Biography and education
B.A., University of Texas at Austin, Humanities
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, English, Certificate in Composition, Literacy, Pedagogy & Rhetoric
Dr. Collins is a dedicated educator whose courses challenge students to become confident readers and writers across genres and modalities. As a first-generation college graduate, she's especially committed to helping students navigate imposter phenomenon in higher education. Her teaching and scholarly interests are wide-ranging, from first-year English and technical writing to visual rhetoric and Victorian literary celebrity.
As the former Associate Director of the University Writing Center, Dr. Collins trained and mentored peer consultants, amplifying best practices in writing pedagogy across Texas State and supporting thousands of writers each year. She loves continuing to grow as a teacher and actively seeks out professional learning opportunities, including participation in Texas State’s inaugural Effective Teaching Practices certification through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, English, Certificate in Composition, Literacy, Pedagogy & Rhetoric
Dr. Collins is a dedicated educator whose courses challenge students to become confident readers and writers across genres and modalities. As a first-generation college graduate, she's especially committed to helping students navigate imposter phenomenon in higher education. Her teaching and scholarly interests are wide-ranging, from first-year English and technical writing to visual rhetoric and Victorian literary celebrity.
As the former Associate Director of the University Writing Center, Dr. Collins trained and mentored peer consultants, amplifying best practices in writing pedagogy across Texas State and supporting thousands of writers each year. She loves continuing to grow as a teacher and actively seeks out professional learning opportunities, including participation in Texas State’s inaugural Effective Teaching Practices certification through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).
Featured grants
- Collins, Joanna Kay (Co-Principal), Brentnell, Lauren Carroll (Co-Principal), Pipper, Camrie (Supporting). Academic Computing Committee (ACC) Grant, Division of Information Technology, Texas State University, $13460.75. (Submitted: January 2025, Funded: 2025 - 2026). Grant.
- Collins, Joanna Kay. Dissertation Research & Development Grant, University of Pittsburgh, Department of English, Institutional (Higher Ed), $5700. (Funded: May 2013 - June 2013). Grant.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching (Golden Apple Award), College of Liberal Arts, Texas State University. 2026
- Award / Honor Nominee: Elizabeth Baranger Excellence in Teaching Award, Nominee, University of Pittsburgh. 2012
- Award / Honor Recipient: Distinguished Teaching Award, Recipient, University of Pittsburgh. 2011
Featured service activities
- Member
Grammarly Pilot Subcommittee, First Year English Committee
- Member
AI and Honor Code Committee
- Member
Textbook Subcommittee, First Year English Committee
- Reviewer / Referee
Best of the Journals in Rhetoric & Composition 2023 (Edited book collection)
- Member
Student Curriculum Subcommittee, Curriculum Revision Committee
- Chair
Faculty of Instruction Promotion Committee