José Angel Araguz, PhD

Education

• PhD, University of Cincinnati
• MFA, New York University
• BA, College of Santa Fe

Research Interests

My research and creative interests center on Latinx poetics and literature, hybrid genres, compressed forms, and creative criticism. Across poetry, lyric essay, speculative writing, erasure, microcuentos, aphorisms, and microreviews, I explore how literary forms shape voice, identity, memory, and community.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centers on helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and craft as writers and readers. I approach the classroom as a collaborative space where students can experiment with form, voice, and revision while learning to engage literature and one another with care and openness. Across creative writing, literature, and publishing courses, I aim to make literary study feel both intellectually challenging and personally meaningful.

Professional Activities & Affiliations

Salamander, Editor-in-chief (2019-2025)
Six years of editorial work in literary publishing, including reading submissions, mentoring student interns, layout design, and supporting the production of a national literary journal.

Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP), Firecracker Awards (2026)
Judge for literary awards recognizing independent literary publishing.

Intercollegiate Poetry Showcase Mentor, Mass Poetry (yearly)
Select and mentor a student poet in preparing original work for publication and public performance as part of an intercollegiate literary showcase.

Grants, Awards, Honors & Recognition

• 2023 Mass Cultural Council Cultural Sector Recovery for Individuals grant
• 2022 Best of the Net nomination for “Mexican” THRUSH Poetry Journal
• 2022 Best of the Net nomination for “Certain Rivers” Poetry is Currency
• 2019 Oregon Book Award’s Stafford/Hall Award for Poetry finalist for Until We Are Level Again (Mongrel Empire Press)

Recent Scholarly or Creative Contributions

Books

• Araguz, J. A. (2024). La esperanza espera. Valparaíso Ediciones. [Poetry in Spanish]
• Araguz, J. A. (2023). Ruin & Want. Sundress Publications. [Lyric Memoir]
• Araguz, J. A. (2022). Rotura. Black Lawrence Press. [Poetry Collection]
• Araguz, J. A. (2019). An Empty Pot’s Darkness. Airlie Press. [Poetry Collection]
• Araguz, J.A. (2018). Until We Are Level Again: Mongrel Empire Press. [Poetry Collection]

Personal Website

https://joseangelaraguz.me/