Diane Holliday
She/Her/Hers
- Assistant, Program Coordinator
- MFA in Writing
Additional Information
Biography
After moving to the U.S. from Switzerland, Diane Holliday began her career in advertising as an Art Director. But after selling one too many quick-cook fries, she traded ad campaigns for character arcs and earned her MFA in Writing from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2024. Unable to say goodbye, she stayed on as the program’s Assistant Coordinator. Diane now lives in Colorado with her husband and their dog, Babybel (yes, like the cheese), and is working on a YA Dystopian novel.
Teaching Philosophy
"Having once been in the students’ shoes, I understand how it feels to step into a program like this—excited, nervous, and not entirely sure what lies ahead. I feel very lucky to have been able to stay on with UNO after graduation because what I found here wasn’t just a writing program but also a vibrant, supportive community. I believe that the best creative growth happens in spaces that feel both safe and inspiring, where writers can take risks, stumble, and still feel seen.
Every semester brings its own unique challenges, and every writer moves at their own pace. My goal is to support students through the highs and lows of the writing process, and above all, I want students to know they’re not alone in this journey. We grow stronger together, word by word.
I support students both between and during residencies—helping with everything from enrollment and registration all the way through the thesis. I design residency schedules, organize fun community events like field trips and karaoke night, and field all kinds of questions, from the big ("How do mentor pairings work?") to the small ("Where’s the boardroom again?"). Always feel free to reach out if you need help—or just want to say hi."
Additional Information
Biography
After moving to the U.S. from Switzerland, Diane Holliday began her career in advertising as an Art Director. But after selling one too many quick-cook fries, she traded ad campaigns for character arcs and earned her MFA in Writing from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2024. Unable to say goodbye, she stayed on as the program’s Assistant Coordinator. Diane now lives in Colorado with her husband and their dog, Babybel (yes, like the cheese), and is working on a YA Dystopian novel.
Teaching Philosophy
"Having once been in the students’ shoes, I understand how it feels to step into a program like this—excited, nervous, and not entirely sure what lies ahead. I feel very lucky to have been able to stay on with UNO after graduation because what I found here wasn’t just a writing program but also a vibrant, supportive community. I believe that the best creative growth happens in spaces that feel both safe and inspiring, where writers can take risks, stumble, and still feel seen.
Every semester brings its own unique challenges, and every writer moves at their own pace. My goal is to support students through the highs and lows of the writing process, and above all, I want students to know they’re not alone in this journey. We grow stronger together, word by word.
I support students both between and during residencies—helping with everything from enrollment and registration all the way through the thesis. I design residency schedules, organize fun community events like field trips and karaoke night, and field all kinds of questions, from the big ("How do mentor pairings work?") to the small ("Where’s the boardroom again?"). Always feel free to reach out if you need help—or just want to say hi."