Dr. Autrey joined the FMU faculty in 1989, taking a leave of absence in 1996-97 to teach at Hiroshima University in Japan. After graduating with a B.A. from Davidson College in 1967, he served for two years as a Peace Corps teacher in Ghana. Subsequently, he taught in upstate New York middle schools, at Tougaloo College, and at the University of South Carolina. He is currently Chair of the FMU Faculty and teaches courses in composition, poetry writing, and literary nonfiction. He has published articles and chapters on the teaching of writing and on contemporary poets. His poetry has appeared in many magazines and anthologies. Dr. Autrey plays guitar and basketball with equal enthusiasm.