- Department, Office, or School
- Department of English
- Associate Professor
- emailcshipers@ric.edu
- phone401-456-8663
- location_onCraig-Lee Hall, 172
As a first-generation college student, I was fortunate to have a family that supported my decision to study creative writing even though at the time I had no idea what I’d actually do after I graduated—I had no idea I was going to be a professor. What I love about teaching creative writing workshops is seeing students learn from each other and get excited about each other’s work. In all of my classes, I emphasize the importance of reading widely and patiently, including voices and forms that might initially seem weird or challenging. To me, the study of creative writing is really about exploring new ideas and forms, developing initial drafts through thoughtful revision, and honoring our connections to each other and the larger world.
My poems have appeared in New England Review, North American Review, Poet Lore, RATTLE, and The Southern Review, as well as in several anthologies. My essays have appeared on the AGNI blog and in 1966: A Journal of Creative Nonfiction and Zone 3. I also serve a reader of poetry submissions and manuscripts for Prairie Schooner.
Education
B.A., University of Missouri-Columbia
M.A., University of Missouri-Columbia
M.F.A., The Ohio State University
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Selected Publications
Grief Land: Poems (University of New Mexico, 2020)
Family Resemblances: Poems (University of New Mexico, 2016)
Cause for Concern (Able Muse, 2015)
Ordinary Mourning (ABZ, 2010)
Courses
ENGL 220 Introduction to Creative Writing
ENGL 310 Readings for Writers
ENGL 372 Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop: Poetry
ENGL 373 Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop: Nonfiction Prose
ENGL 375 SHORELINE Production: Selection and Editing
ENGL 376 SHORELINE Production: Design and Distribution
ENGL 461 Advanced Workshop in Creative Writing
ENGL 581 Workshop in Creative Writing (Graduate)