Ellen O'Brien

Degree(s)

Ph.D., English, University of Connecticut; M.A., Training and Development, Roosevelt University; M.A., English, University of Connecticut; B.A., English, St. Mary’s University

Biography

Dr. Ellen O’Brien joined the CTLM in 2025 after serving for 25 years as a professor of English and Women’s and Gender Studies at Roosevelt University (RU) in Chicago. At RU, she also held various administrative and leadership positions that included overseeing an interdisciplinary academic unit, managing university-wide learning support services and disability resources, creating faculty development initiatives on high-impact teaching practices, and leading instructors through course redesign projects with attention to equity, transparency, and access. With more than 30 years as an instructor in multiple course delivery modes, Ellen is inspired by the range of instructional possibilities for creating effective learning environments that meet the needs of diverse learners and instructors. When not at work, she can be found volunteering on gardening projects, exploring state parks, and reading at the public library.