Dean Rader

Dean Rader serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of English at the University of San Francisco, with additional leadership roles including Interim Director of the St. Ignatius Institute, Advisory Board member for CRASE (Center for Research, Artistic, and Scholarly Excellence), and Chair of the Strategic Enrollment Management Advisory Board.

His academic foundation includes a PhD and MA in Comparative Literature from SUNY-Binghamton (1995, 1991) and a BA in English from Baylor University (1989).

Rader's scholarly focus bridges poetry, literary criticism, American Indian studies, and visual culture, particularly examining the intersection of artistic movements like Cy Twombly's work with contemporary poetic forms. His research consistently centers Indigenous American voices and the adaptation of classical structures in modern contexts, reflecting deep engagement with cultural resistance and identity.

His publication trajectory reveals a sustained commitment to amplifying Native American literary traditions alongside innovative explorations of digital media's impact on poetry. The 2019 anthology 'Native Voices' exemplifies his dedication to creating platforms for underrepresented Indigenous poets while advancing formal experimentation.

Rader's distinguished contributions have earned him significant recognition:

• Finalist, National Book Critics Circle Award for Excellence in Reviewing (2020)
• Barbara and Andrew Senchak Fellowship in Poetry, MacDowell Foundation (2020)
• Distinguished Research Award, University of San Francisco (2020)
• Guggenheim Fellowship in Poetry (2019)
• Distinguished Teaching Award, Society of Collegiate Scholars (2016)

Beyond his acclaimed creative output, Rader mentors MFA candidates through thesis direction and has secured major research support including fellowships from Princeton, Harvard, MacDowell Colony, and the Guggenheim Foundation. His teaching portfolio spans poetry workshops, Honors College seminars on Global Poetry, and specialized courses examining the American Experience through literary lenses.