
Professor Engle taught writing at the University of Iowa for over two decades. Her career began in 1967 when she co-founded the International Writing Program at the university, a residency program that brings international writers to the University of Iowa campus. She served as the program’s co-director for 10 years and as the sole director for another 10 years until her retirement in 1988.
Throughout her career, Professor Engle served as a translator of many publications into and from Chinese. She was also the author of several short stories and books, including Mulberry and Peach: Two Women of China (Women’s Press Fiction, 1981). Originally published in 1976, the book was later translated into English and won an American Book Award in 1990.
Professor Engle held a master of fine arts degree from the University of Iowa.


