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As 91���� Marion’s longest‑running literary journal approaches its 50th year, The Cornfield Review continues to serve as a creative cornerstone for the campus and the wider Central Ohio community. Professor of English Ben McCorkle described it as “91���� Marion's long‑running literary journal,” noting that since its founding, the publication has highlighted the literary and artistic work of students, faculty, staff, and residents across Central Ohio and beyond.

The journal’s first issue appeared in 1976, though the exact publication date remains unknown. McCorkle explained that early submission windows ran from October through February, “I imagine the issue rolled off the press at some point during the spring or summer of that year,” he said.

The publication’s longevity is matched by its educational impact. McCorkle said the course tied to the journal’s production—Introduction to Literary Publishing—offers students a hands‑on, real‑world experience in editing, marketing, and content development.

“They all serve on the editorial board,” McCorkle said. “They work in marketing, soliciting submissions for the issue. They determine what goes into the next issue. They have a hand in copy‑editing and consult on graphic design decisions,” he said.

McCorkle added that the skills students gain translate well to publishing and to any career involving the creation of printed or digital content.

According to McCorkle, although the class does edit submissions, it tries to exercise a light touch when it comes to editing to maintain the voice of the original author.

After returning to the Cornfield Review literary publishing course for a third time, senior English major Haily Simeral felt gave her a firm grasp around her own writing.

“It helps me realize what I want and what I don’t want when I try to publish my own stories. I want it to be authentic, and I don’t want it to have my work changed in any way. Little edits here and there are good.”

“I look for the non-edits of it. It opens my mind to opportunities and differences that other writers and other creative people have,” said Simeral.

Sophomore English major Kailee Cotter sees her contribution as helpful and unique to the project because of her preferred writing style and skillset.

“I see this class helping me with my career because it has a highly creative focus. Even though that’s not the type of writing I do, I can still find ways to make myself helpful to the group,” said Cotter.

The journal’s origins trace back to poet and English professor David Citino, who founded The Cornfield Review during his tenure at 91���� Marion. “David was a phenomenal poet and teacher and was well respected by his colleagues and the university at large,” McCorkle said. “Before his passing in 2005, he was even the poet laureate for 91����.”

Even the journal’s name reflects the region’s identity. McCorkle noted that the Marion campus was once surrounded by family farms, many of them growing corn. “As folks probably know, Marion has long been known as the popcorn capital of the world,” he said, adding that the title serves as a nod to that agricultural heritage.

Reflecting on the publication’s endurance, McCorkle expressed gratitude for its legacy. “Speaking for myself, it's an honor and a privilege to be able to continue this journal's tradition—the fact that it's been out there for half a century is really impressive considering the challenges many small publications endure over time,” he concluded.