ASAT is a regional chapter of the American Studies Association

ASAT is committed to the study of and promotion of all areas of American studies. ASAT holds an annual conference, publishes the Journal of the American Studies Association of Texas (JASAT), and supports all aspects of American studies in the state of Texas. Though we are rooted in Texas, we invite scholars and students from across the region to join us in promoting and supporting the interdisciplinarity of our organization.

2026 CALL FOR Presentations
69^th Annual Conference inWichita Falls, Texas

November 5-7, 2026

“New Frontiers”

Abstract proposals for presentations and panels arenow being accepted through October 15 for
ASAT’s 69^th annual conference. Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls is this year’s host institution. While the conference hub will be the beautiful MSU Texas campus, Friday afternoon and evening events will take place in Archer City, a short drive from Wichita Falls. In Archer City, conference attendees will gather at both the Larry McMurtry Literary Center (formerly McMurtry’s Booked Up bookstore), as well as at the Royal Theater, the world-famous setting for the Academy Award-winning film, The Last Picture Show.

This year’s theme will pivot sharply from last year’s “Reconciliation and Restoration.” Most would agree that today is an anxious time for academicians, as well as American Studies programs. Between AI and increased concerns regarding academic freedom, many scholars feel that the academy may be at crossroads. But, as McMurtry would point out, Texas has long been a frontier state, long after such a label was geographically accurate. So what do you see as the future of our educational institutions, our academic programs, and/or concerns about American studies?

We’ll be excited to see abstract proposals that interpret this year’s theme from an American Studies perspective. We’d like prospective presenters to write abstracts that examine the complex relationship between Reconciliation & Restoration, but we’ll also consider presentations dealing with issues relating to American culture, especially ones that focus on Texas, the South – or the Southwest.

Navigate to the Conference page for more information