About Me

I grew up in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the sixth of seven children.  My mother died when I was 11; a year later I left home to attend Precious Blood Seminary in Liberty, Missouri. After high school I did not continue toward the priesthood, but I'm proud of my seminary days. I got a good education. My first English teacher was my brother, Rev. Michael Volkmer. Go figure. After reading On the Road at 18, I hitch-hiked more than 10,000 miles in the next three years. 

After two years at Regis College, I transferred to the University of Colorado's downtown Denver campus, where I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from something called the General Writing Program. I earned an MA in Creative Writing from Denver University, and then returned to my home state for a PhD in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

Cab driver, carpet cleaning salesman, Pikes Peak tour bus driver, hotel marketing rep, cable television trade magazine editor. Composition instructor as TA, of course.

Five books, covering a variety of genres. Dozens of magazine and newspaper credits in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Specialty in travel writing. 

I have been at Ursinus College for more than 25 years. My rank is Professor of English, and I serve as Director of Creative Writing.  I am blessed to partner with Janet, my wife, and to work on a beautiful campus with wonderful students and great colleagues.