University of the South

The Department of English & Creative Writing seeks applications for a tenure-track position in Poetry at the Assistant Professor rank. Applicants are expected to have an M.F.A. or Ph.D. in hand for the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year.

The English and Creative Writing Department has recently initiated a major in Creative Writing (in addition to a Creative Writing Certificate). Poetry is a track in that major, and includes courses within both English and Creative Writing. This major brings to our undergraduates the long creative tradition at Sewanee, including TheSewanee Review, The Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and the Sewanee School of Letters

The teaching load for this position is five courses per year, with a one-course reduction each year for the first two years. The successful candidate will teach Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Poetry, Forms of Poetry, serve as a faculty advisor for capstone projects in Poetry, and may, on occasion, teach introductory courses in English. Candidates should have a strong publication record (a published collection or several publications in national journals and magazines) and teaching expertise in the genre. The successful candidate should also show evidence of inclusive and effective teaching practices and approach the creative process with attention to diversity, equity, community, and social justice. We seek a candidate who understands and embraces the unique nature of a workshop, which brings people together from diverse backgrounds to generate and discuss personal creative work in a supportive environment.

The English and Creative Writing Department is committed to offering mentorship and support for faculty at every level of employment. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our departments and our campus by seeking talented teachers, researchers, and artists of varied identities, backgrounds, and experiences. We expect all faculty to contribute to creating an inclusive and just intellectual and creative community. 

For preliminary review; 

Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a writing sample (up to fifteen pages). In this initial round, applicants should describe their approach to teaching undergraduate workshops. 

Additional materials, including graduate transcripts and letters of recommendation, will be required for a second round. 

Materials will be reviewed by a committee that includes English Literature and Creative Writing faculty. 

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The University of the South, familiarly known as “Sewanee,” is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities—Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose.

Support in the Hiring Process
If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or hr@sewanee.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.