Heather Holleman, PhD

Professional Bio

Dr. Heather Holleman is an associate teaching professor with over 25 years of experience in the college classroom. She is a national public speaker, podcaster, and award-winning author of over 8 books, including a bestseller in the inspirational market. Dr. Holleman attended the University of Virginia where she graduated with highest distinction for her thesis on the poetry of Emily Dickinson. She won the Wagenheim prize for the best essay written by an undergraduate for her work on the Romantic Sublime. She then earned her MA and Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Michigan for her doctoral work on shame and narcissism in 19th century poetry. Dr. H currently teaches for the Schreyer Honors College and develops the curriculum for the advanced writing courses. She has taught Advanced Writing in the Humanities (202B) and English 15 while also designing curriculum and training instructors. Her book, How to Write with Flair, supplements the curriculum for the advanced writing courses in the humanities. She has received numerous teaching awards in the past ten years, including Rackham’s Most Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award, the Moscow Prize for Excellence in Teaching Composition, and the Residence Life Mentor Award. Heather and her husband, Ashley, also work with a missions organization (Cru) where Ashley serves as the Executive Director of Graduate Student Ministry. Heather blogs daily at heatherholleman.com and writes both fiction and nonfiction. She has two daughters, three cats, and a fantastic backyard garden with plum trees, blackberries, and lilacs.

Her current research includes improving pedagogy, minimizing shame and embarrassment in a composition classroom, and having better conversations.