A.K. Smith Scholars Series
The Trinity College English Department proudly hosts discussions on timely and engaging scholarly topics, featuring presentations from distinguished colleagues in the field. These talks offer our community the chance to explore new perspectives, connect with current research, and engage in thoughtful dialogue across literary and cultural studies.
Kyes Stevens
Join the English Department on December 2 in Reese Room, Smith House for a discussion with Kyes Stevens, founding director of the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, on the transformative power of arts and education in prisons. Food will be served!
Kyes Stevens is the founding director of the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project (APAEP). An Alabama native, she holds an MA in Women’s History and an MFA in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College. After receiving a joint grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Justice to teach poetry at Talladega Federal Prison in 2001, she developed APAEP. Her honors include the Lillian E. Smith Writer in Service Award and the Alabama Governor’s Award for her lifelong commitment to expanding arts opportunities. She has also advised the White House on criminal justice reform and higher education and helped develop national organizations supporting arts and education in prisons.
Linked below are the profiles of the scholars we’ve invited to campus for readings and Q&A sessions.
Paul Schrader & Caerthan Banks - Spring 2026
Paul Schrader & Caerthan Banks - Spring 2026
Writer and director Paul Schrader speaks at Trinity College. Photo by Nick Caito.
Prakash Younger, associate professor of English and director of Trinity’s Film Studies Program (right) leads the discussion with filmmakers (l-r) Paul Schrader, Linda Reisman, and Caerthan Banks. Photos by Nick Caito.
Filmmakers Linda Reisman and Caerthan Banks participate in the panel discussion.
Students and other members of the Trinity community filled the Rittenberg Lounge in Mather Hall to see the panel discussion.
Filmmakers Paul Schrader, Linda Reisman, and Caerthan Banks participate in the panel discussion.
Prakash Younger, associate professor of English and director of Trinity's Film Studies Program, moderates the panel discussion. Photo by Nick Caito.
Students and other members of the Trinity community filled the Rittenberg Lounge in Mather Hall to see the panel discussion. Photo by Nick Caito.
Students and other members of the Trinity community filled the Rittenberg Lounge in Mather Hall to see the panel discussion. Photo by Nick Caito.
