Maxwell Cassity received his Ph.D in English from Syracuse University. His areas of expertise and specialization include American Ethnic Literatures and Film and Media Studies. He also holds a Masters in Philosophy in English from Syracuse University, an M.A. in English from University of Colorado Boulder, and a B.A. in English from University of Northern Colorado. He holds a certificate in university teaching and was twice awarded for teaching excellence from the Syracuse University Graduate School and English department.