About
Matthew J. Ferrence is a Professor of English at Allegheny College, specializing in Nonfiction Writing, Fiction Writing, Appalachian Studies, and American Literature. He holds a B.A. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.M. in Jazz Studies from Youngstown State University, and a Ph.D. from West Virginia University. His research explores intersections of cultural identity, regional narratives, and political discourse through creative nonfiction and scholarly analysis.
Notable publications include Appalachia North: a memoir (2019, Book of the Year) and All-American Redneck (2014, Weatherford Award finalist). His work appears in journals like Gettysburg Review, Creative Nonfiction, and Journal of Appalachian Studies, alongside anthologies such as Best American Travel Writing and Man in the Moon.
Ferrence’s academic focus bridges literary analysis and sociopolitical critique, with a particular emphasis on Appalachian culture and American iconography. He contributes to scholarly venues like Assay and Popular Culture Review, while his creative works blend memoir with cultural commentary.
