Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Assistant Professor, Creative Writing in Murray

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing

Posting Number: 20260023FAC

Location: Murray, KY

Type of Employment: Regular Full-Time, Faculty (Tenure-Track), Academic Year.

About Murray State University

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.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach 12 hours per semester in creative writing and other courses, including composition, humanities, undergraduate literature, and graduate literature.
• Maintain a record of publication sufficient for tenure and advancement.
• Engage in departmental and university service, including mentoring, advising, reading‑series organization, and recruitment and retention activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA or Ph.D. in Creative Writing with an open genre (poetry preferred) and 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialization in Poetry.
• Publication that includes at least one book published or forthcoming from a reputable literary press.

Application Requirements

• 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 (no more than 2 pages).
• Copies of transcripts.
• Contact information for three references.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.

Pay Plan

Faculty I

Posting and Closing Dates

Posting Date: 10/30/2025

Closing Date: 11/30/2025