Biography & Literary Achievements
Early Life & Education
Courtney Kampa was born and raised in Virginia. She earned a B.A. in creative writing from the University of Virginia and proceeded to receive her MFA from Columbia University, where she was honored with the David Craig Austin Memorial
Poetry & Fellowship She was selected as a Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University, studying poetry during her fellowship period (2017–2019)
The Poetry Foundation
Her debut poetry collection, Our Lady of Not Asking Why (2017), was chosen by Mary Szybist for the New Issues Press First Book Award
The Poetry Foundation
Publications & Recognitions
Kampa’s poems appeared in prominent journals such as Boston Review, TriQuarterly, The Journal, The National Poetry Review, Missouri Review, and New England Review
The Poetry Foundation
Poets & Writers
She received the Rattle Poetry Prize Readers’ Choice Award (2014) and was a finalist for the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship in 2016
Teaching & Personal Life
Teaching Career
Courtney taught creative writing and poetry at institutions including the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Lipscomb University, and Belmont University in Nashville. She also conducted private workshops for post-graduate writers, showing deep commitment to nurturing emerging voices
Personal Traits
Described as graceful, witty, fiercely intelligent, deeply compassionate, and effortlessly stylish, Courtney was celebrated for her unique presence and gentle spirit
She cherished small moments—Mexican food, word games, walks with her dogs, cozy evenings with her husband, Will Anderson, whom she married in 2017
Passing & Legacy
Her Passing
Courtney Kampa passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 14, 2022, at her home in Nashville, Tennessee
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