A Q&A with Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo

Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo, a professor of writing at Centenary University, stands at the forefront of a group of professors responsible for the newest major offered at the University. This accomplished professor takes pride in nurturing the students who attend Centenary in pursuit of honing their writing ability. But who is she? Dr. Mastrangelo took a moment to sit down and fill us in on how she became involved in the new major, academia and became an educator. Along the way she shared some personal tidbits about herself, too.

There is a new Writing Major at Centenary University. How did it come to be?

I wanted to create opportunities for the students. I have a knack for finding what students are good at and what type of writing interests them. We saw an increasing number of students pursuing the English: Creative Writing and English: Professional Writing tracks, and we wanted to develop a major so that they had somewhere to do that in a bigger, more formalized way.  I worked with Dr. Decker (who left Centenary a few years ago), Dr. Andersen, Professor Zatta, and Professor Caruso to try to draft up a program that was interesting and innovative, where students could take Creative, Professional, and Journalistic writing.  (We figured it was also a good selling point for parents that students would study all three and could do an internship in their area of choice). I saw an interest and filled the need.

What other important information would you want readers to know about the Writing Program at Centenary?

The Writing Program classes are interactive and multimodal.  Every class we run offers students experience with different types of writing, many of which are applicable in workforce situations.  Several students who are now working either at jobs or internships that involve a lot of writing and content creation have commented on the ways in which the writing classes have prepared them for these situations.  This is a really great compliment and tells us that our program is doing the right thing to help prepare students for the workforce.  I’d also like to remind students that they can double major in Writing, or they can get one of the three minors (Creative, Professional, or Journalistic) with just four courses!

What types of jobs are available for students looking to get a Minor in Writing?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 73.4% of employers are looking for employees with strong writing skills.  That means that regardless of the field that you are going into, having a Major, a Minor, or even a few classes in writing can really boost your resume.  We have students who graduated with a Major or Minor who work in content creation, editing, small press journalism, large press acquisitions and editing, and everything in between! We also have a number of students who minored in Creative Writing who have gone on to pursue MFA degrees.  

Where did you attend college? What was your major?

I went to Mt. Holyoke College, as an English major. I have a masters in 19th century literature and women’s studies. I also have a PhD in rhetoric and composition from SUNY Albany.

When did you know you wanted to be an educator?

I fell into it by understanding myself and how I have patience with people. I worked with comp 1 students and really enjoyed it. I like to empower people through their writing. Writing gives you power.

What made you choose college over primary education?

Honestly, I find small children in large groups pretty terrifying.  And I didn't want to teach high school literature because I knew I would become bored right away with teaching the same texts over and over, which often happens.  In college writing classes, students are creating the texts, so there is always something new to read. 

Are you a New Jersey native?

No, I was born in Binghamton, NY, and I grew up in Livingston Manor, NY. We moved to Albany, NY, when I was 7 years old. My mother still lives there today.

What is your favorite book?

I do not have a favorite book. I do have a favorite author[s]: Lisa See, she writes historical fiction. Also, Barbara Kingsolver writes fiction, and Diane Setterfield also writes fiction, and lastly Isabella Allende, she, too, writes historical fiction.

I’ve heard you love to travel. What is the draw for your love of travel? Was it humanities or cultural? Or was it historical interests?

I do. I’ve been to around 20 countries. My mother always said no matter where I was, I wanted to be somewhere else. I love learning new things, which feeds into my love of writing. I am inspired by books I have read; it brings a new perspective to some of the places I have visited. I have visited places I have read about and when I got home I reread the books and my perspective was altered or enhanced.