What happens when a deep love for the written word collides with the raw, physical intensity of a contact sport? The answer is Elizabeth Fogle, a woman who defies easy labels. By day, she is a respected academic, an Associate Teaching Professor of English at Penn State Behrend, molding young minds to find their voice in the world of rhetoric and creative writing. Yet, by night, she is “Strong Female Protagonist,” a formidable roller derby athlete who skates fiercely and unapologetically for the Eerie Roller Girls. This is the story of an educator who brings a life fully lived into the classroom, proving that the most powerful lessons often come from embracing the complete picture of who we are .
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Fogle |
| Profession | Associate Teaching Professor of English, Writer, Poet, Roller Derby Athlete |
| Education | B.A. in English Literature (University of Georgia), M.A. in English Literature (Wake Forest University), M.F.A. in Creative Writing (Georgia College) |
| Workplace | Penn State Behrend |
| Key Publications | Insomnia after Bilateral Mastectomy, Breast Reconstruction and Other Bedtime Stories, and numerous poems in journals like Nimrod and Limestone |
| Areas of Expertise | Modern & Contemporary Poetics, Graphic Novels, Gender Studies, Visual Rhetoric, Creative Writing |
| Known For | Being an inspiring educator and a competitive roller derby athlete nicknamed “Strong Female Protagonist” |
The Making of a Scholar: An Academic Foundation
Elizabeth Fogle’s journey into the heart of academia began with a passion for storytelling that was cultivated in the rich, literary environments of the American South. Her academic career started in earnest at the University of Georgia, one of the nation’s premier public universities, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 1996. This was just the beginning of a deep dive into the world of words. Seeking to further refine her analytical skills and immerse herself in the classics, she pursued a Master of Arts in English Literature at Wake Forest University, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous humanities programs.
However, her intellectual curiosity was not satisfied with simply analyzing existing works. Elizabeth Fogle felt a profound need to create, to contribute her own voice to the vast landscape of American literature. This drive led her to the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program at Georgia College, where she focused on poetry. Completing her M.F.A. in 2007 was a pivotal moment, transforming her from a scholar of literature into a published poet and a master of her craft. This blend of rigorous academic study and creative expression forms the bedrock of her teaching philosophy today .
Before finding her academic home at Penn State, Ms. Fogle didn’t take a straight path into the professoriate. She gained valuable experience in the “real world,” working in administrative roles for the Georgia Division of Public Health and the Duke University Talent Identification Program. These roles likely gave her an early appreciation for the practical applications of communication, an understanding she brings to her technical writing courses, where she helps students see the power of clear and effective language in any career path .
Elizabeth Fogle at Penn State Behrend: Championing the Humanities
Elizabeth Fogle’s arrival at Penn State Behrend marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for her, but for the students she would go on to inspire. She is an Associate Teaching Professor of English, teaching a wide range of courses that demonstrate her versatility and deep engagement with the field. From foundational courses like ENGL 015, Rhetoric and Composition and ENGL 202C, Effective Writing: Technical Writing, to more specialized seminars like ENGL 437, The Poet in America and CMLIT 415, World Graphic Novels, she is dedicated to nurturing a love for the humanities in every student she meets .
What makes her work so vital is her ability to connect with students, even those who don’t initially see themselves as “English people.” One of her greatest joys is “winning over science majors” and showing them that the ability to express themselves thoughtfully and precisely is an essential skill, not just for poets, but for future engineers, scientists, and innovators. She views writing as a challenge that she can “demystify,” empowering students to become “better, more rounded scientists” by helping them find their own voice. In a world that increasingly values data, she champions the human element of storytelling as an indispensable skill .
In addition to her teaching, she has taken on leadership roles within the university, serving as the past Program Chair for the General Arts and Sciences Major (GAS) and the Associate Degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences (2LABC). She also served as Penn State Behrend’s Administrative Fellow for the 2010-2011 academic year, showcasing her commitment to the institution beyond the classroom. Her scholarship and teaching continue to be influenced by her research interests, which include modern and contemporary American poetics, gender studies, and the graphic novel—a hybrid form she finds compelling for the way it engages readers .
A Poetic Heart: Creativity in Action
Beyond the lecture halls, Elizabeth Fogle is a working writer whose creative work has been widely recognized. Her poetry, raw and introspective, has been published in a host of respected literary journals, including Nimrod International Journal, Limestone, The Broad River Review, Tidal Basin Review, and Harpur Palate, among many others .
Her recent publications, notably Insomnia after Bilateral Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction and Other Bedtime Stories, speak to a poet unafraid to tackle deeply personal and often difficult subjects with grace and unflinching honesty . These works, appearing in respected outlets like Poetry South and Gulf Stream, are not just collections of words, but intimate conversations with the reader about life, body, and resilience. Her poems explore themes of family, identity, and the quiet moments of reckoning that define the human experience. A poem like considering motherhood at age forty speaks to a universal audience, exploring the personal anxieties and joys of life’s most significant decisions . This creative output provides a constant source of inspiration and authenticity in her teaching, proving that she is not just an instructor, but a practicing artist in her own right.
The Secret Life: “Strong Female Protagonist” on the Track
Perhaps the most unexpected and fascinating facet of Elizabeth Fogle’s life is her career as a roller derby athlete. This isn’t a casual hobby; it’s a deeply ingrained passion. The story began in 2010 when she watched the movie Whip It and became entranced by the sport’s creative potential, particularly the skater nicknames. An English professor at heart, she was hooked by the wordplay, and soon discovered the Eerie Roller Girls team in her own backyard of Erie, Pennsylvania .
After not having been on roller skates since middle school, she dove in headfirst, joining the team and eventually earning her own nickname: “Strong Female Protagonist” . The name is the perfect embodiment of who she is—a nod to her literary background with a powerful, feminist statement . As a blocker, her primary role is to stop the opposing team’s jammer (the point-scorer) while helping her own jammer through the pack. She describes the sport as a “mash up of hockey, rugby, NASCAR, and demolition derby” and loves it for being “scary” and demanding. She seeks to challenge herself physically, mentally, and creatively, and derby delivers on all fronts .
For Elizabeth, roller derby is more than just a sport. It’s an outlet where she can be a “person moving through space with a goal.” She champions the sport because it provides a “safe place for women to be tough and brutal, as well as confident and unapologetic.” It’s a community where size and age don’t define your ability to succeed. At 5’3″ and in her 40s, she can be just as effective as a taller, younger skater by using her “particular body and skill set to achieve a goal” . She has been skating with the Eerie Roller Girls, a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), for years, competing in home games, or “bouts,” at the Bayfront Convention Center. Alongside derby, she also lifts weights and does cross-fit training, underlining her commitment to strength and fitness .
Personal Life and Beliefs
While Elizabeth Fogle is a public figure in the classroom and on the track, she maintains a sense of privacy that makes her professional persona all the more intriguing. The “Secret Lives of Faculty” feature on Penn State Behrend’s blog gave the public a rare and fascinating glimpse into her off-duty life as a roller derby athlete. It painted a picture of a professor who not only talks about empowering women in the humanities but actually lives a life that embodies strength, resilience, and constant challenge .
Her work as a poet reveals an individual who is deeply introspective, unafraid to explore complex emotional and physical realities. For example, her poetry on personal and medical experiences suggests a person who processes the world through reflection and articulation . Her passion for knitting, mentioned in the blog interview, is a quieter counterpoint to her intense physical hobbies, suggesting a person who appreciates the slow, methodical creation of art as much as the fast-paced action of roller derby . She is a person who finds joy and meaning in both the intellectual craft of writing and the physical craft of athletic performance.
Her social media presence (if any) remains a low-key extension of her work, with her official university profile serving as the primary digital touchpoint. When she does interact online, it’s likely to share her literary work or promote her academic and athletic communities .
Net Worth and Income Sources
Elizabeth Fogle’s “net worth” is more accurately described as the valuable capital she creates for her students and community. Her primary income source is her role as a tenured professor at Penn State Behrend, a position that provides a stable living. As an author and poet, she builds her reputation and scholarship, supplementing her income with honorariums and royalties. She works on the professional roller derby circuit, though like most athletes in the sport, this is likely more a labor of love than a primary source of income. Her success is measured not in dollars, but in the tangible influence she has on her students’ lives and the creative works she adds to the world .
Future Goals and Ongoing Projects
Elizabeth Fogle’s future looks much like her present: a vibrant blend of teaching, writing, and athleticism. In the academic sphere, she continues to develop her courses and inspire new generations of students at Penn State Behrend. Her teaching in areas like graphic novels remains at the forefront of literary studies, and she will undoubtedly continue to evolve her curriculum to include the most pressing and engaging works in the humanities .
On the literary front, she remains a prolific poet. Her recent publications in 2025, such as Insomnia after Bilateral Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction and Other Bedtime Stories, are a clear indication that her creative output is not slowing down. It is likely she has more projects in the works, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and womanhood .
In the athletic arena, she continues to train and compete with the Eerie Roller Girls, empowering her teammates and demonstrating that passion and dedication know no age. Her commitment to pushing her limits and embodying the spirit of a true “Strong Female Protagonist” will undoubtedly remain a core part of her identity for years to come .
Conclusion: A Life of Depth and Purpose
Elizabeth Fogle is more than just a professor; she is a testament to the power of a multi-faceted life. In a world that often demands we choose a single path, she has masterfully woven together a career in academia, a life in poetry, and a passion for a brutal, beautiful sport. By teaching with passion, writing with honesty, and skating with courage, she shows us that we are not meant to live in a box.
Her journey is a profound lesson in resilience and purpose. She stands as a powerful role model, proving that one can be both an intellectual and an athlete, a poet and a participant, a scholar and a warrior. As Elizabeth Fogle continues to pave the way for future generations—both in the classroom and on the track—her story stands as a reminder of how resilience, passion, and a commitment to a life of depth can shape a truly meaningful legacy.
Read this too: Jessica Gadsden: A Journey of Resilience, Reinvention, and Unwavering Passion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Elizabeth Fogle?
Elizabeth Fogle is an Associate Teaching Professor of English at Penn State Behrend, a published poet, and a roller derby athlete who skates under the name “Strong Female Protagonist” for the Eerie Roller Girls .
2. What does Elizabeth Fogle teach?
She teaches a variety of English courses, including Rhetoric and Composition, Technical Writing, Creative Writing, World Graphic Novels, and The Poet in America .
3. Where has Elizabeth Fogle’s poetry been published?
Her work has been featured in numerous literary journals, including Nimrod International Journal, Limestone, Broad River Review, Tidal Basin Review, and Poetry South .
4. What are Elizabeth Fogle’s academic credentials?
She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Georgia College .
5. What is Elizabeth Fogle’s roller derby nickname and why?
She goes by “Strong Female Protagonist.” The name perfectly blends her love of storytelling and a powerful feminist statement .
6. What position does she play in roller derby?
Primarily a blocker, she is responsible for stopping the opposing team’s jammer while helping her own team’s jammer get through the pack .
7. What other hobbies does Elizabeth Fogle have?
Outside of roller derby, she enjoys weightlifting, cross-fit training, knitting, and reading .
8. How long has Elizabeth Fogle been involved in roller derby?
She joined the Eerie Roller Girls in 2010 and has been an active member for many years .
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