Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith is a Professor and Chair of the Department of English at North Central College. She holds additional administrative roles as Director of General Education and Career Initiatives and Coordinator of the First-Year Seminar-Writing program. Her research focuses on 19th-21st century American literature, narrative theory, gender studies, and comparative ethnic approaches. She earned her Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. from Indiana University and Ball State University respectively.

Her major scholarly work includes the book The American Short Story Cycle (2018) and essays in Pedagogy, Meridians, and others. Current projects explore gender and new media in contemporary literature, including an upcoming essay in The Literary Taylor Swift. Her writing spans academic articles, book chapters, and public-facing blogs.

Teaching interests include multicultural American literature, creative writing, and first-year composition courses. Professional service includes roles in curriculum development and pedagogical innovation. Her work has been recognized through shortlisting for the 2019 David D. Anderson Award for Midwestern Literary Studies.