Dr. Gene Jarrett

Biography

Gene Andrew Jarrett is a scholar, professor, and university administrator. He currently serves as Dean of Faculty and holds the position of William S. Tod Professor of English at Princeton University. Previously, he was the Dean of the College of Arts and Science and Professor of English at New York University from 2017 to 2021. His academic career began at the University of Maryland, College Park, as an Assistant Professor of English from 2002 to 2007. Jarrett specializes in African American literary history, U.S. literary history from the Civil War to World War II, as well as race, ethnic, and cultural studies. He authored the notable book 'Representing Race: A New Political History of African American Literature,' which explores the political importance of African American literature. His recent biography 'Paul Laurence Dunbar: Life of a Caged Bird,' published by Princeton University Press in 2022, offers a definitive account of the celebrated African American poet, who became renowned during the Gilded Age. His extensive contributions to the field include editing numerous volumes and anthologies on African American literature and criticism. Jarrett has received distinguished fellowships, including at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University.

Research Interests