Michael Prior

Michael Prior is an Associate Professor in the English Department at Macalester College and a Mellon ACM Faculty Fellow, teaching courses such as Introduction to Asian American Literature and Projects in Creative Writing.

Education:

• B.A. in English Literature from the University of British Columbia
• M.A. in English Literature from the University of Toronto
• M.F.A. in Poetry from Cornell University

His research centers on Poetry, with a focus on the politics of poetic form, Asian American poetries, intergenerational memory, and literary citizenship. Prior's work bridges creative nonfiction and poetry, exploring identity and community engagement through innovative literary forms.

Prior's publications, including his award-winning books 'Burning Province' (2020) and 'Model Disciple' (2016), consistently examine themes of memory, identity, and form within contemporary poetry. His poems appear in top literary journals such as Poetry, The New Republic, and The Kenyon Review, highlighting intersections of Asian American experiences and political dimensions of poetic structure.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Canada-Japan Literary Award for 'Burning Province'
• BC & Yukon Book Prizes’ Poetry Prize for 'Burning Province'
• New York Public Library’s Cullman Center Fellowship
• Jerome Foundation Fellowship
• Amy Clampitt Residency

Prior has been supported by prestigious fellowships including the New York Public Library’s Cullman Center, the Jerome Foundation, and the Amy Clampitt Residency. As a faculty member in Creative Writing, he mentors students in developing their craft and literary citizenship.