Writer in Residence

The Writer in Residence program is a highlight of the Chatham Hall curriculum. Stewarded through the English Department, each year a noted writer visits campus to share their profound work and meet with students for conversation over lunch or dinner. This program allows the Chatham Hall community to open our eyes and hearts to experiences with which we may or may not be familiar.

Learn about our Leader in Residence program here.

Past Writers in Residence

2024-2025: Amber McBride, author, poet, professor (November 2024)
2023-2024: Laura Ruby, novelist
2022-2023: Dr. Julian Saporiti, songwriter, historian
2021-2022: Phil Kaye, spoken-word poet, author
2020-2021: Gish Jen, author

2019-2020: Elizabeth Acevedo, author

2018-2019: Madeline Miller, author

2017-2018: Rhiannon Giddens, songwriter

2016-2017: Lee Smith, author

2015-2016: Gloria Bond Clunie ’71, playwright

2014-2015: Joy Harjo, Mvskoke poet, musician, author

2013-2014: Amber Dermont, author
2012-2013: Tracy Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
2011-2012: Danzy Senna, author

2010-2011: Li-Young Lee, poet

2009-2010: Taylor Mali, poet

2008-2009: Claudia Emerson ’75, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet

2007-2008: Carolyn Forché, poet

2006-2007: Tobias Wolff, author
2006-2007: Mark Mathabane, author