Tom Zoellner

Tom Zoellner is a Professor of English at Chapman University's Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, where he teaches and conducts research in nonfiction writing, American history, and cultural studies. With a distinguished career spanning journalism, academia, and literary nonfiction, Zoellner has established himself as a prominent voice in American letters and political commentary.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Lawrence University, a Master of Arts from Dartmouth College, and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University. Prior to his academic career, Zoellner worked as a staff writer for The Arizona Republic and the San Francisco Chronicle, experiences that deeply informed his later nonfiction work.

Zoellner's research interests span American history with particular focus on transportation history, political commentary, and social justice issues. His work often examines the intersection of American culture, politics, and geography, with notable expertise in railroad history as evidenced by his book Train: Riding the Rails that Created the Modern World. His writing reveals a consistent interest in how infrastructure, transportation, and physical spaces shape American identity and political discourse.

His scholarly output demonstrates a remarkable range across historical periods and subject matter, from contemporary political analysis to deep historical investigations. The articles reflect consistent engagement with American identity, political discourse, and international relations, particularly regarding Rwanda and Africa. His work often challenges conventional narratives and examines the complex interplay between history, memory, and contemporary politics.

• National Book Critics Circle Award (2020) for Island on Fire
• Bancroft Prize finalist for Island on Fire
• Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities
• Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation

As editor-at-large for The Los Angeles Review of Books, Zoellner plays an active role in shaping literary discourse. His academic work is characterized by rigorous historical research combined with journalistic immediacy, making complex historical and political issues accessible to broad audiences. He regularly contributes to major publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Harper's, demonstrating his ability to bridge academic scholarship and public intellectual engagement.