As a first-generation college student and lifelong creative, Dr. Jules Nyquist returned to school in her 60s with a goal she had carried for years—earning her PhD. With a career rooted in writing, teaching, and poetry, she found Capella’s flexible and supportive format to be the right fit for her academic and personal journey. Now a published poet, founder of Jules’ Poetry Playhouse in New Mexico, and upcoming speaker at the 2025 APA conference, Dr. Nyquist shares how her Capella experience helped her merge scholarly research with creative expression to make a lasting impact in the field of adult education.
1. What inspired you to pursue your PhD in Adult Education at Capella?
Jules Nyquist: I’ve dreamed of having a doctorate for many years. As a first-generation college student over age 60, I needed flexibility to manage full-time work and personal responsibilities. Capella’s online, supportive format allowed me to do that. I’ve had ten to twenty-year gaps between my degrees. The professors were challenging and inspiring, and Capella’s competency-based format allowed me to integrate my life experiences as a writer, poet, and teacher into my doctorate.
2. What advice would you share with other creatives or educators exploring nontraditional paths?
Dr. Jules Nyquist: It’s crucial to have a support system with fellow students, friends, family, and mentors. I reached out to my professors and my committee with questions. Capella’s support system of librarians, the career center, and writing center all made it possible for me to complete my PhD successfully. The honor societies and other organizations helped me focus. Most importantly, however, is to take whatever interests you and see if you can incorporate it into your studies. I was pleasantly surprised when my research topic was approved using poetry in the form of poetic inquiry. I did not even know this field existed until I started my research several classes into my program. It’s exciting to bridge the scholarly and creative writing areas to contribute to new research.
3. How has your Capella experience influenced your work with Jules’ Poetry Playhouse?
Dr. Jules Nyquist: Having the Dr. in front of my name gives credibility to my status as an adult educator! The discipline that it takes to earn a doctorate, along with the writing, research and organizational, and time-management skills has prepared me for almost anything. A PhD is truly transformative. I’m looking to take more risks and stay curious. Jules’ Poetry Playhouse, which I founded, is all about having a sense of play and curiosity to experiment and take risks with writing. Poetry should be fun for adults just starting to write, or more experienced, honing their craft. We have poetry writing classes and events here in beautiful New Mexico.
4. What role do poetry and creativity play in adult learning and personal development?
Dr. Jules Nyquist: Poetry uses qualities of observation, curiosity, emotion, and imagination, to name a few. These qualities can serve as a lens for viewing the world. I help writers use their senses, breath, language, and their voice to create ways to share their stories. It is important to feel that our voices are being heard and to have that sense of community with other writers and poets.
5. What projects or milestones are you most excited about?
Dr. Jules Nyquist: I was a featured speaker at the APA (American Psychological Association) 2025 conference in Denver, CO, in August. I presented my research on using poetic inquiry for stress management by having the audience participate in short reading and writing poetry exercises to develop their personal practice in managing stress. I’m having fun reaching new audiences and seeing where my research topic can be expanded. I’d also like to write a non-scholarly book that features my doctoral research to help others use writing poetry as a tool for self-inquiry.
Are you a proud Capella graduate making an impact in your field or community?
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