Heather Holleman

Dr. Heather Holleman is an Associate Teaching Professor of English at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the College of the Liberal Arts and the Schreyer Honors College. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she specializes in pedagogy, composition studies, and 19th-century literature. Her research focuses on reducing classroom shame, enhancing writing instruction, and fostering community in educational settings.

Education: PhD and MA in English from the University of Michigan; BA in English (Highest Distinction) from the University of Virginia. Her doctoral work examined shame and narcissism in 19th-century poetry.

Notable awards include Christianity Today's 2024 Book of the Year for her young adult novel The Disappearing Seat and multiple teaching accolades such as the Rackham Most Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award. She also maintains an active blog (heatherholleman.com) exploring faith, writing, and personal growth.

Teaching responsibilities include curriculum development for advanced writing students and mentorship in the Schreyer Honors College. Her personal projects include gardening, podcasting, and fostering meaningful conversations through her writings.