National Book Award Winner
Tim O'Brien
2003-2004

Pulitzer Prize Finalist
Barry Hannah
2004-2005

The Mitte Chair in Creative Writing at Texas State is one of five endowed chairs made possible by a generous gift from the Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation of Austin. The chair is held each year by an award-winning writer of international distinction.

Each year, the Mitte Chair teaches a graduate workshop for MFA students, including one-on-one meetings about workshopped material. The chair holder also visits classes for Q&As, gives one reading, and delivers three talks on writing.

National Book Award Winner Tim O'Brien (Going After Cacciato,1979) held the Chair in 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004. He has served on the faculty, teaching MFA workshops, each year in between his position as chair holder.