Harding University Provost Larry Long today announced the selection of Dr. Terry Engel as chairperson of the University’s English department. The appointment is effective June 1.

Engel will replace Dr. John Williams, who will retire at the end of the spring semester. Williams has been a member of the faculty since 1992 and chair of the department since 2007.

Engel was chosen following a search, which included input from the department faculty; a review by Dr. J. Warren Casey, who serves as dean of the College of Arts and Humanities; and approval by President Bruce McLarty.

“I believe Dr. Engel will continue the creative leadership within the department,” Long said in making the announcement to the campus today. “He brings good listening and teamwork skills to the position. I was impressed with Dr. Engel as he engaged in the application and interview process.”

Engel has been a member of the department’s faculty since 2001. He received his baccalaureate degree from Mississippi State University and master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi.

“Dr. Engel has a fine understanding of the current state of the department, and he enjoys strong support among his English colleagues. He is earnest in his desire to foster faculty development, expand course offerings for our students, and bring stimulating guest lecturers to the University campus,” Casey said.

Engel is a published author and a scholar whose interests include poetry, film, and both fiction and non-fiction writing.