Chautauqua Institution has named Stephine Hunt Interim Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts, starting on Jan. 1, 2026. This comes following her impactful tenure as manager, and then managing director, of literary arts, where she has played a key role in shaping the Institution’s literary programming alongside the outgoing artistic director, Kwame Alexander. 

As interim director, Hunt will oversee programming of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, the platform that honors at least nine outstanding books of fiction, nonfiction, essays and poetry with community discussions and author presentations every summer — and which celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2028; the summer-long workshops, craft lectures and readings from some of the very best author-educators in North America at the Chautauqua Writers’ Center; and the administration of the Chautauqua Janus Prize and The Chautauqua Prize, the Institution’s esteemed literary arts awards. 

Hunt has been an important part of Chautauqua’s literary community since 2017, when she began serving as the seasonal manager of the CLSC Octagon. She became manager of literary arts in 2023, working closely with Alexander to expand the reach of Chautauqua’s literary offerings. A doctoral candidate in American studies at the University at Buffalo, Hunt also teaches English and ethnic and gender studies at SUNY Fredonia. Her academic expertise includes critical Indigenous studies; Native American literature and history; and the environmental humanities. 

“Stephine has worked closely with Kwame since he came to Chautauqua, and we are excited to amplify her gifts and commitment through this interim appointment,” said Jordan Steves, the Emily and Richard Smucker Chair for Education, whose department includes Chautauqua Literary Arts. “Her leadership, dedication and deep engagement with our literary community make her the ideal person to provide both continuity and creativity to keep the literary arts at the core of Chautauqua.” 

Alexander, who has served as the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts since 2023, will step down from the role at the end of the year. His tenure has been marked by bold inter-arts collaborations and a reimagining of literary programming at Chautauqua.  

“Literature has been a part of the fabric of Chautauqua for more than a century. The opportunity to help reimagine its integral role here was one I could not pass up,” Alexander said. “I am proud of the innovative work we did, in the Writers’ Center and across the grounds, and will certainly miss the people and the programs I’ve truly come to love. There is no doubt in my mind that Stephine will not only continue the legacy left by Evie (Atkinson), Sony (Ton-Aime) and her other predecessors, but elevate it.”  

While he transitions out of the leadership role, Alexander will continue to collaborate with the Institution on several major projects, including the musical adaptation of his Newbery Medal-winning novel The Crossover, commissioned by Chautauqua Theater Company, and The Undefeated (An American Story), a new orchestral work with composer Damien Geter. 

“From the moment he first came to the grounds as a part of the Chautauqua Lecture Series in 2023, it was clear that Chautauqua Institution could thrive with Kwame’s leadership and that we wanted to amplify his voice and impact,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer Deborah Sunya Moore. “It’s been an honor to have someone of his caliber, vision and dedication guiding our work in the literary world, and we’re grateful and excited for his continued engagement with Chautauqua Institution as he works with our artistic leaders on these multi-disciplinary projects.”