Holly M. Wendt

Holly M. Wendt serves as Professor of English & Communications and Creative Writing and Director of Creative Writing at Lebanon Valley College. With a Ph.D. from Binghamton University, they specialize in bridging creative practice with academic scholarship through courses spanning English literature, baseball literature, and creative writing workshops.

• B.A., Lycoming College
• M.A., Ohio University
• Ph.D., Binghamton University

Wendt’s research centers on Creative Writing (fiction and nonfiction), Sports Literature (particularly baseball writing), and Creative Writing Pedagogy. Their work interrogates narrative form, memory, identity, and the intersection of sports culture with literary expression. Early English Literature expertise informs their historical perspective on contemporary writing practices.

Recent publications (2020-2023) reveal dual trajectories: experimental creative nonfiction exploring form and materiality (e.g., endpapers, nature writing), and sports literature analyzing baseball’s cultural dimensions. Baseball Prospectus contributions demonstrate rigorous team analysis while Ploughshares essays emphasize lyrical reflection and structural innovation.

Wendt’s accolades span writing residencies, teaching excellence, and literary prizes:

• Fellowship from the Hambidge Center (2020)
• Sundress Academy Residency (2020)
• Vermont Studio Center Residency (2018)
• Memorious Poetry Contest Winner (2014)
• NISOD Excellence Award (2011)
• Multiple graduate teaching awards

As Creative Writing Director, Wendt mentors students through workshops (ENG 252/352, 254) and capstone projects (ENG 451), supported by research grants including the Newman Grant (2007). Their pedagogical approach integrates sports literature analysis with creative practice.

Wendt cultivates literary community through their newsletter Loomings: Making, Doing, & Making Do, Ploughshares contributions, and upcoming engagements at PA Chautauqua (2025) and Lit Youngstown Festival.