Lindenwood University adjunct Kali White VanBaale was honored at the 25th annual Iowa Author Awards in Des Moines this fall. The award recognized her literary merit, originality, and impact. Presented by the Des Moines Public Library Foundation, the Iowa Authors Awards recognize literary excellence across the state.

White VanBaale, who teaches fiction and nonfiction writing in Lindenwood’s Master of Fine Arts program, was first published 25 years ago. Originally a social worker, White VanBaale wrote in her spare time and took classes wherever she could. After a decade of writing, White VanBaale’s first novel won a national contest. While working on her second novel, White VanBaale “got the teaching bug” and decided to pursue her MFA.

White VanBaale has published three award-winning novels and will release a short story collection in February 2026. She also serves as editor of Past Ten, a literary journal that recently published its first anthology.

“I always consider myself a working writer. I think I have been able to figure out how to live a writing life versus a writing career,” White VanBaale said. Describing writing careers as unpredictable, White VanBaale believes it’s important for writers to enjoy the process and reflect on their motivations. “I always approach my own writing by asking, what exactly is my artistic vision here? What am I trying to do with this story, or what am I ultimately trying to say?” she said. White VanBaale brings this same mindset to her teaching.

White VanBaale became an adjunct at Lindenwood nearly a decade ago. Since then, White VanBaale has taught nearly every form of writing, and recently started teaching script writing. In 2022, she completed her RISE (Rigor, Inclusiveness, Support, and Engagement) training and received the Lindenwood Adjunct Teaching Award.

A passionate mental health advocate, White VanBaale has been featured in several publications, on TV programs, and has a Substack column dedicated to discussing mental healthcare reform. She has found this advocacy as well as her social worker background helpful in the classroom. Describing writing as an outlet of expression, White VanBaale has helped students use writing as a form of self-care.

White VanBaale’s recognition as an award-winning author highlights the strength of Lindenwood’s MFA in writing program. Combining her experience in publishing and psychology, she helps students go beyond technical skills to develop authentic voices. Her experience allows students to learn from an active leader in the field who models both creativity and purpose in her teaching.