Colleen R. Abel

Colleen R. Abel serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Eastern Illinois University, where she teaches poetry and creative writing courses including Advanced Poetry, Intermediate Poetry, Comp II, and Professional Editing. Based in Coleman Hall (office 3811), she maintains virtual office hours for student engagement.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.A. from Carthage College
• M.A. from Loyola University Chicago
• Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• M.F.A. in the Program for Writers from Warren Wilson College

Abel's creative scholarship centers on contemporary poetry exploring feminist perspectives, motherhood, and historical narratives through experimental forms. Her work interrogates identity construction and political dimensions of domestic life, often employing fragmented narratives and lyrical innovations to challenge conventional storytelling. This approach reveals a consistent engagement with marginalized voices and socio-political commentary within personal frameworks.

Her recent publications demonstrate evolving thematic depth, with 2024's 'Augury' expanding her exploration of predictive frameworks in contemporary life, while the 2023 Tupelo Quarterly pieces examine historical figures through intimate maternal lenses. These works collectively showcase her signature blend of personal vulnerability and political critique within American poetic traditions.

Abel's recognition includes significant honors:

• Unicorn Press 2015 Editors Prize for debut collection 'Remake'
• Sundress Publications 2016 Chapbook Prize for 'Deviants'
• Diane Middlebrook Poetry Fellowship at UW-Madison
• Tulsa Artist Fellowship (2017-2018 cohort)
• Multiple residencies at major arts colonies including Ragdale, VCCA, and Vermont Studio Center

As an educator, she actively mentors emerging writers through course instruction and supervised creative projects, having guided five students in poetry development. Her teaching philosophy integrates professional writing practices with literary analysis, emphasizing both technical craft and socio-cultural contextualization of texts.