Nancy Ann Donoval

Nancy Ann Donoval serves as Professor of Practice and Storytelling Program Head within the Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling at East Tennessee State University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences. She joined ETSU in 2019 to lead the nation's only comprehensive university storytelling program offering undergraduate concentrations, minors, and a dedicated MA degree in Storytelling.

Her educational background includes:

• BA in Theater (Acting focus) from Marquette University
• MFA in Directing for Theater from Northwestern University

Professor Donoval's scholarship centers on trauma-informed narrative practices, specializing in autobiographical storytelling that navigates difficult experiences through strategic humor integration. Her pedagogy emphasizes modeling 'lack of shame' for survivors while holding the paradox of deep wounds alongside healing possibilities. Courses she teaches include STOR 2500 (Introduction), STOR 4510 (Personal Stories), STOR 4640/5640 (Applied), and STOR 5140/5320 (Foundations/Advanced Performance).

Her award-winning performance 'Bump' (2010 National Story Slam winner) exemplifies her research focus on transforming traumatic experiences through narrative craft. This work established her expertise in using humor to illuminate dark subject matter while maintaining narrative integrity.

Her notable recognition includes:

• National Story Slam Champion (2010) for 'Bump'

As Program Head, Donoval oversees curriculum development and extracurricular initiatives including the Storytellers Collective student organization. The program's uniqueness attracts national attention as the sole U.S. institution offering storytelling degrees across all academic levels. She guides students through performance-based scholarship while maintaining active professional practice that informs her pedagogy. Her leadership has established ETSU as the epicenter for academic storytelling education in higher education.