WORCESTER—The College of the Holy Cross brings two nationally recognized authors to its faculty this fall, appointing R.F. Kuang as its first Millard distinguished writer in residence and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah as the William H.P. Jenks chair in contemporary letters, according to an announcement from the college.
Both writers are expected to teach courses, mentor students and contribute to the college’s literary programming, expanding what school officials describe as an effort to connect students with prominent voices in contemporary writing.
“We are thrilled to welcome R.F. Kuang and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah to the Holy Cross community this fall,” Provost Elliott Visconsi said in the announcement. “As internationally renowned writers exploring identity, power, and justice, they elevate our academic excellence and deepen our belief in the power of writing.”
Kuang, a bestselling author known for works including “The Poppy War” trilogy, “Babel: An Arcane History and Yellowface,” serves in a role established in 2024 to bring prominent writers to campus. The position involves teaching two to three courses annually while working closely with students.
Adjei-Brenyah, author of the award-winning story collection Friday Black and the novel Chain-Gang All-Stars, joins the faculty under an endowed professorship created in 1988 to attract established writers for multi-year appointments.
College officials said both authors have previously visited campus this year for readings and discussions, drawing large audiences of students, faculty and community members.
Their appointments reflect Holy Cross’s broader emphasis on integrating contemporary writers into its academic programs and providing students with direct access to working authors.
With their arrival, the college said students now have opportunities to engage with writers whose work examines themes including identity, history, power and justice.
