Faculty Biography - Holly A. O'Donnell

Title: Instructor

Educational Background:

B.A. English, Florida State University
M.A. English, Queens College, CUNY

Biographical Information:

I have been a part of the Queensborough community since 1999, when I began my career here working as a teacher in the college’s Port of Entry ESL Program while completing my Master’s degree in English at Queens College, CUNY. Following graduation, I taught freshman composition at Queens College and continued serving at Queensborough in several different capacities: I have provided academic counseling and developed outreach programs for incoming freshman as the Co-Coordinator of SAFE (Save All Freshman Early), I have facilitated ACT Writing Exam Workshops for the college’s Instructional Support Services Program, and I have worked as a writing and research assistant in the Office of Admissions. Since the fall of 2003, I have taught remedial writing and reading courses as a full-time instructor in the Department of Basic Educational Skills.

In addition to developing innovative curriculum and pedagogical strategies to prepare remedial students to enroll in credit-bearing college courses, my interests include African-American Literature, particularly the African-American female poetic tradition, feminist theory and gender studies, and writing both fiction and poetry.

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.