Shenandoah Literary Journal: A Legacy of Diverse Voices
For decades, Shenandoah has served as a vital platform for literary expression, evolving from a modest student-run quarterly into a prestigious biannual journal. Based at Washington and Lee University, the publication is dedicated to showcasing diverse voices, operating on the belief that reading from the perspective of others fosters empathy, expands global understanding, and heightens personal awareness.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1949 by Washington and Lee University faculty.
- Current Editor: Professor Beth Staples (since 2018).
- Publication Frequency: Biannual (Spring and Fall).
- Format: Fully digital since 2011.
- Affiliation: Supported by the Office of the Dean of the College at Washington and Lee University.
A Rich Literary History
The journal was established in 1949 by a group of faculty members, including English professor Samuel Ashley Brown. In its early years, it provided a space for undergraduate talent, publishing the fiction and poetry of students such as Tom Wolfe.
During the 1950s, under the influence of founding student editor Thomas H. Carter, the journal gained national prominence. This era was marked by correspondence and contributions from legendary Southern writers and poets, including William Faulkner, E. E. Cummings, William Carlos Williams, and Ezra Pound.
From the 1960s through the 1980s, faculty member James Boatwright expanded the scope of the journal, introducing occasional theme issues and a 35th-anniversary anthology. The publication reached a new milestone in 1995 when R. T. Smith was appointed as the first full-time editor, a position he held for twenty-three years until his retirement in 2018.
Modern Operations and Academic Integration
Today, Shenandoah is edited by English professor Beth Staples. The journal is housed in Mattingly House on the Washington and Lee campus and receives funding through the Office of the Dean of the College.
The magazine is not only a publication but also an educational tool. Through a dedicated intern program, undergraduate students work directly for the journal, learning the craft of editing—the professional process of refining and preparing text for publication—as part of an academic course within the English Department. A board of university advisors provides ongoing guidance to ensure the journal's continued excellence.
In 2011, the journal transitioned away from print, making its entire archive and current issues available online.
A Pantheon of Contributors
The prestige of Shenandoah is reflected in its contributor list, which spans generations of literary giants. The journal has published some of the most influential figures in 20th-century literature, including T. S. Eliot, J. R. R. Tolkien, W. H. Auden, Ray Bradbury, Flannery O'Connor, and James Merrill.
This tradition of excellence continues with recent contributors such as Rita Dove, Joyce Carol Oates, Wendell Berry, Claudia Emerson, May-lee Chai, Lee Smith, Speer Morgan, and Jacob M. Appel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1949 |
| Current Frequency | Biannual (Spring/Fall) |
| Digital Transition | 2011 |
| Institutional Support | Washington and Lee University |
| Educational Component | English Department Internship |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current editor of Shenandoah?
The journal is currently edited by Beth Staples, an English professor who took over the role in 2018 following the retirement of R. T. Smith.
How often is the journal published?
Shenandoah is published biannually, with issues released in the spring and fall.
Is the journal still printed in physical form?
No, the magazine moved away from print in 2011 and is now available entirely online.
What is the mission of the publication?
The mission of Shenandoah is to showcase diverse voices to help readers practice empathy, expand their understanding of the world, and experience new levels of awareness.
How do students get involved with the journal?
Undergraduate students can participate through an intern program offered as an academic course in the English Department, where they learn the professional craft of editing.