Laura A Kopchick

Laura A Kopchick is a Distinguished Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at The University of Texas at Arlington. She coordinates the Creative Writing program and teaches courses in poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Holding a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts (MA) in English from the University of North Texas, her academic journey includes prestigious awards like the National Society of Arts and Letters’ First Place Award in Short Fiction (1998).

Her research and creative interests focus on narrative techniques in short fiction, magical realism, and literary arts. Kopchick’s publications include The Meditating Mother and Other Stories (2024), a collection exploring everyday life’s extraordinary moments, and numerous short stories in journals like Archaeopteryx and Santa Monica Review.

Recipient of the UT Board of Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award (2011), she emphasizes student impact and pedagogical innovation. Beyond teaching, she served as Series Editor for the Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction (2007–2015). Her service includes organizing literary events like the Bountiful Harvest Reading Series and Firebones UTA Premier.

• Education:
• MFA in Creative Writing, University of Michigan (1999)
• MA in English, University of North Texas (1994)
• BA in English, Austin College (1991)

Her awards reflect both creative and pedagogical excellence, including multiple Mavericks Making A Difference recognitions (2022–2025) and membership in UTA’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers.