Professor Michael Prior Awarded Tenure!

by Zoë Roos Scheuerman ’24

In December, creative writing professor Michael Prior took the elevator up to the Old Main 4 lounge for what he thought was a routine staff meeting, and met bagpipes, grinning colleagues, and a tenure announcement instead! Professor Prior has been in the English department for four years, and we’re so glad to now have him as a tenured faculty member!

Starting this summer and going into January 2025, Professor Prior will be away for an Amy Clampitt Residency, living and working in Clampitt’s, an acclaimed poet’s, former house in Western Massachusetts. He plans to use this time to complete his third poetry manuscript as well as an essay collection on generational memory, cultural trauma, and the Japanese Canadian and American experiences during the Second World War. Recently, Professor Prior also became the poetry editor of the award-winning Véhicule Press in addition to his editorship of a forthcoming anthology of Japanese Canadian writing. In spring 2025, Professor Prior will return to teach classes on poetry and Asian American literature. Congratulations Professor Prior, and best of luck with all of your amazing plans!