Keith Kopka

Keith Kopka serves as Assistant Professor and Director of the low-residency MFA Program in the English Department within the School of Arts & Sciences at Holy Family University. He holds a Ph.D. in English from Florida State University and MFA/BFA degrees in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in English, Florida State University
• MFA in Creative Writing, University of North Carolina Wilmington
• BFA in Creative Writing, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Dr. Kopka's scholarly work bridges creative practice and critical analysis, specializing in Poetry, Creative Writing, and Critical Theory. His award-winning poetry collection Count Four (2020) and critical texts Asking a Shadow to Dance (2018) and Crossing Disciplines (2022) demonstrate his focus on interdisciplinary methodologies and the pedagogy of poetic creation. His research examines how writing processes inform critical frameworks across literary disciplines.

His contributions have earned the International Award for Excellence from the Books, Publishing, and Libraries Research Network, alongside competitive fellowships from premier artistic institutions:

• Tampa Review Prize for Count Four (2020)
• MacDowell Foundation Fellowship
• Centrum Residency Fellowship
• Vermont Studio Center Fellowship

As Director of Holy Family University's low-residency MFA program and senior editor of Narrative magazine, Kopka shapes emerging writers through structured mentorship while maintaining an active creative practice. His recent blog post "Why Pursue a Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing?" (January 6, 2025) articulates his philosophy on accessible graduate writing education.