James May

James May (’04) is an English professor at Young Harris College, specializing in poetry and creative writing. He earned his MFA from the University of Houston and his Ph.D. from Georgia State University, building on a rigorous undergraduate English major at Allegheny College that emphasized literary tradition alongside creative practice.

• Education
• B.A. in English, Allegheny College
• M.F.A., University of Houston
• Ph.D., Georgia State University

May teaches literature and creative writing courses and played a pivotal role in launching Young Harris College’s Creative Writing major, which has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing programs on campus. His research focuses on the intersection of poetic tradition and contemporary practice, emphasizing humility and critical engagement in creative work.

His first poetry collection, Unquiet Things (Louisiana State University Press, 2024), was published as part of the Goat Island Poetry Series. Poems from this manuscript have appeared in prestigious journals such as Five Points, The Missouri Review, and The Southern Review.

• Scientific Awards
• Selected by Tracy K. Smith for inclusion in The Best New Poets anthology