It all began with a simple yet meaningful idea: to bring together aspiring writers and poets to help them unlock their potential and refine their craft.

The vision for the MFA in Creative Writing program started in the early 2000s as little more than a dream written on Post-it Notes, said Chelsea Krieg, the program’s administrative director. Since then, it has grown into a well-respected MFA program in the American South, founded on close mentorship, creative rigor and a strong belief in the power of language.

Now, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the program is commemorating this milestone with a series of events that will bring together faculty, alumni, and students for readings, discussions, a book fair, and more. These events, scheduled for March 26-28, highlight how the program has influenced writers and communities over two decades.

“The program’s rich focus on community has always set it apart.”

“The program’s rich focus on community has always set it apart,” Krieg added. “You can see this manifest in our alumni and their achievements on and off the page.”

As examples, she said two MFA alumni developed the Redbud Writing Project, a creative writing nonprofit in the Triangle. Other graduates lead arts outreach efforts across the country, and some teach across all educational levels, extending the program’s network and creative impact.

Since its inception, the program has prioritized focus and deep engagement. Annually, a carefully chosen group of poets and fiction writers joins a fully funded, two-year program that offers workshops, continuous creative practice and personalized mentorship from active authors. 

Krieg said the program’s scope is intentional, emphasizing “the meticulous development of craft as focus that often leads to publication,” with many alumni achieving national recognition. It aims to foster growth by encouraging writers to reflect on language, responsibility and the significance of human-centered storytelling in today’s complex world. 

Over the last 20 years, she added, MFA graduates have won prestigious awards such as the APR Honickman, Whiting Award, Walt Whitman Award, Nebula, and so many more. They regularly publish in journals and with prominent presses across the country. Their books appear on notable lists and become New York Times bestsellers.

“We look forward to what we will do in the next 20 years.”

As the MFA program marks 20 years, it celebrates not just the books written or awards earned. It also honors the impact of writers who leave prepared to listen closely, speak honestly and shape the world through story.

“We are proud of our students and remain grateful that we played a role in fostering their important and emerging voices,” said Krieg. “We look forward to what we will do in the next 20 years.”