Dr. Mark West

Distinguished Faculty Award

A pioneer in the field of Children’s Literature, English Professor Mark West is a luminary in his profession, known not only for his thought-provoking and impeccable research, but also for his excellence in teaching and his dedication to area school districts and the Charlotte community. He served as chair of the English Department from 2014-2019.

Mark has been cultivating relationships between the University and the community since coming to UNC Charlotte in 1984. He co-founded the Charlotte Forum in Children’s Literature, organizes a local Seuss-a-Thon event and founded the Center City Literary Festival. His partnerships with Charlotte-area schools have included literacy and library events, school-wide presentations and after-school literacy events. Mark also leads seminars with the Charlotte Teachers Institute to help strengthen the teaching of literature in area public schools.

Mark was the recipient of the Governor James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service, given by the UNC System Board of Governors. He was also the recipient of the UNC Charlotte Bonnie Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement in 2019 and the Anne Devereaux Jordan Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature, the most prestigious honor given in his field.

Throughout his academic career, Mark has taught a variety of courses on children’s and young adult literature. He has written or edited 16 books and his articles have appeared in various national publications, such as The New York Times Book Review, Publishers Weekly, Americana and British Heritage, as well as many academic journals.

Before entering academia, Mark worked as an early childhood educator and professional puppeteer. He received a doctorate degree from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a bachelor’s degree from Franconia College.