My name is Holly Dodge and I am a poet and adjunct professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU). I received my MFA and Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from MNSU. As a teacher, I am excited to influence students learning with an approach of kindness, understanding, and individuality. Students come from diverse learning backgrounds and I believe that there is no “one size fits all” lesson for successful learning outcomes. Recognizing and assessing individual learning methods is essential for an equitable learning environment.

When I am not writing or teaching, I stay busy as a mother of two, a cat mom to three, and a dog mom to two. In addition to teaching, I work as the Communications Coordinator for the nonprofit, Feeding Our Communities Partners and the BackPack Food Program (They’re the best! Look them up!) I am also the editor of the North Kato magazine and co-editor of the Mankato Clinic Thrives magazine. My sweetheart Nicholas and I also founded The Lectern Series, a free community educational speaker series. Back in the day, I used to be a roller derby girl with the Mankato Area Derby Girls—skating under the pseudonym “Brass Chuckles”—because I’m a little funny and a little tough. I value community service and love staying connected through volunteer opportunities in the greater Mankato area.