William Langford
Adjunct Faculty
PhD, Michigan State University (2018-2023)
MA, Pennsylvania State University (2011-2013)
BA, Michigan State University (2007-2011)
Dr. Will Langford (PhD) is a poet, educator, and visual artist whose scholarship focuses on community engagement, teacher education, and literary arts.
Professional Experience
Dr. Langford has worked in East Africa as a Fulbright Scholar, and continues this work stateside with several organizations, including Penn State University. Langford’s work in community engagement through literary arts spans communities. As Lead Language Arts Instructor for the VERSES Project (MSU Community Music School Detroit), Langford partnered with other professional artists to teach Detroit-area students how to write, perform, and produce music. As a poet, Langford has established poetry clubs and teams at Michigan State University, Salvation Army Kolanya Girls’ School (Kenya). Langford has lead creative writing workshops throughout Michigan, and internationally as well. He continues his work teaching poetry performance and composition as a mentor for the Motown Museum’s Motown Mic: Spoken Word Artist of the Year.
Significant Publications, Presentations and Exhibitions
-2025 College for Creative Studies Creative Publishing Award: “Detroit: Workers, Teachers, Lovers”
-American Advertising Awards: Golden Addy, Judges’ Choice, Best in Show: “Pamoja” (Original Poem/Performance)
-“Empower Extraordinary Campaign” Keynote Performer: MSU Breslin Center (2018)
-Peninsula Writers Conference Keynote Speaker (2018)
-Motown Mic: Spoken Word Artist of the Year