49-Year Veteran of ATU Faculty to Speak February 24

Dr. Stanley Lombardo to share tales from his lifetime of storytelling at Arkansas Tech University event.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Dr. Stanley Lombardo, a 49-year veteran professor of English at Arkansas Tech University, will present an author talk on February 24 at the university's Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center. Lombardo, who traces his love of storytelling back to his grandfather in Sicily, has written over 20 books and will share tales from his lifetime of writing and teaching.

Why it matters

Lombardo's long tenure at ATU and his passion for storytelling and literature represent the university's commitment to the humanities and the power of the written word to captivate audiences. His presentation offers the local community a chance to hear from a seasoned author and professor with deep roots in the region.

The details

Lombardo, a native of Buffalo, New York, joined the ATU faculty in 1977 and continues to teach courses in English and Medieval literature. In addition to his teaching duties, he has published over 20 books for readers of all ages, drawing inspiration from authors and stories that have influenced him over the years. Lombardo's presentation at ATU on February 24 is titled "Myths, Mysteries and Moose: The Eclectic Works of Stan Lombardo" and will feature tales from his lifetime of writing and storytelling.

  • Lombardo joined the ATU faculty in 1977.
  • Lombardo's presentation at ATU will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The players

Dr. Stanley Lombardo

A 49-year veteran professor of English at Arkansas Tech University who has written over 20 books and will share tales from his lifetime of storytelling.

Carlu Lombardo

Dr. Lombardo's grandfather, who was the "village storyteller of Pietraperzia, Sicily" and inspired Lombardo's love of storytelling.

Lucas Lombardo

Dr. Lombardo's son, who is a freshman at Arkansas Tech University.

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What they’re saying

“My grandfather was literally the village storyteller of Pietraperzia, Sicily. Whenever someone was sick, when they were laid up and shut in, he would go and tell them stories…he would go entertain them and keep them company.”

— Dr. Stanley Lombardo (arkansastechnews.com)

“If I get an idea, I try to make it live. One of the things I enjoy the most about writing is trying to make the characters real…trying to make them seem like someone you would meet and someone you would know. I often have fun with that because I give them little quirks of one sort or another. A character without any flaws is boring. How many people do you know that don't have at least a little bit of a flaw? I've yet to meet one. People are not perfect.”

— Dr. Stanley Lombardo (arkansastechnews.com)

“I hope they walk away with a sense that they've heard a good story…that they've heard some things that they wouldn't have normally encountered in the ordinary run of things in Russellville, Arkansas. All throughout my books, I have homages to the books and the authors who have inspired me to emulate their work while adding a touch of my own. I hope people will leave with a sense of satisfaction and a sense of pleasure. I write for the fun of it and to entertain people.”

— Dr. Stanley Lombardo (arkansastechnews.com)

What’s next

Lombardo is approaching the record for most years on the Arkansas Tech faculty, which is held by the late Dr. Richard Cohoon at 52 years. Lombardo plans to continue teaching at ATU until his son Lucas graduates.

The takeaway

Dr. Lombardo's lifelong passion for storytelling, writing, and teaching at Arkansas Tech University over the past 49 years exemplifies the university's commitment to the humanities and the power of literature to captivate and inspire audiences both in the classroom and in the local community.