Elizabeth McHenry

Elizabeth McHenry is a Professor of English at New York University. She received her Ph.D. in English from Stanford University (1993) and her B.A. in English from Columbia University (1987). Her work bridges African American literary history with Black print culture studies, focusing on archival recovery and recontextualization of marginalized literary practices.

• Ph.D., English, Stanford University (1993)
• B.A., English, Columbia University (1987)

Dr. McHenry's research explores:

• Reconstruction of African American literary societies (1830-1940)
• Uncovering forgotten Black print culture through interdisciplinary methodologies
• Intersections of literacy, authorship, and racial politics
• Analysis of failed/unpublished African American literary projects

Her scholarship critically engages with archival institutions like NYU's Fales Collection and the Schomburg Center for the Study of Black Culture. Recent publications examine the unsettled nature of early 20th-century African American literary categorization.

Scientific Awards

• Recipient of multiple prestigious fellowships including NEH, Ford Foundation, and Du Bois Institute awards
• Winner of Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Nonfiction (2003)
• Alumna Achievement Award from Columbia College (2004)

Dr. McHenry's teaching emphasizes archival literacy and institutional critique, with office hours available by appointment at elizabeth.mchenry@nyu.edu.