Biography

Kathy Nicklaus

Degrees, major(s), and institution: BA in English/Creative Writing Otterbein College w/Special Honors for Poetry; MS in English Education Nova Southeastern University w/Honors for Outstanding Practicum/Thesis; Ph.D in English Literature, University of South Florida w/Honors for short fiction, poetry, and comprehensive exam.  Recipient of Endowed Teaching Chair 2000 and 2007; recipient of NISOD Award for Teaching Excellence 2008.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Kathy Nicklaus has enjoyed a diverse career. She moved with her family to Florida in 1985 and began writing an entertainment column for a local newspaper, along with et cartoon "Freckles," based on the childhood exploits of her oldest daughter, Jenny.  In 1988, she began teaching creative writing classes and founded Lakeland Heartbeat Magazine, working as publisher/editor until 1994, when she sold the publication. That year, she finished her M.S. in English Education at NSU and began working full time for PCC.

Kathy often takes a group of college students and community members to Europe for a summer Humanities travel class. Her favorite places so far: Switzerland, Denmark, and Ireland.

Nicklaus is currently working on her first novel. Her hobbies include swimming, bicycling, playing the piano with too much sustain pedal, and pursuing fine ice cream.

Courses taught: Literature, Mythology, and Creative Writing.