David Wojahn

David Wojahn is a Professor of English at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and a core faculty member in the MFA in Writing Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA). He specializes in poetry and literary criticism, with a focus on contemporary American poetry and narrative techniques. His academic roles include teaching creative writing and serving on VCFA’s MFA faculty since 1997.

Education:

• MFA - Creative Writing, University of Arizona
• BA - English, University of Minnesota

Research Interests: Wojahn’s work spans poetry creation, literary analysis, and editing. His poetry explores themes of memory, identity, and existential inquiry, while his essays critique contemporary poetic trends and creative processes. He has edited posthumous works of Lynda Hull, preserving her literary legacy.

Awards & Honors:

• Lenore Marshall Prize (2011)
• Pulitzer Prize Finalist (2006)
• Guggenheim Fellowship, NEA Fellowship
• Carole Weinstein Poetry Prize (2008)
• Virginia Commonwealth University’s Distinguished Scholarship Award (2008)

Advising & Grants: Wojahn has advised numerous students through his teaching roles at VCU and VCFA. His grants include support from the Guggenheim Foundation, NEA, and others. He has also served as the Amy Lowell Traveling Poetry Scholar (1987–88).

Labs & Teams: Integral member of VCFA’s MFA in Writing Program, contributing to its low-residency model in poetry and creative nonfiction education.