Jeffrey McDaniel

Jeffrey McDaniel is a Professor of Writing at Sarah Lawrence College, where he has been teaching since 2001. He is currently on leave for Spring 2026. McDaniel specializes in poetry and creative writing, teaching courses such as Contemporary American Poetry and Hybrids of Poetry and Prose at both undergraduate and MFA levels.

McDaniel holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from George Mason University. His educational background has informed his distinctive approach to literary instruction, blending traditional techniques with innovative forms.

McDaniel's creative work focuses on contemporary American poetry with particular emphasis on emotional landscapes, grief, and joy. His publications reveal a consistent evolution in style while maintaining deep engagement with human experience. His critique of Justin Bieber's love poem for The Cut demonstrates his analytical approach to poetic elements in unexpected cultural contexts.

McDaniel has published six books of poetry spanning 25 years, with his most recent work 'Holiday in the Islands of Grief' (2020) continuing his exploration of emotional complexity through verse.

His major recognition includes:

• NEA Fellowship

McDaniel's poems have appeared in prestigious publications including The New Yorker, The New York Times, and multiple editions of Best American Poetry (1994, 2010, 2019). His teaching philosophy emphasizes personal voice and experimentation, reflected in course titles like 'Masks, Personas, and The Literal I' and 'Hybrids of Poetry and Prose.'

Based in the Hudson Valley, McDaniel remains an active contributor to contemporary literary discourse through both his creative work and public engagement with poetry in popular culture.