Heather McPherson

Heather McPherson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at Washington University in St. Louis. She specializes in creative writing pedagogy and serves as faculty advisor for the literary magazine The Spectacle, while also acting as the department’s career and alumni liaison. Prior to academia, she held full-time editorial roles at major publications including Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, and New York Observer, alongside freelance work in publishing and media.

Her teaching focuses on courses such as Modern Humor Writing, Literary Journalism, and The Craft of Literary Magazines. McPherson emphasizes the practical application of written communication skills beyond academia, drawing on her decade-long industry experience. She has also taught continuing education courses at NYU.

McPherson holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a BA from Davidson College. Her professional background bridges journalism, publishing, and education, reflecting a commitment to nurturing student writing and career development.