Carrie Ellen Stanley was born January 1, 1886, in Toledo, Kansas. She grew up in Corning, Iowa. She earned her B.A. from the University of Iowa in 1912, and took her M.A. in 1915. Ms. Stanley taught high school English in Lamoni and Marshalltown within Iowa, as well as Boise, Idaho, after graduation.

Stanley joined the faculty of the State University of Iowa English Department in September 1920 as instructor. She was promoted to associate professor during her career. Stanley taught composition, and established a writing laboratory in 1934 to provide additional aid to students who were struggling with that subject. Professor Stanley's laboratory methods were copied at writing labs nationwide. After retiring from the University in 1954, she taught at schools in Lone Tree, Iowa, until May 1962. Carrie Stanley died June 18, 1962. A women's dormitory constructed in 1966 was named after her.