The Heartland Review

Literary Journal History

Elizabethtown Community College and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

ECTC's literary journal began with the publication Gyres, which was founded by Dr. Donna Lee Hill, advisor to the student writing group the Jabberwocks. Ruth Redel, who taught English at Elizabethtown Community College for many years and who continues to facilitate the writing group known as the Reader's Room, succeeded Dr. Hill as advisor of Gyres.

The journal went through several name changes, becomng Vox Humana and then ECCO. English instructor Linda Beattie succeeded Ruth Redel as advisor, with counselor Chuck Spataro joining her as co-advisor and then co-editor, as faculty took on a greater share of the responsibility for the journal. At this time ECCO focused primarily on publishing work from the ECC community.

Since 2001 the journal has been known as the Heartland Review. ECTC faculty, staff, students and members of the literary community at large serve on its editorial board. The Heartland Review receives hundreds of submissions every year, including submissions from Canada, Italy and other countries. In 2002 the board established the Joy Bale Boone Poetry Prize in order to honor this long-time Elizabethtown resident's contributions to the development of Kentucky poetry. In 2007 the Heartland Review received the Silver Medallion Marketing Award from KCTCS.

Cover design for Spring 2003 issue by Chuck Spataro