Melissa Ridley Elmes

Melissa Ridley Elmes is a Professor in the Department of English, Language, and Interdisciplinary Studies at Lindenwood University's College of Arts and Humanities. Her academic career spans medieval literature, gender studies, and Arthurian legend research, with a parallel focus on speculative poetry and fiction writing.

• Education: B.A. in French (The College of William and Mary), M.A. in English (Longwood University), MFA in Creative Writing (Lindenwood University), Ph.D. in English (University of North Carolina Greensboro)

Research interests include:

• Medieval British Isles and Scandinavian literatures (10th-15th century)
• Gender dynamics in Arthurian legends and outlaw tales
• Monstrosity and ethical frameworks in premodern narratives
• Intersection of critical and creative writing in medievalism

Her recent scholarly output focuses on ethical systems in Arthurian texts, digital pedagogy adaptations, and cultural memory in medieval literature. Creative works explore speculative themes through poetry and short fiction.

• Pushcart Prize nomination
• SFPA Elgin/Rhysling/Dwarf Star award nominations

Dr. Elmes serves on advisory boards for key medievalist organizations including the International Arthurian Society North American Branch and Southeastern Medieval Association. She edits poetry for publications like Eye to the Telescope and has authored two poetry collections.