Faculty and Administration

 

Dr. Sharon Herbers

Biography:

Dr. Sharon Herbers is an associate professor of education. Her first professional career was in mental health in Tennessee. She was coordinator of children’s services in a mental health center serving five rural counties. This evolved into consultation and program development with a juvenile court system, corporations, and schools. She also designed and delivered continuing education courses. Herbers began teaching psychology courses at an art college which first led to a position in Student Services and ultimately a return to higher education for a doctoral degree.

The research for her dissertation fostered a deep interest in transformative learning experiences in higher education and through community education. The focal point of her research is Highlander Folk School, a center for adult education for social justice movements since 1932.

Areas of Research:

• The early history of Highlander Folk School

  Teaching Lessons of Civil Rights

  Reflective Practice

  Communities of Practice

  Health and Physical Activity of College Students

  Community Education

  Creative Methods

Areas of Teaching:

• Adult Education

  College Teaching

  Program Development

Committee/University Service:

• Graduate Studies

  Red Dress Committee

  Alan Dreeben Research Center

Degrees:

• Ed.D. and M.A. The University of Memphis, B.A. Saint Louis University

Selected Publications/Presentations:

• Herbers, M. S. & Mullins-Nelson, B. (2009).  Using the disorienting dilemma to promote

  transformational learning. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, 20(1), 5-34.

  Herbers, M. S. (2007). Aunt Lilian’s Deed [peer reviewed play commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the founding of Highlander Folk School, commissioned by South Cumberland Cultural Society,                    Monteagle, TN. Performed September 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 28, 29, October 5, 6, 7, 2007 at Cowan           Center for the Performing Arts, Cowan, TN].

  Herbers, M. S. & Kimmel, J. C. (2007). Reflections in the rear view mirror: The perspective

  transformation of the researcher. Conference Proceedings, 7^th International

  Transformative Learning Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  Herbers, S. (1998). Hand in hand: A model of intercultural competency. Precepts & Example.

  Memphis: National Civil Rights Museum.

  Herbers, S. (1998). Remembrance: Adult education at the National Civil Rights Museum. Adult Learning, 9(4), 8.

Professional Experience:

• Associate Professor of Education, UIW 2005- present

  Instructor, University of Memphis 2000-2004

  Director of Student Life, Memphis College of Art 1990-1996, faculty 1986-2000

  Private Practice and Consulting,1980-2000, Licensed Psychological Examiner 1975-2000

  Coordinator, Children and Youth Services, Quinco Mental Health Center, Bolivar, TN 1975-1980

Contact:

• Office: GB 148

  Email: herbers@uiwtx.edu

  Phone: 210-805-3073