TYPE
TOPIC
For students looking to share their creative work, gain publishing experience and become part of a vibrant literary community, The Nemadji Review continues to serve as a cornerstone of artistic and academic expression at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Published annually each spring, The Nemadji Review is a student-run literary magazine that showcases creative and scholarly work from UW-Superior students as well as alumni, community members and undergraduate contributors from other colleges. The journal features a wide range of submissions, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, academic writing, photography, visual art and mixed-media works.
What makes the publication unique is that students oversee every stage of the process. From reviewing submissions and editing content to designing the finished publication, student staff members gain hands-on experience in literary publishing while helping bring diverse voices and artistic perspectives to readers.
“The Nemadji Review is a celebration of contributors,” said faculty advisor Julie Gard, professor in UW-Superior’s Department of Writing, Language and Literature. “It provides students with an opportunity not only to publish their work, but also to collaborate, develop editorial skills and engage with the broader literary community.”
A Student-Led Publishing Experience
One of those students is Preston Meys, a writing and English major from Superior, Wisconsin, who was named editor-in-chief of The Nemadji Review for the 2026-27 academic year.
Meys began his college education at Lake Superior College, where he earned an associate degree before transferring to UW-Superior in January 2025.
From Editor to Editor-in-Chief
Meys first learned about the magazine during a poetry course taught by Gard in spring 2025. Having already heard about the publication from a former coworker at LSC and UW-Superior alum, he immediately expressed interest when Gard invited students to become involved.
Meys joined as an editor and quickly became an integral member of the team. After helping review and edit submissions during his first semester, he was selected to serve as digital content editor for the following academic year. In that role, he managed website content, published art and writing online and continued participating in the editorial process. At the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, Meys was appointed editor-in-chief.
As editor-in-chief, Meys will coordinate submissions, help lead editorial meetings, support fellow editors and oversee the publication process from submission through final production.
Building Skills for the Future
The experience also has helped Meys develop valuable professional skills while earning college credit.
“I have learned many valuable skills through my work with The Nemadji Review,” Meys said. “One of the most important has been learning how to collaborate effectively as part of a team rather than working independently.”
He added that his experience as both an editor and lead editor has provided firsthand knowledge of the publishing process, including reviewing submissions, editing and proofreading work, designing the final product and preparing it for publication.
“Because I have considered pursuing a career in publishing after graduation, gaining experience in these areas will be extremely valuable if I decide to follow that path,” he said.
The Nemadji Review reflects the mission of UW-Superior’s Department of Writing, Language and Literature, which emphasizes communication, creativity and critical thinking through writing and literary studies. Students pursuing writing and English majors and minors, along with those from any other academic discipline, can participate in the journal as contributors, editors or staff members.
The publication also welcomes submissions from faculty, alumni and community members connected to UW-Superior. Through its annual print edition and regular online features, The Nemadji Review seeks to enrich and strengthen the region’s literary culture while providing a professional-quality venue for emerging writers and artists.
Looking Ahead to Volume 16
Now preparing for its 16th volume, The Nemadji Review is inviting contributors to explore the theme, Attic of the Mind.
“I’m especially excited about this year’s theme, Attic of the Mind,” Meys said. “The theme is intended to evoke nostalgia and encourage exploration of the hidden or often overlooked aspects of our lives. While submissions do not have to reflect the theme, I am eager to see how contributors interpret it in their work.”
The editorial team recently adjusted its submission schedule to provide editors with additional time to review, edit and design each issue before publication.
Submissions for Volume 16 were accepted from May 15 through June 30 and will be accepted again from Sept. 1 through Oct. 20. The journal welcomes work across all genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, academic writing and visual art.
Get Involved
For students interested in publishing, editing or becoming part of a creative community, The Nemadji Review offers a unique opportunity to develop professional skills, share creative work, earn college credit and contribute to a longstanding UW-Superior tradition.
For more information, email faculty advisor Julie Gard, professor in UW-Superior’s Department of Writing, Language and Literature, at [email protected]