Floyd Cheung

Floyd Cheung serves as a Professor of English Language & Literature and American Studies at Smith College, where he also holds the position of Vice President for Equity and Inclusion. He is the founding chair of the Five College Asian/Pacific/American Studies Certificate Program, demonstrating his leadership in expanding Asian American studies across multiple institutions. His academic career at Smith College encompasses both scholarly research and administrative leadership, having previously served as director of the Sherrerd Center for Teaching and Learning from 2014 to 2019.

Dr. Cheung received his B.A. from Whittier College and completed his M.A. and Ph.D. at Tulane University. His educational background in literature and American studies has informed his scholarly focus on recovering and interpreting early Asian American texts.

Cheung's research primarily centers on the recovery and interpretation of early Asian American literary works, with particular attention to forgotten and lesser-known authors. His scholarship examines how Asian American identity has been constructed through literature, autobiography, and cultural representation throughout American history. He has made significant contributions to the field through his editorial work on texts by H.T. Tsiang, Sadakichi Hartmann, and other overlooked writers. His research also extends to contemporary issues of race, equity, and inclusion in educational settings, reflecting his dual commitment to scholarly inquiry and practical application in campus communities. As a published poet, Cheung bridges creative expression with academic scholarship, with works appearing in journals such as Inklette Magazine and Eclectica Magazine.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on literary recovery, with increasing attention to the connections between historical Asian American experiences and contemporary issues of representation and equity. While his earlier work concentrated on textual analysis of specific authors and periods, his more recent scholarship shows a shift toward applying these insights to current educational practices and inclusion efforts. His work on microresistance represents an innovative bridge between his literary scholarship and practical applications in diversity education, demonstrating how theoretical understanding can inform actionable strategies for addressing microaggressions in both physical and digital learning environments.

• Smith's Sherrerd Prize for Distinguished Teaching (2012)

As Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Cheung leads Smith College's initiatives to improve campus climate for all students, staff, and faculty. He emphasizes the communal nature of inclusion work, advocating for a growth mindset and acknowledging the emotional dimensions of equity efforts. His approach combines scholarly rigor with practical implementation, drawing on his understanding of historical patterns of representation to inform contemporary inclusion practices. Cheung's commitment to mentoring extends beyond traditional academic advising, as he actively works to create institutional structures that support diverse voices and perspectives across the campus community.