Diego Millan

Diego Millan serves as an Associate Professor of English and Africana studies at Washington and Lee University's College, where he has been a core faculty member since 2018. He recently received tenure and promotion to associate professor effective July 1, 2024, following his distinguished work in American humor studies and African American literature.

Millan's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Bowdoin College, followed by a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in English literature from Tufts University. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to literary studies with a focus on marginalized voices and cultural critique.

Professor Millan specializes in African American literature, particularly the works of Chester Himes, with research interests spanning American humor studies, protest fiction, and racial discourse in 20th century literature. His scholarly approach combines rigorous textual analysis with attention to the social and political contexts that shape literary production, particularly examining how humor functions as a tool of resistance and critique in African American writing.

His research output demonstrates a focused exploration of the intersections between race, humor, and social justice in American literature, with particular attention to how marginalized voices deploy comedic strategies within protest narratives. Millan's work has established him as a significant voice in contemporary scholarship on African American literary traditions.

Millan's recognition with the Jack Rosenbalm Prize for American Humor highlights his scholarly impact:

• Jack Rosenbalm Prize for American Humor (2024) for his article 'Joking at the Limits of Protest in Chester Himes' If He Hollers Let Him Go' published in Studies in American Humor

As a dedicated educator, Millan centers teaching skills including clear writing, strong organization, and skillful close readings in his classroom practice. His scholarship on Chester Himes builds on a personal connection that began when he first read 'If He Hollers Let Him Go' as an undergraduate student, demonstrating his enduring commitment to this important literary figure.