Jo Anna Gaona

Jo Anna Gaona serves as a Lecturer in the First-Year Writing Program within the Department of English at Texas Tech University, bringing two decades of experience in teaching English rhetoric, composition, and literature to her role.

Her academic credentials include a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) from Seattle Pacific University, which underpins her expertise in creative writing and literary analysis.

Jo Anna Gaona's scholarly interests span Rhetoric and Composition, Creative Writing, and Literary Studies, with a particular emphasis on Creative Nonfiction. Her editorial work at Iron Horse Literary Review and Relief: A Christian Literary Expression demonstrates her commitment to fostering emerging writers and engaging with contemporary literary discourse. Through her teaching and editorial roles, she cultivates critical thinking and creative expression in diverse educational contexts.

Her publications—a book review in Iron Horse Literary Review, an interview with Dennis Covington in Image Journal, and reflective personal essays on MagicalTeaching.com—showcase her contributions to literary criticism and writing pedagogy, bridging academic scholarship with practical teaching insights.

Jo Anna Gaona actively contributes to the academic community through service, having served on the Two-Year College Association Southwest Conference committee and as a panelist for TCCTA's “Keys to Success,” where she shares strategies for student achievement in composition courses.

She is deeply involved with literary organizations, currently serving as Associate Editor for Iron Horse Literary Review and previously as Creative Nonfiction Editor for Relief: A Christian Literary Expression, thereby supporting the publication of innovative literary work and mentoring new writers.