Brian Railsback

Brian Railsback is a Professor of English at Western Carolina University (WCU), affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds roles including former department head, dean, and founder of WCU's Honors College and Spring Literary Festival. His career spans diverse fields like commercial fishing, journalism, and comedy writing before academia.

• Education:
  • PhD, Ohio University Athens
  • MA, Ohio University Athens
  • BS, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

His research focuses on American authors John Steinbeck and Ron Rash, alongside creative writing. He has lectured globally on Steinbeck and organizes annual F. Scott Fitzgerald lectures at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn. In 2014, he led a Cuba literature course for the Harvard Museum. He is also the incoming Director of WCU’s Office of National and International Awards (2016).

Awards:

• WCU University Scholar (2004)

Advising & Leadership: No formal student advisees listed. Administrative contributions include founding the Honors College and leading national/international academic initiatives. He serves on the Center for Life Enrichment Board (Highlands, NC).

Labs/Teams: Spearheaded the Spring Literary Festival and Honors College at WCU, fostering literary engagement and academic excellence.