Murray State University MFA Creative Writing

Reviewer's Name:

Larry O. Dean

Review Date

May 17, 2009

Year of Graduation:

2009

Review Title:

Believe the non-hype

Full Review of the Program:

Don't be mislead by my capsule review. It's not negative hype, but a lack of hype, owing to Murray's low-key and unpretentious program.

I had never intended to pursue my higher education beyond a bachelor's. That was twenty years ago. Since then I have been avidly writing, performing and publishing poetry, albeit while supporting myself through non-academic means. My decision to head MFA-ward was predicated on my role as a poet-in-residence in the public schools; I really enjoyed teaching, and it started to make sense to me that opening up my options with a MFA would be wise.

I considered a traditional program, but ultimately eschewed that idea because of the flexibility of the low-residency model. My next step was looking into the now multitudinous programs offered. I wasn't limiting myself to programs in my general geographical area, but as I sifted through the various possibilities I narrowed my choices down to at least one that was convenient in terms of its location, Murray State.

Unlike a majority of the others, Murray was newer, and had less of a reputation with which to entice prospective students. This would be a turn-off to someone who felt more secure going into a program well beyond the wet feet stage, but for me, it seemed like an exciting opportunity to get in early and help the nascent program find its focus. Even if your instinct pulls you toward the former, well-established option, I'd say that's more intellectual, or rather intentionally developed response, meaning that while Murray may be a so-called new kid on the block, that doesn't mean this kid doesn't know what he's doing. (OK, maybe not the best metaphor, but you get the gist of it.)

I started at Murray, then had to leave for a year owing to a family emergency. I found my reentry to be almost painless; and even though some familiar faces were already gone, I was not only welcomed back heartily into the fold by friends and faculty from before, but the process was smooth.

The program is small, but growing. Don't think that its small size means its ideas or opportunities are small; I've found the workshops and craft lectures to be stimulating, worthwhile, and not staid or dull. That says a lot about who the head honchos are bringing in to work with students. The writers have been not only knowledgeable and professional, but approachable and humane. Big egos and BS are absent.

I could go on -- it's far too easy! But the bottom line is that Murray is a superb program. I have recommended it to others and will continue to do so enthusiastically.

Advice to Prospective Students:

Just because it's "low-residency" doesn't mean there isn't a lot of work. Be sure you're ready to allow yourself time to write and revise on a reasonable schedule.

The town of Murray itself is not without its charms, but don't come expecting multiple entertainment options. It's especially quiet during the winter residency. That said, you'll have plenty of down-time between residency sessions to get out and relax, and/or to get reading and writing done.