Influential Woman · Higher Education
Chelsie Zuccollo
Professor of English / Interdisciplinary Studies Program Director / Writing Center Director, University of Saint Francis
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Her Story
About Chelsie
Chelsie Zuccollo is a Professor of English, Interdisciplinary Studies and English Program Director, and Writing Center Director at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For more than a decade, she has taught students to read, write, and think with greater curiosity and intention, believing that language is one of our most powerful tools for understanding ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Her teaching spans composition, rhetoric, literature, environmental humanities, children's literature, feminism, and editing, where she encourages students to question assumptions, examine culture, and discover the significance of everyday experiences. As Writing Center Director, she leads initiatives that strengthen writing support across campus through consultant training, faculty collaboration, and student-centered programming. As Interdisciplinary Studies and English Program Director, she mentors students, develops curriculum, and helps shape academic programs that prepare graduates for meaningful professional and civic lives. Chelsie earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Saint Francis and her Master of Arts in English from Indiana University, graduating with high honors. Her work has been recognized with honors including the PALNI Open Educator of the Year Award, the Values in Action Award, and the Scholarship and Action Award.Beyond her academic leadership, Chelsie is also a writer, speaker, and poet, actively pursuing publication of her poetry while continuing to advocate for accessible, inclusive, and student-centered approaches to higher education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chelsie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my focus on helping others succeed. I believe success is reciprocal—when you support and uplift others, you build a community that supports and propels you forward as well.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to prioritize who I am outside of work. Taking care of myself and staying connected to my values allows me to show up stronger, more focused, and more effective in my professional life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering higher education is to set boundaries early in their careers and be intentional about what they commit to. Learn to say no thoughtfully—not to avoid opportunities, but to stay focused on your purpose and the reasons you chose this field. When you spread yourself too thin, it can become easy to lose sight of the impact you want to make.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in higher education right now is communicating and demonstrating the value of higher education. Telling that story effectively is essential to helping people understand its impact on individuals, communities, and society.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Curiosity, compassion, courage, and lifelong learning are the values that guide both my work and my personal life. Curiosity keeps me asking better questions. Compassion reminds me to approach people with empathy and dignity. Courage gives me the confidence to speak up, challenge assumptions, and encourage others to find their own voice. Above all, I believe learning is a lifelong practice. Whether I'm teaching, writing poetry, or leading, my goal is to help people look more closely, think more deeply, and leave every conversation with a greater understanding of themselves and the world.
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