Sarah Alice Shelton

Sarah Alice Shelton is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at The University of Texas at Arlington, part of the College of Liberal Arts. She teaches composition and literature and plays a pivotal role in curriculum development and faculty support through her work with the Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence (CRTLE). She coordinates the Social Media, Rhetoric and Writing Studies Minor, and Internship Program within her department, demonstrating strong leadership in academic innovation.

• PhD in English, The University of Texas at Arlington, 2018
• M.Ed. in Teaching, The University of Texas at Arlington, 2006
• BA in English, The University of Texas at Austin, 2003

Her research focuses on posthumanist pedagogy, experiential learning, AI in composition and literature, fat studies, disability theory, and feminist critical theory. She integrates multimodal composition, open educational resources, and high-impact practices into her teaching to enhance student engagement and career readiness. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges literary studies with pedagogical innovation and digital humanities.

The most recent publications and presentations reflect a consistent trajectory in posthumanist educational theory, critical analysis of AI narratives, and the materiality of writing and reading. Her work emphasizes joy, embodiment, and diffraction as central to transformative learning experiences. She frequently presents at major conferences such as MLA, NeMLA, and CCCC, contributing to national conversations on pedagogy and literary studies.

Scientific Awards:

• O’Neill Academic Excellence Award, UTA Department of English (2016)
• Philip Cohen and Elaina McMillan Graduate Fellowship Award, UTA Department of English (2015)
• Distinguished Educator Award, Mansfield ISD Education Foundation (2013)

Sarah Alice Shelton mentors numerous undergraduate students in internships, honors projects, and capstone research, fostering experiential learning and professional development. She has secured internal recognition and support for her innovative teaching practices and is actively involved in faculty development, grant-related pedagogical initiatives, and open pedagogy projects. She leads workshops and collaborates across disciplines to promote equity-focused and transparent teaching strategies.

She is involved in the UTA community through her role as a MAFE Facilitator and through initiatives that connect classroom learning with real-world applications via social media, digital authorship, and public humanities projects. Her blog and public scholarship reflect a commitment to accessible, reflective, and creative academic engagement.