CONWAY, Ark. – The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation is delighted to welcome beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author John Green as part of the Distinguished Visitor Series on Wednesday, November 18. The sold-out event begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hendrix’s Wellness and Athletics Center, where Green will read from and discuss his work, including his new novel, “Hollywood, Ending.” Books will be available for purchase through WordsWorth Books following the event.
“Engaging with John’s work as a teenager set me up for success at Hendrix before I arrived here as an undergraduate student,” said Dr. Ellie Black, professor of English-creative writing, and recent Honickman First Book Prize winner.
“I’m not sure if any individual has been more central to my formation as a writer or a person than John Green, and I know that many of my students feel similarly. It means so much to me to have the opportunity to bring him to Hendrix, especially so soon after the publication of his first novel in nearly a decade.”
For over twenty years, Green has written with rare tenderness and humor about love, grief, and the search for meaning. He is the author of the #1 best-selling novels, “Looking for Alaska,” “The Fault in Our Stars,” and “Turtles All the Way Down,” as well as the #1 New York Times best-selling nonfiction books “The Anthropocene Reviewed” and “Everything Is Tuberculosis.”
His books have sold more than 60 million copies in print, been translated into more than 60 languages, and been adapted for film and television. His honors include the Michael L. Printz Medal, an Edgar Award, an Audie Award, and a Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
This fall, Green returned to fiction with “Hollywood, Ending,” his first novel for adults, which earned starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. “Everything Is Tuberculosis,” named the Goodreads Choice Nonfiction Book of the Year, reflects his longtime advocacy for global health, a cause that brought him to the United Nations in 2023.
Generations of students also know Green from “Crash Course,” the educational YouTube channel he co-created with his brother, Hank, which has guided countless learners through late-night study sessions. The brothers also created Vlogbrothers and co-host the podcast “Dear Hank & John.” A Kenyon College graduate, Green lives in Indianapolis with his family.
Black is currently teaching “John Green and the Illness Narrative” through Hendrix’s Mellon Foundation-funded Health Humanities initiative, and her students are preparing to welcome Green to their class during his visit.
“John is a deeply compelling and moving speaker, and I so look forward to the Hendrix and Central Arkansas communities being able to hear him in person,” said Black. “During such a pivotal time in the life of Hendrix College, it’s an honor to be able to host one of our best-selling and most celebrated living authors.”
Green joins a long line of acclaimed writers that the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation has welcomed to campus since its founding in 1978, including Maya Angelou, Allen Ginsberg, Louise Glück, Tim O’Brien, and Ada Limón.
“The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation looks forward to hosting John Green—the Hendrix campus is abuzz with excitement about Green’s visit,” said Dr. Tyrone Jaeger, Hendrix-Murphy Foundation director and professor of English-creative writing.
“This energy is a great way to set the stage for Hendrix-Murphy's upcoming fiftieth anniversary.”
About the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation
The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language were founded in 1978 by a gift from Charles H. Murphy, Jr., former CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, in memory of his mother Bertie Wilson Murphy. Their mission is to enhance and enrich the study of literature and language at Hendrix College. For more information, visit hendrixmurphy.org.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at hendrix.edu.
“…Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose