Figgins named Faculty Member of the Year
Mississippi University for Women announced Dr. Kristen Figgins, assistant professor of English, as the 2026 Faculty Member of the Year during spring commencement ceremonies held Friday, May 8.
“Dr. Figgins is a deserving recipient of this award given by the MUW Alumni Association, which honors faculty who exhibit excellence in teaching, advising and professional activities. I have heard students praise her for both her teaching and her support of their endeavors,” said President Nora Miller.
The Faculty Member of the Year award honors faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising and professional activities, particularly those who exceed expectations in supporting The W’s students and academic programs. The recognition includes a $1,000 grant from the Alumni Association.
“Dr. Figgins has an incredible rapport with students across campus, whether they are in her composition classes, literature surveys or upper-level English courses. She has been a tireless advocate and adviser for our English education students, guiding them through their placements and helping them prepare for the job market,” said Dr. Kendall Dunkelberg, chair of Languages, Literature and Philosophy. “I am thrilled to see her diligent work and supportive teaching and advising recognized with this award.”
Figgins joined the university’s faculty in 2024 and has taught courses including composition, writing studio, survey of late English literature and Gothic fiction.
At Homecoming 2026, Figgins received the New Faculty Award from the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association. The award recognizes a recently appointed faculty member for exceptional support of the university’s academic mission. Since joining The W in 2024, Figgins has been nominated for both the Faculty Member of the Year and Humanities Teacher of the Year awards.
Beyond university recognitions, Figgins received the Amos Distinguished Chair Award from the South Atlantic Modern Language Association in 2025. In 2021, she was awarded the Harper Fund Travel Award from the same organization.
She is the founding editor of Adaptation Today, a free, accessible resource for scholars — especially graduate students, contingent scholars and early career researchers — interested in adaptation studies.
A student who nominated her said, “Dr. Figgins has been the most amazing teacher and adviser. She goes above and beyond for her students and has personally made my experience at The W outstanding. It is obvious that she truly cares for each and every one of her students.”
In addition to her teaching, Figgins is a member of the Association of Adaptation Studies, Arkansas Philological Association, Literature/Film Association and the South Atlantic Modern Language Association.
Figgins earned her doctorate in English from the University of Arkansas, a master’s degree in English from the University of Louisiana and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Her areas of specialization include nineteenth-century British and Anglophone literature and culture, media studies, science and literature, and film and television.