Raleigh Hightower
Contributing Writer
rhightower@murraystate.edu
Assistant Professor Gwendolyn Edward joined the English department at Murray State in August to further his/her education in creative writing.
Edward was born in Dallas, Texas, and spent his/her formative years split between Dallas and Detroit, Michigan. Edward began his/her college education at the University of North Texas where (s)he holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in history and English.
“It took me years to officially become an English major,” Edward said. “I started out studying classics, but I did not love learning Latin and Greek, so I moved into studying European history.”
Edward studied creative writing at Bennington College, where (s)he obtained a Master of Fine Art, and the University of Missouri, where (s)he completed his/her PhD.
“Creative writing has allowed me to understand myself and the world in ways I’m not sure I could have otherwise,” Edward said. “I treasure this, but sometimes it’s hard because understanding the world isn’t to me most of the time a positive thing.”
Within the discipline of English, Edward also studied Native American literature, global anglophone literature, disability theory and literature and folkloristics.
Edward’s research focuses on how writers from marginalized communities assert autonomy through creative writing and the power structures and practices that keep people from telling their stories.
“It’s important for me that we, the ‘big we,’ make space and listen to people who are marginalized, and creative writing is a field where anyone can tell the story they want to tell,” Edward said.
Edward’s dissertation is a novel titled, “The Diving Season.” The novel focuses on the generational trauma of a Native American girl who lives in a fictionalized version of a town named Larissa, Texas, where other Native American girls are being kidnapped.
Edward said the novel takes place in the 1950s and discusses the Native American removal, relocation and the practice of establishing and running residential schools.
Edward researched American history in order to find a way to make the reader feel the significance of Native American history in a fictional narrative.
Edward has published a collection of short stories, a chapter book, numerous essays and a few poems. Edward says the publishing process can be very difficult, so being tenacious and developing a thick skin is a necessity.
Outside of the classroom, however, Edward says (s)he is a person who enjoys a variety of athletic pursuits.
“I’m a powerlifter, so I spend a lot of time in the gym,” Edward said. “I’m trying to become a runner, too, but that’s slow going . . . I also really like games—video games, board games, etc. I’m a console gamer and am still waiting for the next Elder Scrolls game.”
Edward also spends his/her free time learning about quantum mechanics and is interested in visiting local state parks and restaurants.
Edward heard about Murray State through an uncle who was raised in Paducah. Edward decided to work here because (s)he says (s)he wanted to be at a primarily teaching institution.
Edward said the hiring process with the English department was straightforward, even during COVID-19.
“After I submitted my application, I went through two rounds of interviews, one of them being a full day long,” Edward said. “I talked to other faculty in my department, the dean, and I read an excerpt of my creative work. It was all over Zoom, so it was nice to be able to do it all from my home office instead of traveling during COVID.”
Edward said (s)he believes that compared to Dallas and Detroit, (s)he will find Murray to be a more stress-free location and appreciates Murray’s sense of community.
“Large cities can really overwhelm me, and I feel like Murray isn’t going to stress me out,” Edward said. “What I really appreciate is the immediate sense of community I’ve found — both on campus and literally in my own neighborhood.”
Edward teaches two creative writing classes this semester: ENG 214, Introduction to Creative Writing, and ENG 105, Critical Reading, Writing and Inquiry.