Christopher Merrill, longtime director of the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program (IWP), will step down at the end of the year after 25 years leading the globally recognized literary exchange program.
“I’m very proud of the role IWP has played in rebuilding international relationships following 9/11, using creative writing to bring people together and to give them a voice,” said Mr. Merrill, an award-winning poet, essayist, translator, and editor. “The Iowa Idea, widely replicated by programs across the United States, is central to our mission.”
Mr. Merrill has served as director since 2000, overseeing the program’s expansion and global outreach while advancing international literary exchange from Iowa City. During his tenure, he conducted cultural diplomacy missions in more than 50 countries, helped secure Iowa City’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and served on national and international arts councils.
In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed Merrill to the National Council on the Humanities. He also served on the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO from 2011 to 2018. His honors include investiture as a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French government, fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial and Ingram Merrill Foundations, and the 2025 Ottaway Award for the Promotion of International Literature from Words Without Borders.
“Under Chris’ leadership, the IWP became an even more vital hub for writers across continents – hosting hundreds of distinguished authors and supporting collaborations that have shaped contemporary literature,” said Kevin Kregel, UI executive vice president and provost. “IWP is an integral part of the university’s identity as well as Iowa City’s, thanks in part to Chris.”
According to a release, Mr. Merrill will return to the University of Iowa’s Department of English faculty in 2026.
The announcement follows a challenging year for the IWP. In February 2025, the U.S. Department of State ended its 58-year partnership with the program, concluding decades of federal support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The move eliminated about $1 million in annual federal grants.
Since the loss of funding, Mr. Merrill has worked to secure philanthropic support and reduced the size of the fall cohort of international writers. He said his decision to step down preceded the change in funding.
“When I was offered the position, I thought I might stay 20 years. We ended up raising our family here and while it has been wonderful, 25 years of frequent travel and hosting had made me ready for a slower pace,” he said. “It’s time for someone with new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to move IWP forward.”
Cate Dicharry, former executive associate director of operations for IWP, will succeed Mr. Merrill as director in January.
“It is impossible to overstate how enormous an honor it will be to serve as director of the International Writing Program, where I first worked almost a decade ago,” said Ms. Dicharry, currently department administrator for the Department of Cinematic Arts. “Christopher Merrill has been such a remarkable, devoted steward and I am so grateful for his trust and support, and that of the Graduate College and the Office of the Provost.”
While the loss of federal funding last February created serious challenges, the IWP remains strong, Ms. Dicharry said. “The process of rebuilding and reinvention promises an exciting future for this beloved organization – I am so proud to be part of that.”
Ms. Dicharry began her career at the University of Iowa in 2007 in the School of Art, Art History and Design. She later served as youth programs coordinator for IWP and became director of the Writing and Humanities Program in the Carver College of Medicine in 2019. She also served as managing editor of The Examined Life Journal and director of The Examined Life Conference.
She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of California, Riverside.
