Home / Blog / 2026 / Thomas Kneeland Receives DePauw University Alumni Citation

Anderson University Professor Thomas Kneeland Honored by DePauw University

The English professor and published poet inspires students to explore creativity, spirituality, and the power of words

ANDERSON, Ind. —Thomas Kneeland, an assistant professor of English at Anderson University, recently received an Alumni Citation from DePauw University for his outstanding professional achievement.

Kneeland is the author of the chapbook “We Be Walkin’ Blackly in the Deep,” and his work has been published in several prestigious literary journals.

Though he primarily writes poetry, he also writes creative nonfiction and fiction. He is currently working on a book about ancestry in Afro-Cuban and Afro-Indigenous contexts.

“I think of poetry as a way to unlock the soul,” Kneeland said. “In the same way that you know a doctor uses surgical tools, I think I like to use words to do the same thing.”

Poetry in the Classroom

Kneeland said his job is the perfect blend of ministry and creative writing.

With a background in worship arts, he said words are important in ushering people into a particular experience.

When some students look at poetry, they don’t really see the point.

“Mainly, I think, because of how it has been taught,” Kneeland said. “We are accustomed to studying more or less people who are no longer alive, and while we get some of the foundational principles there, we often miss its connection to the current day.”

His priority is exposing students to the contemporary poetry from the 20th century and beyond. While past poets were the pioneers who helped shape the world, poets today carry the baton forward.

“My contribution to students is thinking about how poetry works in a contemporary space and how they may begin to see themselves in what they read.”

Thomas Kneeland

“My contribution to students is thinking about how poetry works in a contemporary space and how they may begin to see themselves in what they read,” he said.

Korie Griggs, a fellow author, AU alum and friend of Kneeland’s, met him through the Indianapolis poetry and writing community. Through frequenting the same open mics and writing spaces, the two became like family, and Griggs refers to Kneeland as “Cousin Thomas.”

“Thomas is an incredible writer and educator,” she said. “He engages students in meaningful and intentional ways that not only teach better writing practices, but give students room to shape their own worldview through creativity and curiosity. I have had the honor of participating in Thomas’ workshops over the years, and they have always led me into deeper conversation with myself and the world around me.”

Griggs also had the opportunity to visit one of Kneeland’s classes at AU, where she spoke with students as they explored the concepts of writing and spirituality.

“It takes a gifted writer and educator to not only teach, but also lead by example in his own work,” Griggs said. “I am so proud of everything Thomas continues to accomplish and put out into the world!”

To Kneeland, it’s important that professors pursue other arts while teaching because they ask students to do the same thing.

“We say that we are preparing students for a life of faith and service to the church and society; the expectation is that it's not a one-off thing. We'll be doing this very thing until we're not doing it. For faculty, we should always be looking for ways to improve ourselves because as time shifts, everything around shifts too, and we should be a part of the shifting for good reason.”

Thomas Kneeland

assistant professor of English

“We say that we are preparing students for a life of faith and service to the church and society; the expectation is that it’s not a one-off thing. We’ll be doing this very thing until we’re not doing it. For faculty, we should always be looking for ways to improve ourselves because as time shifts, everything around shifts too, and we should be a part of the shifting for good reason.”

This shift doesn’t mean following trends.

“As time shifts, your work evolves, and hopefully you’re evolving in the process. I think there’s always something to explore, and for me that’s kind of like my life of faith and service in many ways,” Kneeland said.

Stefanie Leiter, chair of the Department of Humanities and associate professor of communication, said faculty who maintain an active writing portfolio or stay engaged in their own field bring those experiences directly into the classroom.

Strong communication and writing skills matter in every discipline, and professors who keep sharpening their craft model those skills for students.

“Thomas brings a fresh perspective that energizes both our students and department faculty,” she said. “He builds strong rapport with students and genuinely cares about their growth as writers.”

Academics, Featured News, People of AU, 2026