Eleanor Henderson

Eleanor Henderson is a Professor in the Department of Writing at Ithaca College, holding appointments in the School of Humanities and Sciences. She has been a faculty member since 2010 and was Chair of the Department of Writing from 2020 to 2023, as well as serving as Robert Ryan Professor in the Humanities (2019-2022). Her office is located in Smiddy Hall 402, and she will be on sabbatical during Fall 2025.

• Degrees: M.F.A. in Fiction, University of Virginia (2005); B.A. in American Literature/Creative Writing, Middlebury College (2001)

Eleanor's research and creative work focus on fiction writing, memoir, and creative nonfiction, with particular interests in medical humanities, southern literature, and narratives of mental illness. Her teaching includes courses like Vegan Studies, Writing the Other, and Editing & Publishing.

Her publications highlight trends in literary criticism, personal essays, and book reviews for major outlets like the New York Times Book Review and Salon. She has also co-edited anthologies such as Labor Day: True Birth Stories by Today's Best Women Writers (2014).

Scientific and literary awards:

• New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Support for Artists Grant (2025)
• New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Fellowship in Fiction (2024)
• New York Times Notable Book (2021)
• Robert Ryan Professorship and Summer Grants for Faculty Research (2019, 2011)
• Research Fellowship at Emory University's MARBL (2016)
• Faculty Excellence Award (2011-2012)
• Finalist for LA Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction (2011)
• Named a 10 Best Book of the Year by New York Times (2011)

Eleanor has served as Founding Co-Director of the New Voices Literary Festival (2013-2022) and Founding Director of the Ithaca Writers Institute (2013-2015), contributing to literary community building and student mentorship.