Dr. Zach Williams

Instructor

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Biography

Zach Williams is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at Stanford University. He is the author of the debut short story collection, 'Beautiful Days,' which was published by Doubleday in 2024. 'Beautiful Days' has garnered recognition, being longlisted for the 2025 PEN / Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection and nominated for the 2025 California Book Award in Fiction. Williams' writings have appeared in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, Paris Review, and McSweeney's Quarterly Concern. One of his notable stories, 'Trial Run,' received the 2023 ASME Award for Fiction from Paris Review. Previously, he was awarded the Wallace Stegner Fellowship, which has provided him with significant opportunities to develop his craft and contribute to the literary landscape. In his current role at Stanford, he teaches several courses focused on creative writing. His teaching and writing are deeply intertwined, reflecting his commitment to nurturing new voices in the literary arts.

Research Interests

Experience

Lecturer

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Lecturer in Creative Writing, teaching various courses and developing curriculum.

Courses

ENGLISH 290 (Win) ENGLISH 9CE (Aut, Spr) ENGLISH 91 (Spr) ENGLISH 90 (Win) ENGLISH 198 (Aut, Win, Spr, Sum) ENGLISH 9CE (Win, Spr) ENGLISH 190 (Aut) ENGLISH 90 (Aut, Win, Spr) ENGLISH 190QN (Win) ENGLISH 190L (Win)

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.