Photo Credit: John Poch
By Kaitlin Neese
Dr. John Poch is one of Grace’s new English professors. He will teach creative writing, global perspectives, effective writing and other literature courses.
Poch was born in Erie, Pa., and grew up as a pastor’s kid. He said this set a solid Christian foundation for his life, and hearing Bible stories gave him a passion to write his own.
Poch said he began his education studying engineering at Georgia State University because he was always good at math and science and he desired to do things God equipped him for.
Poch also loved writing and wanted to create his own stories and received his Bachelor’s of Arts from Georgia State University.
He has published seven poetry collections and two books of criticism, and has done a number of collaborations with other writers.
He attended the University of Florida for his Master’s of Fine Arts and the University of North Texas for his Phd.
Poch taught at Texas Tech for 22 years. He taught graduate and undergraduate students and enjoyed seeing them publish books; he keeps many copies of his students’ work.
Poch said he really wanted to teach in a Christian atmosphere.
“I want to be a part of building God’s kingdom,” he said.
When he saw the opportunity to work at Grace College, he jumped on it.
“I have never felt more welcomed,” Poch said. “People have been so kind to me.”
Poch said he is excited to teach at Grace and to connect students to literature by helping them understand and enjoy it. He has a passion for showing students how to love literature.
Poch moved to Indiana with his wife Meghan and two daughters, Evean and Bronwyn. He is a family guy and loves to do things with them.
“My wife is my hero,” he said. “She is amazing.”
If Poch could do anything for a whole day, he said he would hike with his wife and daughters. He loves seeing the different seasons in Indiana and cannot wait till the leaves change color.
Poch said a motto he lives by is forgiveness, seen in Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
He feels God called him to Grace and is ready to take on this school year and to make a positive impact.
Poch will read some of his work on Oct. 6. The event will start at 6 p.m at the Morgan Library & Learning Center.
The Sounding Board 