Prof. Folk shares what sets USF's MFA program apart

What makes the MFA program at USF distinct?
I've always been struck by how warm and welcoming the program is. I was a student in the program years ago, and am now an instructor; in all the workshops I've been part of at USF, students have treated each other's work with respect, offering constructive feedback while also celebrating their creative achievements. It's a program in which writers thrive artistically and feel emboldened to try new things on the page.

How would you sum up your classroom dynamic (or teaching style) in a few words?
In teaching workshop, I think of myself as a facilitator of a group project that spans the semester. Though I will step in to guide the discussion when needed, for the most part, I try to allow students to take the lead, especially later on in the term, when the group has gelled and a level of trust has been established. In the room, we're all writers, and we each have unique perspectives, tastes, and literary preferences — all of which are useful for the writer being workshopped to hear.

Why do you teach writing?
I've always thought of teaching as a healthy counterbalance to writing. While writing is done mostly in isolation, teaching is a social, collaborative activity, and these pursuits complement each other perfectly. Working with people who are similarly devoted to the art of fiction — both as readers and writers — reminds me of why I love writing in the first place.

Learn More about USF's MFA Program