Colin Bailes

Colin Bailes is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of English at Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from VCU and a BA in English from the University of Central Florida. His primary roles involve teaching undergraduate courses in literature, fiction, and poetry writing.

• Education: MFA (Creative Writing, VCU); BA (English, University of Central Florida)

Bailes specializes in creative writing, with a focus on poetry. His research interests include ecopoetics, environmental literature, contemporary poetry, and literary theory. His work explores intersections between nature, spirituality, and modernity through poetic forms.

Recent publications highlight his engagement with contemporary poetic traditions and environmental themes, appearing in esteemed journals like Narrative, Best New Poets, and Nashville Review. These works reflect his interest in experimental poetics and ecological narratives.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Best New Poets 2022
  • Finalist, National Poetry Series, 2022
  • Catherine and Joan Byrne Poetry Prize, 2021
  • Levis Reading Prize Fellowship, 2020–2021

Bailes has received recognition for his poetic contributions, including fellowships and prizes. He teaches courses such as ENGL 215 (Reading Literature), ENGL 295 (Fiction and Poetry), ENGL 304 (Persuasive Writing), and ENGL 305 (Writing Poetry), emphasizing skill-building across genres.