People
The Humanities Ladder program is supported by Slippery Rock University faculty, staff, and student mentors.
Dr. Aaron Cowan, Co-Director
A native of southwest Virginia, Aaron Cowan has been teaching at Slippery Rock University since 2008. His research and teaching interests include urban, environmental, and public history. He is the author of A Nice Place to Visit: Tourism and Urban Revitalization in the Postwar Rustbelt. Dr. Cowan is also the founder and co-director of the Center for Public Humanities. He has participated in the Humanities Ladder program since 2015. Contact him at aaron.cowan@sru.edu.
A native of southwest Virginia, Aaron Cowan has been teaching at Slippery Rock University since 2008. His research and teaching interests include urban, environmental, and public history. He is the author of A Nice Place to Visit: Tourism and Urban Revitalization in the Postwar Rustbelt. Dr. Cowan is also the founder and co-director of the Center for Public Humanities. He has participated in the Humanities Ladder program since 2015. Contact him at aaron.cowan@sru.edu.
Dr. Lia Paradis, Co-Director
Born and raised in Vancouver, Lia Paradis has been teaching at Slippery Rock University since 2007. Her research projects vary, but always focus on questions of identity in the late 19th and 20th Century Britain and its Empire. As co-director of the Center for Public Humanities, her current focus has been on establishing a third space between the university and the community where the humanities can help create informed and empowered citizens. She has participated in the Humanities Ladder program since its inception in 2015. Contact her at lia.paradis@sru.edu.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Lia Paradis has been teaching at Slippery Rock University since 2007. Her research projects vary, but always focus on questions of identity in the late 19th and 20th Century Britain and its Empire. As co-director of the Center for Public Humanities, her current focus has been on establishing a third space between the university and the community where the humanities can help create informed and empowered citizens. She has participated in the Humanities Ladder program since its inception in 2015. Contact her at lia.paradis@sru.edu.
Shelby Heisler, Program Coordinator
Having earned degrees in nonprofit leadership and history at Slippery Rock University, Shelby Heisler brings a strong passion for the humanities to the Stone House Center for Public Humanities and its many programs. Her experience in grant writing, marketing, and communications has helped fund and promote the Humanities Ladder program. Contact her at shelby.heisler@sru.edu.
Having earned degrees in nonprofit leadership and history at Slippery Rock University, Shelby Heisler brings a strong passion for the humanities to the Stone House Center for Public Humanities and its many programs. Her experience in grant writing, marketing, and communications has helped fund and promote the Humanities Ladder program. Contact her at shelby.heisler@sru.edu.
Current Faculty
Yukako Ishimaru - Modern Languages and Culture
Theresa Antonellis - Art
Tim Oldakowski - English
Sean MacMillan - Art
Theresa Antonellis - Art
Tim Oldakowski - English
Sean MacMillan - Art
Past Faculty
Aaron Cowan - History
Aksel Casson - Interdisciplinary Programs
Andrew M. Winters - Philosophy
Christophas Walker - Public Health and Social Work
Gisela Dieter - Modern Languages and Cultures
Jason Hilton - Secondary Education
Lia Paradis - History
Theresa Antonellis - Art
Tim Oldakowski - English
Aksel Casson - Interdisciplinary Programs
Andrew M. Winters - Philosophy
Christophas Walker - Public Health and Social Work
Gisela Dieter - Modern Languages and Cultures
Jason Hilton - Secondary Education
Lia Paradis - History
Theresa Antonellis - Art
Tim Oldakowski - English
Faculty Testimonials
"Seeing the students become excited about ideas and make meaningful connections to their own lives illustrates how amazing this program truly is."
-Dr. Andrew M. Winters, Philosophy Department |
"The Humanities Ladder is one of the most exciting and rewarding things I've worked on in my career."
-Dr. Aaron Cowan, History Department |
""For me it was the little moments, when students pulled me aside after the bell to share an insight or ask a
follow-up question." -Dr. Aksel Casson, Anthropology Department |