Honors Program Faculty
Dr. Lora Becker
(she/her/hers)
Professor of Psychology and Director of General Education
Room 217 E, Hyde Hall
812-488-2532
lb47@evansville.edu
"After taking this course, I hope that students have a greater understanding of themselves with regards to the functioning of their nervous system," explains Dr. Becker. "There are several tricks and tips a student can learn about how to better manage their concentration, need for sleep and ability to learn college material. Not only do students develop an appreciation for the field of neuroscience, they come away with a better understanding of their own behavior."
Of Honors students, Dr. Becker remarks, "I enjoy teaching UE Honors students because they come to class with a desire to understand. Conversation about the essays is always lively and full of great insight!"
Dr. Becker received her undergraduate dual BS in biology and psychology from Wright State University, as well as a MA in psychobiology and PhD.. in behavioral neuroscience from Binghamton University. Her research expertise is in the field of behavioral neuroscience. She has been published in numerous scholarly journals, including Comparative Clinical Pathology and the Journal of Applied Biological Sciences. Dr. Becker is a member of the Nu Rho Psi Neuroscience Honors Society, Phi Kappa Phi, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She received the Dean of Arts and Sciences Teaching Award in 2007 and the Dean of Students Advisor of the Year Award in 2004.
Dr. Diane Brewer, BA, PhD
(she/her/hers)
Theatre History and Criticism / John David Lutz Distinguished Professor of the Arts
Room 109A, Hyde Hall
812-488-2369
db57@evansville.edu
"I want my students to feel challenged and inspired to continue exploring the connection between their own values and the theatre they create," Dr. Brewer notes. "I enjoy teaching UE Honors students because they keep me on my toes. They often ask questions I've never considered and come up with solutions I've never imagined. In that way, they reaffirm why I teach – to keep learning."
Dr. Brewer holds a BA in drama from Tufts University and a PhD in theatre from UCLA. Her areas of expertise include theatre history and dramatic criticism, and she also dramaturgs and directs productions for the UE theatre department. Her articles have been published in The Dramaturgy Protocol, The Dramaturgy Sourcebook (vol. 4), Theatre Topics, PAJ: Performing Arts Journal, and HowlRound at the Center for Theater Commons. She has received such honors as the Dean's Teaching Award, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Evansville and a Certificate of Merit for Dramaturgy from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
Dr. Robert Griffith
Professor/Creative Writing/English
Room 416B, Olmsted Hall
812-488-2962
rg37@evansville.edu
"After taking one of my courses, I hope students have acquired not only a greater comprehension of the subjects we study, but also a greater love for literature itself," comments Professor Griffith.
About Honors students, Professor Griffith notes, "What I enjoy most about teaching UE Honors students is their willingness to challenge themselves and to more fully explore the topics they encounter. Likewise, I feel they more fully embody the mission of the University in that they engage themselves more completely in academic and creative endeavors which truly are transformative to their lives as students and citizens of the world."
Professor Griffith holds a BA in literature and creative writing from the University of Tennessee and a MFA in poetry from the University of Arkansas. His areas of expertise include creative writing (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction) and editing. Professor Griffith is the author of four books, including The Moon from Every Window (David Robert Books, 2011), which was nominated for the 2013 Poets' Prize and A Matinee in Plato's Cave (Water Press & Media, 2008), winner of the 2008 Best Book of Indiana Award. He has also published poems and articles in journals and magazines such as Poetry, The Oxford American, PN Review, Phi Kappa Phi Forum, The North American Review, and others. Professor Griffith received the Sadelle and Sydney Berger Outstanding Scholar Award in 2011, as well as the University of Evansville Outstanding Professor of the Year Award in 2005.
Dr. James MacLeod
Department Chair/History
Room 346, Olmsted Hall
812-488-2599
jm224@evansville.edu
Dr. Mari Plikuhn
(she/her/hers)
Professor/Sociology
Room 55, Schroeder School of Business Building
812-488-2707
mp168@evansville.edu
Office Phone
812-488-2612
Office Email
jw504@evansville.edu
Office Location
Room 238, Koch Center for Engineering Science