Dorian Elizabeth Knapp

Dorian Elizabeth Knapp serves as Professor of English and Program Director of the Creative Writing MFA at Hood College within the Department of English & Communication Arts.

Education:

• Ph.D. in English from Western Michigan University (2008)
• MFA in Creative Writing from Bennington College (2000)
• B.A. in English and Fine Arts from Amherst College (1996)

Her scholarly work centers on American literature and modern/contemporary American poetry with specialized focus on women's poetry, African-American poetry, and poetic forms. She teaches diverse courses including women's poetry, African-American poetry, poetry forms, writing on art, and creative writing workshops across fiction, poetry, and nonfiction genres.

As an acclaimed poet, her three published collections—Causa Sui (2025), Requiem with an Amulet in Its Beak (2019), and The Spite House (2011)—demonstrate her contributions to contemporary poetry. Her work appears in prestigious journals including The Kenyon Review, The Massachusetts Review, North American Review, and Quarterly West.

Scientific awards:

• Three Mile Harbor Book Award (2025)
• Jean Feldman Poetry Prize (2019)
• De Novo Poetry Prize (2011)
• Robert H. Winner Prize (2018)
• Literal Latté Poetry Award (2015)
• Discovered Voices Award (2007)
• Maryland State Arts Council Fellowship

In her role as Program Director of the Creative Writing MFA, she provides academic leadership and mentorship while maintaining an active research profile. Her Maryland State Arts Council Fellowship supports her creative practice, and her award-winning publications reflect sustained excellence in poetic innovation and literary scholarship.