Mike Sell

Mike Sell is a Professor in the Language, Literature, and Writing Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania's College of Arts, Humanities, Media, and Public Affairs. With a PhD in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan (1997) and an AB in English from Duke University (1990), he has been at IUP since 1999.

Education:

• PhD, University of Michigan, English Language and Literature, 1997
• AB, Duke University, English, 1990

Sell's research spans playful literatures, focusing on how video games, board games, and tabletop roleplaying games tell stories, alongside speculative literatures including horror and science fiction. He has pioneered work in Black American literature from the 1950s to present and is an internationally recognized scholar of avant-garde performance, Black American literature, and modern world drama. His pedagogy emphasizes radical honesty and transparency.

His recent publications demonstrate a trajectory merging game studies with literary theory and performance, particularly examining how narratives function across gaming platforms and traditional media. This interdisciplinary approach connects his longstanding avant-garde scholarship with contemporary digital culture.

Scientific Awards:

• Three Outstanding Professor of the Year awards
• Two Outstanding Adviser of the Year awards
• Mentor of the Year award from English Graduate Organization

Sell practices active mentorship, evidenced by multiple advising awards, and leads The Digital Storytelling Project which provides consultation and curricula to educators. His current creative work includes co-editing a D&D campaign set in Tudor-era England and developing a game about avant-garde culture in the 1910s-20s, reflecting his commitment to applying scholarly insights to practical, creative contexts.

Through The Digital Storytelling Project, Sell builds bridges between academic theory and classroom practice, working with public school teachers, university educators, and non-profit organizations to incorporate digital storytelling and design thinking into curricula.