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Photograph of Kay Mussell

Kay Mussell Prof Emerita Literature

Degrees
PhD & MA, American Civilization, University of Iowa<br>BA, English Education, University of Iowa

Bio
Kay Mussell joined AU in 1974 and has held multiple positions, including Professor of Literature and American Studies; Director of the American Studies, College Writing, and Honors Programs; and Associate Dean positions in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs. She was Dean of the College from 1999-2009. She is the author of Women's Gothic and Romantic Fiction: A Reference Guide and Fantasy and Reconciliation: Contemporary Formulas of Women's Romance Fiction. She has also published articles and book reviews on women's popular culture, American foodways, and higher education. A multiple American University award winner, Mussell has received the CAS: Faculty-Administrator Award (1996) and Contributions to Academic Development (1990). In 2007, she was honored by the University of Iowa with a Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
See Also
College of Arts & Sciences
Literature Department
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

Partnerships & Affiliations

  • Society for the History of Authorship, Reading, and Publishing
    Member

  • American Studies Association
    Member

  • Studies in Popular Culture
    Advisory Board Member

  • Para*doxa: Studies in World Literary Genres
    Editorial Board Member

  • University of Massachusetts Press
    Manuscript Reader

Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities

Honors, Awards, and Fellowships

       
  • University of Iowa with a Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award (2007)
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  • College of Arts and Sciences: Faculty-Administrator Award (1996)
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  • College of Arts and Sciences: Contributions to Academic Development (1990)
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  • University Faculty Award for Outstanding Contributions to Academic Development (1986)
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  • University Faculty Award for Outstanding Service (1980)
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  • College of Arts & Sciences: Outstanding Academic Program Development (1978)

Selected Publications

       
  • Women's Gothic and Romantic Fiction: A Reference Guide
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  • Fantasy and Reconciliation: Contemporary Formulas of Women's Romance Fiction.
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  • Ethnic and Regional Foodways in the United States:  The Performance of Group Identity (coeditor)
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  • North American Romance Writers (coeditor)