As a professor, Liza Ann Acosta uses her infectious personality and Puerto Rican identity to introduce students to voices from around the world, incorporating texts from different cultures, nations, and ethnic groups. Her favorite course to teach is World Literature, where students explore literary voices from outside the United Kingdom and United States, presented in various forms of literature—short stories, essays, poetry, and more.

Acosta believes that, through these voices and forms, students can learn what it means to be an active member of our global society. “I believe in the power of literature to create awareness and lead to change,” she says.

Acosta appreciates North Park’s encouragement to be creative and grow as a professor alongside her colleagues in the English department, who she calls “the most talented, dedicated, and caring English professors around.” She encourages her students to explore creative experiences in Chicago, accompanying her classes to various theatre performances around the city. On campus, Acosta connects with students outside the classroom through the Alpha Rho English Honor Society, Q&A cultural group, and Knit and Chatter social club.