Brooke Rollins

Brooke Rollins is an Associate Professor in the English Department at Lehigh University, where she serves as the Director of the First-Year Writing Program. Her academic work bridges rhetoric, composition studies, and critical theory, with a particular focus on ethical dimensions of persuasion and communication.

Rollins earned her PhD from the University of South Carolina in 2007, establishing a foundation for her scholarly work that combines historical rhetorical traditions with contemporary theoretical frameworks. Her educational background has shaped her approach to understanding how rhetoric functions as both a practical art and an ethical practice.

Professor Rollins' research primarily centers on rhetoric and composition, critical and cultural studies, with additional interests in rhetorical theory, history of rhetoric, writing pedagogy, and teacher development. Her work demonstrates how rhetorical traditions intersect with contemporary issues of ethics, power, and communication. She has developed a distinctive approach that brings deconstructive philosophy, particularly the work of Jacques Derrida, into dialogue with classical rhetorical texts to reveal ethical dimensions that have been historically overlooked. Her current book project on wagering metaphors shows how gambling concepts have become central to contemporary decision-making processes.

Rollins' publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory exploring the ethical dimensions of rhetoric across various contexts. Her work moves from examining classical texts through a deconstructive lens to analyzing contemporary cultural phenomena like gambling metaphors in decision-making. This progression shows her ability to connect historical rhetorical traditions with pressing contemporary issues, revealing how rhetorical practices shape our understanding of ethics, presence, and decision-making in modern society.

Professor Rollins is actively involved in developing innovative approaches to writing instruction. As Director of the First-Year Writing Program, she oversees curriculum development and pedagogical training for instructors. Her commitment to teaching is evident in her diverse course offerings that range from foundational writing courses to advanced seminars on rhetoric, justice, and composition theory.

Rollins maintains an active presence in her field through conference presentations at venues like the Rhetoric Society of America Biennial Conference and various university seminars. She has also engaged with public humanities through initiatives like the 'Thinking With... A Rhetorical Theory Podcast' where she discusses her research with broader audiences.