Viebranz Visiting Professors of Creative Writing

Celebrating 25 Years of the Viebranz Visiting Professorship

This year, we proudly celebrate 25 years of the Viebranz Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at St. Lawrence University! Since 1999, this distinguished position has brought nationally recognized writers to campus to inspire, teach, and connect with our literary community. From leading creative writing courses to hosting discussions at the historic Kohlberg House, the Viebranz Professors have shaped generations of storytellers. Learn How We're Celebrating the 25th Anniversary

Alfred C. Viebranz '42, P'77, GP'07


The Viebranz Visiting Professorship of Creative Writing was established in 1999 by Jerome and Nancy Kohlberg, friends of Al Viebranz, as a tribute to the friendship, respect, and mutual admiration between Mr. Kohlberg and Mr. Viebranz.

The endowment was established in creative writing as a token of Mr. Viebranz's respect for creative writing and the importance he places on its role in education. This fund recognizes the "elements of creativity, high standards and humor that characterize the Viebranz approach to writing and life." The fund supports a visiting professor in creative writing who teaches fiction, non-fiction or poetry.

Viebranz Visiting Professors are fiction or creative non-fiction writers with significant publication and teaching experience who are widely recognized in their field. They are active members of the department while in residence, teach genre-specific courses at the beginning and advanced levels, participate in the St. Lawrence University Writers Series, lead workshops for writing majors, and host informal salons for faculty and students in their home for the year, the Kohlberg House on Elm Street. The house was purchased with a gift from Al and Elaine Viebranz as a home for the Viebranz Visiting Professor and named in honor of their friend, Jerome Kohlberg.

Viebranz Visiting Professors of Creative Writing

  • A. Kendra Greene, 2025-2026
  • Santee Frazier, 2023-2025
  • Okey Ndibe, 2022-2023
  • Ana Maria Spagna, 2020-2022
  • Joe Wilkins, 2019-2020
  • Jac Jemc, 2018-2019
  • Okey Ndibe, 2017-2018
  • Fred Arroyo, 2016-2017
  • Lillian-Yvonne Bertram, 2015-2016
  • John Dermot Woods, 2014-2015
  • Kirsten Kaschock, 2013-2014
  • Stephanie Elizondo Griest, 2012-2013
  • Mark Slouka, 2011-2012
  • Peter Selgin, 2010-2011
  • Richard Rubin, 2008-2010
  • K.L. Cook, 2007-2008
  • Trudy Lewis, 2006-2007
  • John Daniel, 2003-2006
  • Heather Sellers, 2001-2003
  • Robin Hemley, 2000-2001
Seated L to R: A Kendra Greene, Okey Ndibe, Stephanie Elizondo-Griest, Trudy Lewis, Robin Hemley
Standing L to R:Joan Viebranz Lockwood, Curt Viebranz, Scott Viebranz, President Morris, Conor Welch ‘07, Gayle Viebranz Welch ‘77 

 

Kohlberg House

 

Nancy McCabe '75, Gayle Viebranz Welch '77, Santee Frazier, Conor Welch '07