It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Shelly J. Criswell’s passing. Shelly was in her home, surrounded by her family, when she died on Saturday, March 8, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The staff of the International Writing Program mourn Shelly, whose years of service on behalf of writers and readers around the world as Fall Residency coordinator (2020–2025) were deeply impactful on the program’s participants and their extended communities. A memorial fund has been established in her honor.