Liberal Arts & Applied Studies
(LAAS)
Who We Are
Liberal Arts and Applied Studies is an academic department whose research focus serves and informs the teaching of adult learners. We provide education to adult learners, undertake scholarship on teaching and learning related to professional development and lifelong learning, and conduct outreach on issues of societal importance.
Our Faculty
Emily Auerbach (PhD, University of Washington)
Professor of English; director, Odyssey Project Research areas: Jane Austen, the public humanities | emily.auerbach@wisc.edu
Nidia Bañuelos (PhD, University of Chicago)
Research Associate, Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education
Research areas: history of for-profit higher education, college education for police officers | nbanuelos@wisc.edu
Sage Goellner (PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison)
Associate professor of French and continuing education; chair, Liberal Arts and Applied Studies
Research areas: Francophone literature, travel writing, adult language learning, online learning | sage.goellner@wisc.edu
Matthew T. Hora (PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison)
Assistant professor, adult and higher education; research scientist, WI Center for Education Research
Research areas: active learning, skills gaps, curriculum reform, internships | matthew.hora@wisc.edu
Baron Kelly (PhD, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Professor, Theatre and Drama
Research areas: acting, African American actors | baronkelly@wisc.edu
Kevin Mullen (PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison)
Assistant professor of continuing studies; co-director, Odyssey Project
Research areas: public humanities, multi-generational learning, literacy studies | kevin.mullen@wisc.edu
Selected Research, Teaching, and Programs
Beyond the Skills Gap: Preparing College Students for Life and Work
Teaching 21st-Century Skills in College Courses Certificate
“Educational Travel in Morocco Reveals a Peaceful Islam”
“Finding Fulfillment Through Language Learning”
“New $3 Million Endowment Will Enable UW Odyssey Project to Continue to Combat Iniquities”