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"There are very few places that offer an experience like what I had at Ashland. The environment was challenging in all the ways a writer wants to be challenged, but also cooperative. Because I felt supported by everyone in the community, I found my own voice growing more distinct. Thanks to everyone involved!" - Rachel Peterson, First Year Student
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| "I think the atmosphere and morale were amazing. You have a very special program - supportive, not snobby, not stratified, etc. Also the mention of truth as a goal and the earnestness of all involved made me feel this is the sort of program I would have liked to attend. Bravo!" - Enid Shomer, Visiting Editor |
| "I like the friendliness and equality I find in the program. It's refreshing not to encounter egotistical faculty! I feel as if they are my friends and colleagues." - Graduate |
 "The past two weeks have been such a positive experience for me as a writer. Being surrounded by such brilliant people and from SUCH DIVERSE backgrounds and experiences is such a strength of the program. I appreciate the programs' flexibility and positive atmosphere. I have felt well-informed and thoroughly supported through the whole process. Thank you!" - First Year Student |
| "I do readings all over the country in many different settings. I would rank the program, the staff, the faculty very highly. The program seems very well-conceptualized, and the staff is especially well-organized and helpful. Thanks to all for making my reading such a pleasant experience." - Debra Marquart, Visiting Writer |
| "The residency was a truly phenomenal experience - this second year was powerful in the workshops, readings and seminars. I continue to be extremely impressed with the talent and skill with the whole of Ashland's MFA team. Bravo! Bravo!" - Second Year Student |
| "Wanted to express my thanks for all you did to make my visit go well. It was the best treatment, from invitation to arrangement to execution, that I've experienced as a visiting writer, and I'm grateful to you for your combination of kindness, thoughtfulness, and efficiency..." - Floyd Skloot, Visiting Writer |
 "I keep thinking I should offer more in terms of critique but I remained excited and thrilled throughout the program...In general, I am so impressed with everything. Ashland, its staff, grounds is a wonderful setting – everything within easy walking distance and beautifully maintained grounds and buildings. It is a very comfortable setting. I may still be star struck but I continue to feel grateful and exhilarated! Maybe I am being naïve but it doesn’t feel like it. Coming from a business environment I am very discerning about what works and what doesn’t. This program works – high caliber authors and poets and faculty. It has been a magnificent experience for me and seems like a program that will only get stronger as it goes along." - Grace Curtis, Second Year Student |
| "First, I want to say how much I enjoyed my time at Ashland University. I met so many wonderful people who were gracious and supportive of my thoughts and my work as an artist and poet. I also believe your program is on the right track to becoming a long and successful one. I was encouraged by many of the readings from faculty, guest speakers and students alike. Their works to me reflect a good cross-section of gender, age, and literary genre. I feel now having left the summer retreat that I had heard a small inkling of what the American people are thinking about and what they are trying to say in the literary world and beyond... Today I am still most impressed by the genuine dedication these talented people displayed in their own work and to their fellow human being. I think it is a commendable feat that this could be accomplished in a two-week-close-encounter-MFA residency." - Erica Meuser, First Year Student |
| "Sarah and Steve and all of the faculty... this is an AMAZING MFA program and I really think it's going to blossom even more as time goes on. Wow. It blew my socks off... it was not what I was expecting, at all. And this is a VERY good thing." - Nicole Robinson, First Year Student |
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"Fantastic experience. Kudos to Sarah and team for the administrative challenge of coordinating this residency! NO major snafus, no communication breakdowns. Fantastic roster of visiting writers. I am so thrilled to have been a part of this residency." - Sonya Huber, Faculty
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As an arts community for poets and creative nonfiction writers, our program focuses on both high aesthetic standards in writing and a strong, supportive, interrelationship between faculty, students, visiting writers and staff. Many of our accomplished students have applied the skills and support acquired at Ashland University to their own writing endeavors. Below you will find student testimonials on our Summer Residency Program as well as MFA faculty members.
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