Klawitter earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, master's from the University of Michigan and doctorate from the University of Chicago. He has been a faculty member at St. Edward's University since 1994. In addition to Let Orpheus Take Your Hand, which is his second collection of poetry, Klawitter has written seven other books. His professional memberships include the Modern Language Association, the Milton Society and the John Donne Society.

St. Edward's University is an independent Catholic liberal arts university of 4,100 students in Austin. It was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross.