By Naima Salvary
Photo by Jordan Wald
Three years ago in May 2023, Ashley Jones-Thompson hung up her cap and decided to leave her teaching position at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) to lead the UAB Honors college. Now she’s back, as the head of the creative writing department replacing long-time chair and former colleague, TJ Beitelman. Jones-Thompson, an ASFA alumnus of the creative writing department herself says, “I’ve dreamed of being the Chair of ASFA’s creative writing department since I was a student in the program.”
ASFA, a tuition-free public school for grades seven-12 in downtown, serves students with exceptional talent from all over the state. Jones-Thompson, a Birmingham native, molded young writers at ASFA for eight years. In addition to her role at the school, she served as the poet laureate of Alabama from January 2022 to January 2026 and was the youngest recipient and first person of color to hold the position. Jones-Thompson is also a published author of four poetry collections, as well as an essay collection. “I plan to bring my energy and my excitement for writing and writing instruction, as well as my connections in the creative writing world back to my alma mater,” she says.
ASFA’s creative writing department has roughly 45 students with five faculty members. The program helps educate some of Alabama’s best young writers, receiving a strong foundation in the literary arts and exploring form and genre. Jones-Thompson is looking forward to the school year ahead, making new connections and enjoying the familiar flow of the ASFA environment.
ASFA’s vice president, Brad Hill, says he’s excited to have the creative writing students learn from one of the best: “She is the most compelling and dynamic poet in our state, a relentless advocate for literary arts, and a celebrator of being alive.”
