What is the Mews?

The Mews is Friends University’s online literary magazine that features the creative work of students and alumni. Creative work may include, but is not limited to, the following: short stories, poems, photography, art, digital work, or recordings (podcasts, film, visual performances, etc.). All submissions are vetted and selected for publication by the Editor in Chief and sponsor of the magazine. Awards will be given to the year’s best submissions.

Behind the Mews

Dr. Kassia Waggoner —

 Dr. Kassia Waggoner is the current sponsor of The Mews. She is the co-author of Yours in Filial Regards: The Civil War Letters of a Texas Family. In her spare time, she enjoys writing poetry and mystery novels.

Chrysalis Gilmer (Editor in Chief 2021-2022)

Chrysalis Gilmer is an English major at Friends University, who aspires to be a writer. Her inspiration comes from her mother, who is a published author herself, and has always encouraged her writing throughout the years. She enjoys reading as much as she does writing, and also holds a passion for the arts close to her heart!

Alicia Panzer (Editor in Chief 2020-2021) —

Alicia Panzer is a Junior at Friends University double majoring in English and Ballet whilst minoring in Business Administration. While having a love for literature that has never grown dim, her other passion is classical ballet, in which she is very accomplished, taking the opportunity to choreograph and perform various works throughout her college career. She has combined these two things by making dances out of poetry and letting words be the guide to her movement. When she is not writing or dancing, Alicia enjoys participating in choir and theatre as well as enjoying an excellent movie with friends.

Jonathan Pettyjohn (Editor in Chief 2019-2020) —

Jonathan C. S. Pettyjohn is a college student who has dreamed of being an author since he was young. He has completed several short stories and poems that he has published online. He also works as Editor in Chief for The Mews. He studies Literature at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.

Heather Chamberlain (Assistant Editor 2019-2020) —

Heather Chamberlain is a senior, but her heart is in childhood. She aspires to write children’s literature that combines her love of science with her love of Christianity and hopes to inspire the next generation with Christian values to foster a heart for the other creatures that cohabit this earth. When she’s not writing, Heather is outside exploring the exciting world with her equally curious furry companion Olive.

James McCormick (Editor in Chief 2018-2019) —

James McCormick is a fifth year senior with a double major in English and History. He enjoys to write fantasy novels, and has presented papers over fantasy-related topics such as On Dollars & Dragons: How Money Makes our Monsters. He hopes to one day write fiction for a living.