University of Central Oklahoma Journal Marks 40 Years
The New Plains Review celebrates four decades of publishing fiction, poetry, and visual arts from an international community.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Adult Education
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The New Plains Review at the University of Central Oklahoma is celebrating its 40th anniversary of operation. Founded in 1986, the literary journal showcases diverse works ranging from theater plays and screenwriting to photography and fiction.
Why it matters
Produced by students in a specialized publishing course, the journal serves as a vital training ground for aspiring editors and writers. It offers hands-on experience in production and curation that extends beyond typical classroom instruction.
Founded in 1986, the New Plains Review has maintained 40 years of publication. The journal accepts submissions from an international contributor base spanning regions including Canada and Europe.
The players
University of Central Oklahoma
This is a public university located in Edmond that hosts the Publishing and Editing course responsible for producing the journal.
The details
The journal is managed through the university's Publishing and Editing course, where students handle editorial selection and artwork for each issue. Submissions include a wide variety of formats, such as poetry, scriptwriting, and visual art, with recent pieces like the play 'Margaret in the Park' published in Spring 2026.
Timeline
The New Plains Review was founded in 1986.
The play 'Margaret in the Park' was published in Spring 2026.
A literary showcase event will take place on November 4, 2026.
Culture Shift
The New Plains Review reflects the evolution of university-led literary production in an increasingly digital and globalized landscape. By integrating coursework with professional-grade publishing, the journal mirrors a broader movement toward experiential learning in humanities education.
Residents and students can participate in the literary community by attending the upcoming showcase event in November. The journal provides a recurring platform for local and international writers to have their work curated by students in the Edmond area.
The takeaway
The journal demonstrates how long-standing academic publications adapt by bridging traditional print work with new digital expansion strategies. Aspiring contributors should monitor the journal's submission guidelines to participate in this evolving international forum.
What happens next
The university has scheduled a literary showcase event, titled Lit @ the Lab, for November 4, 2026, to celebrate the milestone and launch new issues.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in our Adult Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by UCentral Media.
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