Assistant Professor, Creative Writing at InsideHigherEd

20260023FAC

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing

1

Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Regular Full-Time

Murray, KY

Academic Year

Faculty (Tenure-Track)

English and Philosophy

August 2026

The Assistant Professor will teach 12 hours per semester in creative writing and other courses, according to qualifications and departmental needs which may include composition, humanities, undergraduate literature courses, and graduate literature courses; maintain a record of publication in the field sufficient for tenure and advancement; and engage in appropriate departmental and university service, such as mentoring and advising, organizing the reading series, and participating in recruitment and retention activities.

MFA or Ph.D. in Creative Writing with an open genre (poetry preferred) with expertise in a second, related area such as YA literature, play or screenwriting, or literary publishing.

A record of publication in reputable literary venues. Evidence of teaching effectiveness.

Specialization in Poetry. Publication that includes at least one book published or forthcoming from a reputable literary press, or equivalent publications in reputable literary journals.

Faculty I

10/30/2025

11/30/2025

No

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of application addressing creative/scholarly work, literary interests, teaching experience, and prior university and professional service
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing sample of 15-25 pages
• Teaching philosophy totaling no more than 2 pages
• Copies of transcripts
• Contact information for three (3) references