Susan Larkin

Dr. Susan Larkin is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Virginia Wesleyan University, with a 15-year tenure as a member of the English faculty. She transitioned to administrative roles after serving as Acting Vice President and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

• B.A. in English Literature, Wheaton College
• M.A. and Ph.D. in English Studies, Illinois State University
• Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies, Illinois State University

Her research focuses on interdisciplinary intersections of children’s and adolescent literature with women’s and gender studies, analyzing cultural narratives around empowerment, identity, and representation in works by authors like Judy Blume, J.K. Rowling, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. She also explores media figures like Mr. Rogers and Walt Disney as cultural touchstones.

• Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Faculty Award
• Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Professor Award
• Birdsong Service and Community Engagement Award

Dr. Larkin teaches English courses, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Wesleyan Seminars at VWU. Her administrative leadership emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and student success.