Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) announced that Melissa Hammerle will become the College’s new MFA in Writing program director. Hammerle is a writer, educator, and administrator with a strong background in higher education and the literary world.
Hammerle previously directed the Creative Writing program at New York University (NYU) from 1997-2006. She has also worked at PEN America Center, was co-director of the Unterberg Poetry Center at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, and has served as vice president of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs board of directors. She has a doctorate from UVM on contemplative pedagogies in higher education. Most recently she was Visiting Assistant Professor at Middlebury College.
Hammerle is familiar with VCFA and while at NYU, worked directly with VCFA alumni and faculty members. She said she is delighted to join VCFA’s MFA in Writing program—now in its 35th year—and become part of its dynamic writing community.
“I have been consistently impressed by the quality of literary mentorship and student fellowship that defines the VCFA program,” Hammerle said. “I look forward to bringing my many years of experience in the literary field to this low-residency program ranked among the finest in the country.”
Hammerle will begin at VCFA Nov. 1, 2016, when longtime MFA in Writing Program Director Louise Crowley steps down after 35 years with the program. Crowley will remain with VCFA in a new role as part-time Assistant Dean of the College.
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