Tom Kealey

Jones Lecturer in Creative Writing at Stanford University

Tom Kealey is a prominent figure in the field of creative writing, serving as a Jones Lecturer at Stanford University. He has had a significant impact on the university's Creative Writing Program, where he has taught for over 20 years and played a vital role in developing its curriculum.

Educational Background and Career

MFA in Creative Writing: Kealey earned his MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2001.1 2 3
Stegner Fellow: He was a Stegner Fellow at Stanford from 2001 to 2003, an experience that laid the groundwork for his future teaching career at the institution.2 3

Contributions to Stanford

Program Development: Kealey co-created various innovative courses, including the Graphic Novel Project and programs like Fiction Into Film, which have enriched the curriculum and provided students with unique opportunities.1 2
Levinthal Tutorials: He designed this one-on-one mentoring program that pairs Stegner Fellows with undergraduates, enhancing student engagement and learning.2 3
Course Offerings: His teaching repertoire includes courses such as Novel Writing Intensive, Creative Nonfiction, and Science Fiction, among others.1 2

Publications and Awards

Kealey is also an accomplished author:

Books: His notable works include Thieves I’ve Known, which won the Flannery O’Connor Award, and The Creative Writing MFA Handbook .2 3
Short Stories: His stories have been featured in esteemed publications like Glimmer Train, Story Quarterly, and Best American NonRequired Reading .2 3

Recent Developments

In recent events, Kealey has been vocal about challenges facing the Creative Writing Program, particularly regarding staffing changes that threaten its structure. He has actively participated in discussions about these changes, advocating for the value of established lecturers within the program .4 5

Overall, Tom Kealey's contributions to creative writing education at Stanford are profound, marked by his commitment to fostering student creativity and developing innovative writing programs.