Amy Beth Wright

Amy Beth Wright is a Professor of Practice in the School of Humanities at Purchase College, State University of New York, where she has been a core member of the writing faculty since 2012. She teaches courses such as College Writing, The Art of the Essay, and Introduction to Digital Publishing, and is deeply committed to expository writing and student engagement.

Her educational background includes a BA from Oberlin College and an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College.

Wright’s research and professional interests span creative nonfiction, travel writing, food and spirits journalism, public lands, architecture, and writing pedagogy. She is the founding editor of Expose, Purchase College’s Journal of Expository Writing, and co-edits SUNY Writes!, a pedagogical blogzine for writing educators. Her work frequently explores the intersection of personal narrative and cultural commentary, with a particular focus on sensory and emotional experiences in nature and urban environments.

Her publications have appeared in Catapult, Electric Literature, Artsy, Wine Enthusiast, and Fodors Travel, among others. She co-founded Parks & Points, a digital platform for writing about public lands, and co-edited the poetry anthology Wayfinding (2021), which celebrates national parks through lyrical and confessional verse. Her recent articles reflect a strong thematic trend toward environmental storytelling, cultural reporting, and interdisciplinary creative expression.

Her scientific and professional awards include:

• Purchase College Faculty Award for Student Engagement (Fall 2024)
• Individual Development Grant for Independent Research (Summer 2024)
• Werlinich Faculty Development Grant (Summer 2020)
• Clark Robertson Incentive Fund (Summer 2021)

Wright actively contributes to academic service, serving on the SUNY Council on Writing board and co-planning conferences focused on writing pedagogy and community building. She mentors students through editorial projects and writing programs, and her work bridges creative practice, scholarship, and public engagement. She leads initiatives such as the annual poetry series at Parks & Points and contributes to curriculum development in writing education.

She is involved in the following labs, teams, and collaborative projects:

• Expose – The Purchase College Journal of Expository Writing (Editor)
• SUNY Writes! – Craft-of-Pedagogy Blogzine (Co-Editor)
• Parks & Points – Website on Public Lands (Co-Founder and Editor)
• Anthology Wayfinding (Co-Editor)
• SUNY Council on Writing (Board Member and Conference Planner)