Jim Shimkus

Jim Shimkus, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Arts & Letters at the University of North Georgia (UNG). His academic career includes roles progressing from Temporary Instructor (2012) to Lecturer (2013-2014) before achieving his current senior rank. Specializing in Composition Theory, Writing Center Studies, and Speculative Fiction, he teaches courses such as ENGL 1101/1102, Rhetorical Theory, and Tutoring Composition. His expertise also extends to American Literature and Popular Culture Studies through prior teaching at Georgia State University.

Education: Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition (Georgia State University, 2012), M.A. in Literature (Georgia State, 2006), and A.B.J. in Journalism (University of Georgia, 1993). His research explores intersections between pedagogy, writing center administration, and creative writing.

Publications focus on Eudora Welty's interdisciplinary contributions, with scholarly articles in Eudora Welty Newsletter and creative works recognized in The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror. He has held leadership roles in writing programs, including Director of Writing Programming at UNG and leadership in Georgia Military College's Writing Center.

Outside academia, Shimkus has corporate experience in insurance analysis and publishing. His creative writing awards highlight his speculative fiction contributions, blending psychological depth with genre innovation.