Though there is already a great deal of excitement surrounding the planned return to in-person classes in the fall, the English departmentâs latest hire has given them another reason to look forward to next semester. Cornelius Eady will be joining the faculty as the John C. Hodges Chair of Excellence, bringing with him over 40 years of experience not only as an award-winning writer, but also as a beloved educator and community builder. Eady said he is looking forward to joining the UT community, especially after hearing glowing comments about the creative writing program from Joy Harjo, the incumbent U.S. poet laureate who last held the John C. Hodges Chair of Excellence.