Ashley Rife

Ashley Rife serves as an Assistant Professor in the Performance and Communication Arts Department at St. Lawrence University, where she bridges communication studies, architectural history, and public humanities through interdisciplinary scholarship.

Her academic background includes:

• Ph.D. in Communication from Arizona State University
• M.S. in Architecture from Texas A&M University
• Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation from Texas A&M University
• M.A. in Communication from Abilene Christian University
• B.S. in Interior Design/Pre-Architecture from Abilene Christian University

Dr. Rife specializes in critical rhetorical analysis of 'significant places' as defined by the National Park Service, examining how power structures shape spatial meaning and cultural memory. Her research integrates place/space theory with consumer culture studies and public humanities practice, emphasizing reflexive storytelling methodologies. She actively applies scholarly frameworks to heritage interpretation and historic preservation initiatives, focusing on decolonizing narratives in public history contexts.

Contact details:

• Office: Richardson Hall 311
• Phone: 315-229-5472
• Email: arife@stlawu.edu