Brian Reed

Brian Reed is a Professor of English and Divisional Dean of Humanities at the University of Washington, College of Arts & Sciences. He holds the Milliman Endowed Chair in the Humanities and affiliate appointments in Slavic Languages and Comparative History of Ideas. With degrees from Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, his research focuses on 20th/21st century poetry, avant-garde studies, and interdisciplinary connections between poetry and other arts. His work spans American, Russian, and global literatures, emphasizing experimental forms and transnational influences.

Reed has authored three books and over 50 essays, including Nobody’s Business: Twenty-First Century Avant-Garde Poetics (2013) and Phenomenal Reading (2012). Awards include the Rhodes (1992) and Fulbright (2009) Scholarships. He has directed over 30 graduate students and led initiatives like the Mellon-funded Humanities First program. His administrative roles include Department of English Chair (2014–2018) and leadership in digital humanities through Simpson Center grants.