Bringing passion, humility and kindness, Dr. Kimberly Knutsen is an esteemed writer, counselor and instructor who brings heart and authenticity to everything she does. As a professor of English within the College of Learning and Development at ACU Online, she is devoted to helping undergraduate students find their voice and express themselves through the written word; something Dr. Knutsen believes is more than an academic skill—it’s a powerful way to connect, reflect and grow. Her own journey as a published author has given her a unique perspective in the classroom, where she encourages creativity, vulnerability and confidence in her students’ work. Outside of academia, she has found a new calling as a counselor for young adults and women in the greater Portland area. With deep roots in compassion and deep empathy, she is best known for her ability to walk alongside those navigating life’s challenges, offering support and insight. Today, Dr. Knutsen not only desires to help others discover their stories but also hopes to guide them to find the strength within them.
Dancing Her Way Into Teaching
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Knutsen always enjoyed being involved in the arts. From a young age, and well into her mid-20s, she was involved in various creative endeavors, including dancing and reading.
“I always loved to read books like Beverly Cleary and Judy Bloom,” she said. “ I just read voraciously and since I lived right near where one of my favorite writers lived,I knew a lot of the streets in her books. I even ended up dancing at the same dance studio as one of her characters.”
Having enjoyed reading about the adventures of some of her favorite book characters, Dr. Knutsen always felt a strong connection between reading, writing and dance. As time passed and her dancing time came to a bittersweet end, she began to take her college career more seriously. Thinking back to her love for reading and writing, including a freshman composition class at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, she decided to start focusing on earning her bachelor’s degree. While at Portland State University, Dr. Knutsen noticed her knack for being a great listener and writer. Graduating in 1992 with her degree in psychology, she quickly chased her writing dream. She enrolled in her master’s degree at New Mexico State with an emphasis on English and creative writing, before earning her second master’s degree in creative writing with a focus on fiction. Needless to say, Dr. Knutsen knew this was the right path for her. As if she were dancing through her education, she went from program to program, excelling as she went along, earning her Ph.D. in English Literature from Western Michigan University. Time was flying by, but she was having loads of fun.
In 2006, wanting to be closer to family, she returned to the growing city of Portland. Earning a professorship role, she began teaching at Concordia University, where she taught an array of courses including fiction, poetry, memoir and creative nonfiction – almost everything under the sun. Seeing how much she enjoyed teaching and leading students into learning, Dr. Knutsen felt like this was her future: teaching, mentoring and writing.
And then, the pandemic hit.
Like most universities around the country, shutdowns were beginning to occur, and that included Condoria. Nervous about what would happen next, Dr. Knutsen noticed a common thread amongst her students’ work: the healing power of writing and art. Seeing how students were diving into assignments like writing memoirs of their personal experiences, Dr. Knutsen noticed that maybe there was something there; maybe there was something therapeutic about writing. Looking into discovering this further, she decided to take on the additional challenge of becoming a therapist, specifically for those who needed to find ways to break free from traumatic diet experiences. Teaching, then, in a facility for those undergoing diet culture trauma, Dr. Knutsen saw how writing helped her students learn more about themselves, and more about who God was in their lives.
As time passed, Dr. Knutsen says she was still open to teaching. After she encountered Dr. Scott Self, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs & Development for the ACU Online campus, she saw the chance to teach again, only this time, via ACU Online.
“I was so lucky to get in contact with Dr. Scott Self,” said Dr. Knutsen. “After a few quick calls, I started teaching classes.”
Living Life With A Purpose
Dr. Knutsen is not only recognized for her diligent work but also because of her ability to make any student feel seen, heard and understood through the power of their own story. As she teaches students the importance of seeing a character or series of poetic lines through their lens, she believes she’s teaching the value of storytelling. Since “every person is the main character in their own story,” Dr. Knutsen has found the perfect way to introduce God as the ultimate storyteller of our lives, thus giving hope and inspiration to her students. In her own words, “we are constantly living in the story of the world and what the world says about us; and changing that story, being empowered by that, is life-changing. And since God is the original storyteller and author, it helps students understand how storytelling is a part of their everyday lives.”
Through all of her efforts, and consistent ability to care for her students and their well-being, she felt ‘really happy’ when she learned she was awarded Adjunct of the Year. After seeing her name in an email, Dr. Knutsen says she was so touched by how the university saw her work ethic and worth as an instructor.
“I just felt really honored and pleased that I was given that award,” she said. “It was just like a testament that all the hard work I’ve tried to do for my students has just really paid off.”
Today, Dr. Knutsen continues her therapeutic work in Portland, Oregon. Whether she’s teaching classes on writing poetry, mentoring an ACU student about their essay, or walking her dog alongside her son, Dr. Knutsen is pleased with how life has turned out for her and her family. Fully trusting in the Lord and all His promises, Dr. Knutsen sees the future with great optimism – something she hopes to continue teaching to her students and clients.
Interested in taking classes from inspiring faculty members like Dr. Knutsen? Visit our website today and see how ACU Online can help you achieve your goals.
