Kysar Recognized Nationally for Community Service in Literature

April 21, 2025

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Creative Writing faculty member Kathryn Kysar received the 2025 prestigious George Garrett Award for Outstanding Community Service in Literature from the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP). The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the writing community through service and dedication.

“Receiving AWP’s George Garrett Award for Outstanding Service to Literature is a great honor,” Kysar says. “By recognizing a community college professor, AWP is uplifting two-year colleges and our enriching ability to create lifelong learners. This award then honors all who teach at open door institutions, serve diverse students, and welcome first-generation college goers into their creative writing and literature classrooms.”

Kysar holds a BA in English from Hamline University and an MFA in poetry from Wichita State University. She is the author of two books of poetry, Dark Lake and Pretend the world, and she edited the creative nonfiction anthology Riding Shotgun: Women Write About Their Mothers. Over the course of her career, she has received numerous fellowships and residencies. Her book reviews, travel articles, and essays have been published in a wide range of publications.

Kysar, a long-time English faculty member at Anoka-Ramsey, helped build the creative writing program with her colleagues.

“We now have an AFA and certificate in creative writing, The Two Rivers and Minnesota Writers reading series, and active student literary magazines and creative writing clubs,” Kysar says. “We have built a vibrant program with both online and seated offerings that serve students in Minnesota and beyond. It is one of the largest and most successful two-year creative writing programs in the country.”

Looking ahead, Kysar’s professional goals for the future are to work on her poetry and creative nonfiction book manuscripts and read widely for The Novel: Alternative Realities, which she is teaching in Spring 2026.

Learn more about the Creative Writing program at Anoka-Ramsey 

More about the AWP George Garrett Award:

The award is named for George Garrett (1929–2008), who made exceptional contributions to his fellow writers as a teacher, mentor, editor, friend, board member, and good spirit. Garrett served for many years as the editor of Intro, an annual anthology of work by emerging writers; he served as one of the founding members of the AWP Board of Directors; he taught creative writing and literature for more than forty years; and he authored more than thirty books. As a writer, teacher, mentor, editor, or inspiration, Garrett helped many young writers who are now major contributors to contemporary letters. The award includes a $2,000 honorarium, in addition to travel, accommodations, and registration to attend AWP's annual conference, where the award is publicly announced and conferred.