Tommy Anderson

Tommy Anderson serves as an English Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in Mississippi State University's College of Arts and Sciences, where he has held faculty positions since 2005. He is scheduled to assume the Interim Dean role at the Shackouls Honors College in summer 2021 and previously served as Interim Dean of Libraries during the 2020 pandemic to support online learning transitions.

His research centers on Shakespearean political theory and trauma narratives in Early Modern literature, evidenced by publications including Shakespeare’s Fugitive Politics (2016) and Performing Early Modern Trauma from Shakespeare to Milton (2006). Anderson bridges historical textual analysis with contemporary theoretical frameworks, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Renaissance literature in modern political and psychological discourse.

Recognition for his scholarly contributions includes:

• Phil and Kari Oldham Outstanding Mentor Award
• Dean’s Eminent Scholar Award from MSU's College of Arts and Sciences
• Mississippi Humanities Council Humanities Teacher of the Year Award
• Humanities Researcher of the Year Award
• Shackouls Honors College Outstanding Faculty Award

As an academic advisor, Anderson mentors students toward Rhodes, Truman, and Goldwater Scholarships while developing institutional pathways for student success. His administrative philosophy focuses on transforming student experiences through personalized guidance during academic challenges. During the pandemic, he led library teams in creating critical remote learning infrastructure, demonstrating cross-departmental leadership in crisis response.