Ann Angel

Ann Angel serves as Professor of English in the Department of English at Mount Mary University's School of Arts and Sciences, where she teaches novel writing, short story workshops, and creative theses supervision within the graduate program. Her work focuses on building a thriving writing community for professional and creative development.

Education:

• MFA, Vermont College of Fine Arts
• M.A. in Journalism, Marquette University
• B.A. in English Secondary Education, Mount Mary University

Professor Angel specializes in Young Adult Literature with emphasis on boundary-pushing themes including civil disobedience, violence, war, and social justice. Her creative nonfiction explores adoption narratives and musical biographies, while her literary criticism analyzes authors like Sandra Cisneros and Amy Tan. She examines how metaphorical storytelling shapes adolescent identity and social awareness through mythological frameworks.

Her publications reveal consistent focus on youth-oriented narratives across creative fiction, biography, and critical guides. The works demonstrate evolution from literary analysis toward original YA fiction addressing taboo topics, with recurring threads of identity formation, cultural heritage, and resilience through social challenges.

Scientific Awards:

• Mount Mary University Alumnae Madonna Medal (2012)
• Mount Mary University Teaching Excellence Award (2011)
• American Library Association YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award (2011)
• Council for Wisconsin Writers Nonfiction Award (2010)

Professor Angel mentors graduate students through creative thesis projects and secured specialized training via a Vermont College of Fine Arts grant for "Weaving Mythological Metaphor in Contemporary Literature." She actively contributes to national writing communities through conference presentations at AWP and NCTE events, focusing on pedagogical approaches to sensitive themes in youth literature. Her professional network spans academic and publishing spheres through key memberships.