Gerald Nachtwey

• Associate Professor / Graduate Program Coordinator
• Ph.D. English Language & Literature, Loyola University, Chicago, 2005
• M.A. English Language & Literature, Loyola University, Chicago, 2001
• B.S. English Literature, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1997

Bio

Contact Information

• Department: English
• Office: Mattox 207
• Mailing Address: Mattox 101
• Email: gerald.nachtwey@eku.edu
• Phone: 859-622-3183
• Expert Areas: Medieval Romance; Fantasy Literature; Post-Structuralism and Reception Theory; Gaming Studies; Theology and Literature

Bio

Jerry Nachtwey has been teaching at Eastern Kentucky University since 2006, where has taught a broad range of courses from Early World Literature, to Fantasy Literature, to History of the English Language. In both his courses and his scholarship, Dr. Nachtwey utilizes a variety of different media, including film, comics, games, video games and objects purporting to be “books.” He is interested in exploring the often-uncertain boundaries between work and play, sanctity and profanity, and communication and misunderstanding, all of which were discussed in his most recent book Strictly Fantasy: The Cultural Roots of Tabletop Role-Playing Games.

Dr. Nachtwey is also the coordinator of the brand new MA in English & Writing Professions Program at Eastern Kentucky University. The MAEWP seeks to give our graduate students the skills and knowledge they need to find successful employment--both within and without the academy--with just a two-year degree. More information can be found at https://english.eku.edu/master-arts-english.

Jerry still plays tabletop games whenever he gets the chance, virtually if need be. He has beaten the original Legend of Zelda without taking the sword (except for Ganon . . .), but has so far failed to breed blue roses in Animal Crossing. He lives in Richmond, Kentucky with his wife and two sons, who are just the best.

Courses