UC Revives Renowned Visiting Writers Series

Acclaimed authors to give public readings and engage with students on campus this spring.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Cincinnati is bringing back its long-running Visiting Writers Series, which has hosted Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners over its 70-year history. Beginning on February 5, 2026, the series will feature a lineup of acclaimed fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers who will give public readings and engage with students on the UC campus.

Why it matters

The Visiting Writers Series is a cherished tradition at UC that exposes students and the broader community to renowned literary voices. By inviting these writers to campus, UC aims to inspire and educate the next generation of authors and thinkers.

The details

The series kicks off on February 5 with a nonfiction "read and talk" by licensed clinical psychologist Jonathan Mathias Lassiter. Other featured writers include Mariah Rigg, Amy Bishop-Wycisk, Danielle Dutton, Joyelle McSweeny, Kathryn Cowles, and Donald Revell. The events, which run through April 23, 2026, are open to the public and will include Q&A sessions and book signings.

  • The Visiting Writers Series begins on February 5, 2026.
  • The series runs through April 23, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Habel

The coordinator of creative writing at the University of Cincinnati.

Jonathan Mathias Lassiter

A licensed clinical psychologist in New York City specializing in culturally informed mental health care.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The origin of the series goes back over 70 years. It's a very renowned series. We've had Noble Prize winners come, winners of Pulitzer Prizes.”

— Jennifer Habel, Coordinator of creative writing (uc.edu)

“Everyone is welcome, and we try to create a welcoming community after our events. We're looking for people who are going to inspire our students.”

— Jennifer Habel, Coordinator of creative writing (uc.edu)

What’s next

The Visiting Writers Series will continue through April 23, 2026, with a lineup of acclaimed authors giving public readings and engaging with students on the UC campus.

The takeaway

The return of UC's Visiting Writers Series underscores the university's commitment to fostering a vibrant literary culture and exposing students to diverse perspectives and creative voices. By hosting these renowned authors, UC aims to inspire the next generation of writers and thinkers.