Rebecca Rowe

Dr. Rebecca Rowe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Literature and Languages at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Connecticut, an M.A. in English with a Children's Literature specialization from Kansas State University, and a B.A. in English Literature and History from Hollins University. Her research focuses on children’s media, adaptation studies, and Disney cultural impact. She co-founded the International Journal of Disney Studies, the first peer-reviewed journal dedicated to Disney studies, alongside Dr. Robyn Muir.

Dr. Rowe’s teaching emphasizes children’s literature, film analysis, and English education. She has developed innovative digital projects like the Our Teaching Materials Archive and Harry Potter and the Analysis of Fan Fiction. Her work bridges academic research and public engagement, including interviews with global media outlets and contributions to Disney, Culture and Society Research Network articles.

Her research explores themes such as adulthood/childhood intersections, race representation in animated media, and fan communities. Notable projects include analyzing Disney’s legacy films and examining racial diversity in The Magic School Bus adaptations. She also investigates how adaptations (professional and fan-made) shape character identities through cultural and audience lenses.

Dr. Rowe’s academic contributions span peer-reviewed journals (Jeunesse, Journal of Popular Culture, Adaptation), book chapters, and editorial roles. Her work often addresses societal tensions around adult engagement with children’s media, advocating for nuanced understandings of cultural consumption patterns.