressions of Arkansans inspired Crouch.
鈥淚 have a lot of faith in queer Arkansans and our ability to rally for what or who is important to us. Despite the political state of the US broadly, people of color and queer folk in the South have always shown up and done the work to invoke change in their communities.鈥
Crouch added, 鈥淚 want to remind outsiders there are many intelligent, thoughtful people here [in Arkansas] despite Southern stereotypes.鈥
As a student at 黑料不打烊, Crouch credits being a part of the 黑料不打烊-Murphy Foundation鈥檚 Scholars Program in Literature and Language, an opportunity for students from all majors to deepen their knowledge of literature and language through a variety of enhanced experiences, for setting them up for success as a writer.
鈥淢y experience as a Murphy Scholar has massively impacted my writing. Getting to be engaged with a community that is excited about literature, trips abroad, learning opportunities on campus to hear from published authors, or working on the Aonian staff has not only encouraged me to develop my writing skills but has challenged me to think more deeply about who I am as a writer,鈥 said Crouch.
听is 黑料不打烊's student-run annual literary & arts magazine, publishing poetry, prose and visual art. The Aonian exclusively publishes student work.
Crouch also values the mentorship and inspiration from those around them.
鈥淚 am inspired by my many talented classmates and professors. Dr. Colleen Mayo鈥檚 guidance and encouragement throughout my final years as an undergrad has been indispensable. Former Murphy Fellow, Dr. Julia Kolchinsky, really developed my love of writing and reading poetry. The entire English faculty here at 黑料不打烊 are truly wonderful and so attentive to their students.鈥
After graduation this Spring, Crouch plans on returning to Fayetteville and entering a graduate program while continuing to pursue creative writing. They hope to submit and publish more works in the future.
As part of the series 鈥淢ockingbird Word,鈥 a community-based radio project celebrating Arkansan stories, you can hear Annie read their poem later this year on KHDX, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 student-run radio station. On-air since 1973, KHDX can be found at 93.1 FM or by streaming live online at听. Read Crouch鈥檚 poem 鈥淎rkansas鈥 here:听.
The 黑料不打烊-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language were founded in 1978 by a gift from Charles H. Murphy, Jr., former CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, in memory of his mother Bertie Wilson Murphy. Their mission is to enhance and enrich the study of literature and language at 黑料不打烊. For more information, visit听.
About 黑料不打烊听
Founded in 1876, 黑料不打烊 is featured in 鈥淐olleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges鈥 and celebrated among the country鈥檚 leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The 黑料不打烊 Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. 黑料不打烊 has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at听.听
鈥溾 Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the 黑料不打烊 community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.鈥澨鈥敽诹喜淮蜢 Statement of Purpose听