Dr. Terry Dalrymple (right) interviewing author Dan Chaon at the ASU Writers Conference
Dr. Terence “Terry” Dalrymple, a member of the Angelo State University English faculty for 40 years until his retirement in May 2020, has been awarded the title of Distinguished Professor of English Emeritus by the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.
Dr. Terry Dalrymple A native of Kerrville, Dalrymple is recognized as an authority on creative writing. He founded ASU’s Concho River Review literary magazine in 1987, and over the years it has published some of the finest short fiction, nonfiction and poetry from both emerging and established authors. Originally designed as a forum for Texas writers, its reach and interests have since extended well beyond Texas and the Southwest. It has also provided decades of hands-on experience for ASU students in creative writing and magazine production.
Dr. Erin Ashworth-King “Dr. Terry Dalrymple simply understands the communities to which he belongs and is committed to their development, whether that be mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to the department’s mission through the founding and editing the Concho River Review and the Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton, or simply being willing to do what is necessary to fill a need,” said Dr. Erin Ashworth-King, chair of the ASU English and Modern Languages Department.
Dalrymple’s own stories have appeared in dozens of journals and anthologies, and his list of book publications includes:
“Texas Weather” – editor, mixed anthology
“Love Stories (Sort Of)” – author, short fiction collection
“Salvation” – author, short story collection
“Fishing for Trouble” – author, novel for middle readers
“Texas 5X5” – co-author, short story collection
“Texas Soundtrack: Stories Inspired by Texas Music” – editor, short story collection
Within the Department of English and Modern Languages, Dalrymple also worked with colleagues to create both an academic major and minor in creative writing, both of which remain popular with students. He also held ASU’s John S. Cargile University Professorship from 2003-19, earning praise from his students and colleagues for his numerous achievements in teaching, service and creative work.
Dr. Laurence Musgrove “For the 11 years I served with Terry on the faculty in English and Modern Languages, he was always a good and generous colleague to me,” said Dr. Laurence Musgrove, professor of English. “He brought great joy and enthusiasm to his teaching, and his contributions to creative writing at Angelo State and his support of other Texas writers across the region were exemplary. I think he will be remembered with kindness, gratitude and respect.”
Ashworth-King added, “Terry gives everything to all the communities he serves. I benefited tremendously from his mentorship from my first moments at ASU over a decade ago, and to count him my good friend now has been one of my life’s honors. He is one of the most hard-working, honorable, charismatic and dedicated persons I have ever known and will ever know. He is most deserving of this tremendous honor.”
In further recognition of his work, Dalrymple was elected to the prestigious Texas Institute of Letters. He also served in leadership positions with the American Studies Association of Texas, South Central Modern Language Association, Texas Association of Creative Writing Teachers, Conference of College Teachers of English and Sigma Tau Delta national English honor society.
