Chiyuma “Chi” Elliott, Professor in the Department of English, has moved into the role of department chair effective July 1, replacing Walt Hunter who has moved into the dean’s office as the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Academic Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Elliott arrived at CWRU one year ago and continues to build upon an already impressive resume. Her scholarly work focuses on poetry and the Harlem Renaissance. She is the author of The Rural Harlem Renaissance (forthcoming from Oxford University Press) and four books of poetry, most recently Blue in Green (Phoenix Poets series, University of Chicago, 2021). Elliott has received fellowships from the American Philosophical Society, Cave Canem, the Stegner program at Stanford University, and the Vermont Studio Center. Elliott is co-primary investigator of the African American Intellectual Traditions Initiative.
It was after her initial meetings with faculty and undergraduates that she knew she wanted to join the CWRU community. Now Elliott looks forward to helping faculty educate and mentor students so that they prosper during and after their time on campus.
“I think my colleagues are used to how talented the students are here,” Elliott said. “But as someone newer to CWRU, it still feels like a miracle when someone spontaneously asks a question in a seminar about frame tales, syntax, or the difference between alliteration and consonance. It’s easy to care about this place and to want to work hard to make it even better.”
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, David Gerdes looks forward to seeing Elliott take her place as department chair.
“Professor Elliott is not only an exceptional scholar, but a thoughtful and visionary leader who will build on the momentum that Walt Hunter created during his three years as chair,” Gerdes said. “I’m looking forward to working with her and am grateful for her willingness to step into this important role.”
“Professor Elliott is a tested leader with a national reputation for scholarship and creative writing,” Walt Hunter added. “She has the experience and the vision to take the department to new heights.”
You can reach Elliott at 216.368.1041 or via email.