Born: 1941
Ohio connection: Resident
Columbus
Patrick B. Mullen was born in Beaumont, TX, the son of Borden Calvin Mullen and Lorraine Terry Mullen. He earned a B.A. from Lamar State College in 1964; an M.A. from North Texas State University in 1965; and received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in 1968. Mullen began his career at the State University of New York College at Buffalo as an assistant professor of English and folklore, 1968-69. Mullen has been associated with the Ohio State University since 1969 (assistant professor, 1969-72, associate professor, 1972-81, professor of folklore, 1981-, and director of Center for Folklore Studies). He was visiting instructor at the University of Wisconsin (1969-70), the Institute on Folklore and Traditions of Mexican-American, Black, and Appalachian People (1978), University of Rome, Fulbright lecturer (1983), Utah State University (1990). Mullen is a member of the International Society for Folk Narrative Research, American Folklore Society (editor of publications, 1988-93; chair of Publications Committee, 1990-91), Texas Folklore Society, Ohio Folklore Society (past president), Editorial Advisory Board, Encyclopedia of American Popular Beliefs and Superstitions. Mullen has authored books and has many works represented in anthologies, including “And Other Neighborly Names”: Social Process and Cultural Image in Texas Folklore; Popular Beliefs and Superstitions: A Compendium of American Folklore; and Critical Essays on E. E. Cummings. Contributor of numerous articles and reviews. Patrick B. Mullen is a now retired, professor emeritus of English and folklore at Ohio State University. He and his wife, Roseanne (Rini), reside in Columbus.
Awards:
National Foundation for the Arts and Humanities grant, 1967-68; John Lyman Award in American Maritime History, from North American Society for Oceanic History, 1990, for Lake Erie Fishermen.