Joey Franklin

Joey Franklin is a faculty member in the Department of English within the College of Humanities at Utah State University. He is an accomplished essayist and cultural critic whose work explores the intersections of personal identity, American mythologies, and social justice. His writing blends lyrical prose with deep research, focusing on issues of race, class, religion, masculinity, and the ethical responsibilities of citizenship and parenthood.

His research interests include creative nonfiction, the essay form, American cultural narratives, and ethical engagement with societal delusions such as white supremacy and rugged individualism. Franklin’s work is deeply rooted in personal experience while maintaining a sharp critical lens on broader systemic injustices.

The publication Delusions of Grandeur: American Essays (2020) exemplifies his approach, combining autobiographical reflection with cultural critique. The essays examine how national myths shape individual lives, particularly through the lens of a white, middle-class father navigating conversations about race, labor, and morality with his children. The collection reveals a consistent thematic focus on humility, self-questioning, and the pursuit of clarity in a politically and socially fragmented America.

While no specific awards or scientific honors are mentioned in the text, his work has been recognized through publication by a respected academic press and featured in faculty book reviews. His essays engage with philosophical and ethical traditions, including references to Montaigne, Levinas, and biblical teachings, demonstrating intellectual depth and interdisciplinary reach.

Franklin is actively involved in the literary and academic community through publications and likely teaching in English and creative writing programs. Though no formal advising or grant activity is detailed, his role as a professor suggests mentorship of students in writing and literature. There is no mention of labs or research teams, but his engagement with public discourse through essays indicates a commitment to accessible scholarship.