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 HuishAssistant professor, 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 | Lori Joseph Associate professor of communication studies, research interests include communication and the workplace, gender and communication, healthcare and communication
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Christopher J. RichterAssociate 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. |
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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 LarsenSusan Gager Jackson Professor of Creative Writing; Professor of English; 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 |
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.Todd Ristau Director, Playwright’s Lab at Hollins University, and a distinguished graduate of the Iowa Playwright’s Workshop. His work has been performed in theatres across the U.S. and England, including London’s West End. He founded No Shame Theatre in 1986 and oversaw its evolution into a national network of venues for new works in dozens of cities. He has an extensive theatre background, with expertise in acting, directing, and design. He worked with Mill Mountain Theatre for six years as coordinator of their second stage and as literary associate overseeing new works programming. Ristau served as the first artistic director of Studio Roanoke, a storefront theatre space dedicated to new works development in downtown Roanoke. He is an Active Member of the Dramatists Guild, and member of Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of America. Can speak on a range of topics relating to the theatre, new plays, playwriting, and No Shame Theatre. |
Economics |
Casimir DadakProfessor 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 admission 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; research interests include the exchange of energy between the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface, instrumental monitoring of climate parameters, snow and ice thermal processes, history and evolution of the Earth’s climate system in the deep past, and the application of mathematical and computational modeling in education. Topics:
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Ryan HuishAssistant professor, 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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Health |
Randall FloryProfessor of psychology; 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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Ruth DoanProfessor of history; research interests include religion in the Old South and the end of the world. Topic:
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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 |
Ruth DoanProfessor of history; research interests include religion in the Old South and the end of the world. Topic:
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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 |
Rev. Jennifer CallInterim chaplain, with over 12 years of ministry experience with gifts in teaching, counseling, and guiding people of all ages in their spiritual journeys. Rev. Call is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in biology and served as a leader in the college’s Baptist Student Union. She went on to complete her master of divinity degree at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond. Since 2004, she has served as director of Christian education/chaplain with HopeTree Family Services in Salem.
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Jeanne LarsenSusan Gager Jackson Professor of Creative Writing; Professor of English; poet and novelist. Topic:
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Darla SchummAssociate professor, religious studies; teaches the course series Introduction to World Religions I and II, as well as the traditions courses in Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. She has also designed courses in Women in Religion, Women in Buddhism, Sexual Ethics, and Jesus and Mary Magdalene in Literature and Film. 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; 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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