There are two MFA programs here at the University of Texas, and I read on the jury of both of them. And it's amazing to me how many really talented young writers seem to fear humor.

In this quote, the speaker is referencing the two Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs at the University of Texas. The speaker is saying that they have had the opportunity to act as a member of the jury for these programs and have noticed that a lot of talented young writers do not appear to be comfortable including humor in their work.