Deb Olin Unferth

Deb Olin Unferth is a Professor in the Department of English at the College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, where she teaches creative writing courses including Fiction Writing, Workshop in Fiction, and Literature for Writers. Holding an M.F.A. from Syracuse University (1998), she maintains an active presence in contemporary literature through publications and student mentorship.

Her educational background includes:

• M.F.A., Syracuse University, 1998

Professor Unferth specializes in innovative prose forms across fiction and nonfiction genres, with particular expertise in literary memoir and short story composition. Her work explores themes of personal transformation, political engagement, and narrative experimentation, consistently demonstrating technical mastery in voice and structure across diverse literary formats.

Her distinguished career includes significant recognition:

• National Book Critics Circle Award finalist for memoir 'Revolution: The Year I Fell in Love and Went to Join the War'
• Cabell First Novel Award winner for 'Vacation'
• Three Pushcart Prizes for outstanding short works
• Creative Capital Grant supporting innovative literary projects

Through her teaching across multiple course formats including synchronous online instruction, Professor Unferth mentors emerging writers while maintaining active publication in premier literary venues. Her scholarly impact extends through consistent contributions to journals such as Harper's, The Paris Review, McSweeney's, Tin House, and Granta, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary American letters.