"Yale School of Drama's leadership role in theatre training is a source of pride and celebration for the entire University," said Yale president Richard C. Levin in an announcement. "The appointment of Ms. Vogel reflects our commitment to attracting not only the most talented students, but also the world's leading practitioners to serve as their teachers."

Since 1984, Vogel has served as the Director of MFA and Undergraduate Playwriting programs at Brown University. She had previously taught courses at Cornell University (in the Theatre Arts and Women's Studies).

"My two decades of teaching have convinced me that we have one of the most exciting generations in playwriting now emerging, and I'm looking forward to re-imagining as well as helping to remake American theatre in the 21st century with younger artists and my colleagues at Yale," stated Vogel in a release. "Yale is well positioned to launch, sustain, and inspire the paths of American artists in the theatre through its dedication to a rigorous, passionate, and communal inquiry and practice of theatre."

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of How I Learned to Drive returned to Off-Broadway in 2003 with The Long Christmas Ride Home. Among Vogel's other works are The Baltimore Waltz, The Mineola Twins, The Oldest Profession and Hot 'n' Throbbing. She is currently at work on a new play entitled A Civil War Christmas and her memoir "Beyond the Beltway."

Vogel will begin interviewing applicants for the Playwriting Department's Class of 2011 this winter and spring, according to a release. She assumes full-time duties at the institution July 1. For more information on the Yale School of Drama, visit drama.yale.edu.