Millersville welcomes the award-winning short story author and professor, Dr. Amina Gautier at the 2024 Hazel L. Jackson Lecture Series. Gautier will speak and share her writing on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Reighard Multi-Purpose Room in the Student Memorial Center.

Dr. Hazel L. Jackson was the first Black female professor hired at Millersville University in 1970. After her retirement in 1994, Professor Rita Smith Wade-El began the Hazel L. Jackson Lecture Series in honor of Jackson's contributions to the University. Each year, Millersville invites Black authors to share their experiences and literary art with the Lancaster community.

Gautier has published a record number of short stories including her four award-winning short story collection that celebrates the nostalgia of Black childhood: "The Best That You Can Do," which won the first Kimbilio-Soft Skull Publishing Prize. Gautier was also a recipient of the PEN/Bernard and Ann Malamud Award for Excellence in the Short Story in 2018, becoming the first Black woman to win the prestigious award.

The Hazel L. Jackson Lecture Series event is free and open to all students and community members.

Read more about Dr. Amina Gautier here.

Learn more about the Hazel L. Jackson Lecture Series here.