The economy, current issues, children's literature, politics, travel, women.... The Hollins University Speakers Bureau has a number of specialists who can present these and many other issues of interest to your club, church, civic and professional organization — free of charge (unless otherwise noted). In addition, these and other experts from our faculty and administration are available for interviews with print and broadcast media.
Requests for speakers and media requests for faculty experts should be directed to:
Jeff Hodges
Director of Public Relations
P. O. Box 9657
Roanoke, VA 24020-1657
Phone: (540) 362-6503
Fax: (540) 362-6500
E-mail: jhodges@hollins.edu
When making speaker requests, please include the following information:
Please select alternate topics and speakers in the event that your first choice is unavailable. Please limit your requests to two each year.
Biology |
Ryan HuishInstructor, biology; research interests incorporate an interdisciplinary approach to address basic and applied questions in ethnobotany, ecology, and plant conservation by employing techniques in the fields of plant ecology, genetics, anthropology, phytochemistry, biogeography, sustainable management, and GIS. Topics:
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Children's Literature |
Amanda CockrellDirector, graduate program in children's literature; author of novels for adults, including Pomegranate Seed, a contemporary novel about the movies, and The Deer Dancers and The Horse Catchers, mythological stories of the Southwest. Recently awarded an NEA fellowship in fiction. Topic:
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Communication |
Christopher J. RichterAssistant professor of communication studies; research interests include media criticism, media regulation and social theory. Topic:
Presentation involves the audience in critical analysis of television productions, including commercials, news, entertainment programs and/or MTV. Emphasis is on developing skill in recognizing that TV does not simply reflect reality, but involves the use of audio and visual effects which can influence our emotions, assumptions and attitudes. VCR (VHS format) and television monitor required. |
Creative Writing |
Amanda CockrellDirector, graduate program in Children's Literature; author of novels for adults, including Pomegranate Seed, a contemporary novel about the movies, and The Deer Dancers and The Horse Catchers, mythological stories of the Southwest. Recently awarded an NEA fellowship in fiction. Topic:
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Jeanne LarsenProfessor of English; director of the M.F.A. program in creative writing; poet and novelist, offering a workshop for high school students or other groups on bringing people to life in short stories or novels. Topics:
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Eric TretheweyProfessor of English; 19th- and 20th-century Canadian, British, and American literature. Author of Dreaming of Rivers, Evening Knowledge, and The Long Road Home. Poetry, fiction and essays in The Atlantic Monthly, The New Republic, New Letters, The Yale Review, Poetry, The Sewanee Review, and Canadian Literature. Topics:
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David HuddleVisiting distinguished professor of creative writing, is the author of three collections of poetry and two novels. His poems, essays, and short stories have appeared in Esquire, Harper's Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, and The Best American Short Stories. Topics:
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Dance |
Donna Faye BurchfieldProfessor, dance; director of the M.F.A. in dance; teaches internationally, most recently with the American Dance Festival in Shanghai, and previously in Moscow and Seoul. Topic:
The dance department offers a full schedule of performances by the Hollins Repertory Dance Company as well as visiting dance artists. Master classes, lecture demonstrations, and discussion groups can be arranged after performances by calling (540) 362-6503. Discussions ranging from "how to look at dance" to "the history of modern dance as an art form." A discussion about dance and art as a way of thinking, not just a way of doing. |
Drama |
The theatre department offers several student performances throughout the year. Discussions of directing, acting, scenery, lighting, etc., can be arranged by calling (540) 362-6503. |
Economics |
Casimir DadakAssociate professor of finance and economics; research interests include international finance, strategic management, financial markets and institutions, corporate finance, and macroeconomics. Topic:
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Education |
Nancy Oliver GrayNancy Oliver Gray became Hollins University's eleventh president in January 2005. She brings to Hollins a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and especially to women's colleges. Prior to coming to Hollins, Gray was president of Converse College, an independent liberal arts college for women located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She also focused on development and institutional advancement at a number of colleges and universities, including Rider University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Topics:
The Hollins admissions staff can discuss with students and parents the college selection process, financial aid, and the advantages of attending a women's college. |
Environmental Studies |
Marshall BartlettAssistant professor of physics Topic: |
Ryan HuishInstructor, biology; research interests incorporate an interdisciplinary approach to address basic and applied questions in ethnobotany, ecology, and plant conservation by employing techniques in the fields of plant ecology, genetics, anthropology, phytochemistry, biogeography, sustainable management, and GIS.
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Film |
Klaus PhillipsProfessor, German and film; founding director of prestigious Hollins Colloquium on German Film; internationally recognized scholar who writes and lectures on a wide range of film-related topics. Topics:
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Health |
Randall FloryProfessor of psychology; licensed as practicing psychologist in Virginia, with research interests in the treatment of light therapy on eating disorders, premenstrual distress, and depression. Topic:
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History |
Peter CooganAssociate professor of history; one of the most accessible professors at Hollins, Coogan is an authority on the Second World War and American foreign policy. Topics:
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International Education |
Kirsten McKinneyDirector of international programs; McKinney assists over 70 students each year to study abroad in England, France, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Australia and works with international students coming to study in the United States. Topic:
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Leadership |
Nancy Oliver GrayNancy Oliver Gray became Hollins University's eleventh president in January 2005. She brings to Hollins a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and especially to women's colleges. Prior to coming to Hollins, Gray was president of Converse College, an independent liberal arts college for women located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She also focused on development and institutional advancement at a number of colleges and universities, including Rider University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Topic:
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Literature |
Amanda Cockrell
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Music |
The music department offers a full schedule of concerts throughout the year, including faculty recitals, guest artists, and other performances. For more information, call (540) 362-6511. |
Philanthropy |
Nancy Oliver GrayNancy Oliver Gray became Hollins University's eleventh president in January 2005. She brings to Hollins a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and especially to women's colleges. Prior to coming to Hollins, Gray was president of Converse College, an independent liberal arts college for women located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She also focused on development and institutional advancement at a number of colleges and universities, including Rider University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Topic:
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Philosophy and Religion |
Jan FullerAssistant professor of religious studies and Camp Younts Chaplain of the University; teaches Biblical literature courses, the courses that fulfill the pastoral studies concentration — courses that consider world religions from a thematic perspective like autobiography, sexuality, women's roles, death, dying and bereavement. Topics:
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Political Science |
Edward LynchProfessor, political science; veteran of Capitol Hill and the Reagan White House, as well as a frequent observer of politics in Richmond and in Roanoke. Lynch combines academic expertise with extensive hands-on political experience. Orient Lines Cruises previously hired Lynch for a series of lectures aboard the Marco Polo, cruising in South America.Topics:
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Jong RaProfessor, political science; areas of expertise include media and politics, both national and state elections; women and politics; Korean politics; research focuses on the influence of televised presidential debates on voters' decisions. Topics:
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Psychology |
Randall FloryProfessor of psychology; licensed as practicing psychologist in Virginia, with research interests in the treatment of light therapy on eating disorders, premenstrual distress, and depression. Topic:
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George LedgerProfessor of psychology, has ongoing research in the areas of memory, cognition, and artificial intelligence. Topics:
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Research |
Maryke BarberOutreach librarian/liaison librarian at the Wyndham Robertson Library. Responsible for library outreach programs. Topic:
Presentation can be tailored to a specific group or subject, for example, senior citizens, small business owners, educators; or anyone interested in learning more about the research techniques used by experts. |
Women's Colleges / Women's Education |
Nancy Oliver GrayNancy Oliver Gray became Hollins University's eleventh president in January 2005. She brings to Hollins a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and especially to women's colleges. Prior to coming to Hollins, Gray was president of Converse College, an independent liberal arts college for women located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She also focused on development and institutional advancement at a number of colleges and universities, including Rider University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Topics:
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