James Allen Hall

James Allen Hall (he/they) is an Associate Professor of English at Washington College and Director of the Rose O'Neill Literary House. They are a nationally recognized writer and literary editor of poetry and creative nonfiction, teaching courses including Queer Literature and Comic Women: From Lysistrata to Lena Dunham. Hall directs the Cherry Tree: A National Literary Magazine of Washington College as Editor in Chief and co-hosts Breaking Form: A Podcast of Poetry and Culture with Aaron Smith.

Dr. Hall earned their Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Literature from the University of Houston in 2006, an M.F.A. in Poetry from Bennington College in 2000, and a B.A. in English Literature from Stetson University in 1997. Their academic journey included positions at State University of New York—College at Potsdam (Associate Professor 2012-2013, Assistant Professor 2008-2012), Bethany College (Assistant Professor 2006-2008), and University of Houston (Teaching Fellow 2001-2006).

As a nonbinary, queer author, Hall's research focuses on LGBTQIA+ issues, contemporary poetry, and creative nonfiction, with particular interest in artists Mark Rothko and Robert Mapplethorpe. Their scholarship explores intersections of literature, identity, and social justice, emphasizing free expression and inclusive pedagogy. Hall's SCE advisees have conducted groundbreaking work analyzing polyamory in science fiction, transgender as transgenre, and post-human concepts at the intersections of literature, environmental studies, and artificial intelligence.

Hall's publications demonstrate a consistent engagement with queer identity, American cultural history, and formal innovation in poetry. Their work often employs portraiture, historical references, and political commentary while maintaining lyrical precision. The trajectory shows increasing critical recognition, with poems selected for Best American Poetry 2025 and inclusion in Essential Queer Voices of U.S. Poetry.

• Lambda Literary Award for Gay Male Poetry (2009)
• Washington College Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching (2017)
• George Garrett Award for New Writing from the Fellowship of Southern Writers
• Helen C. Smith Award from the Texas Institute of Letters
• Civitella Ranieri Foundation Writing Fellowship (2025)
• National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships (2011, 2025)
• Bread Loaf Writers' Conference Fellowships (2009, 2024)

Dr. Hall provides significant mentorship to students working on Senior Capstone Experiences in queer literature and contemporary poetry. Their editorial work extends across multiple publications including Cherry Tree, Blue Line, and Gulf Coast. Hall maintains active engagement with the literary community through podcasting, public readings, and participation in writers' conferences. The Rose O'Neill Literary House serves as a vital hub for literary activity at Washington College under Hall's direction, hosting visiting writers and fostering student engagement with contemporary literature.