Academic Programs Instructors
Current Instructors
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ROBERT BALDWIN
Robert Baldwin is Director of Orchestral Activities and professor of music at the University of Utah and Music Director of the Salt Lake Symphony. He holds a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the University of Arizona, and Masters and Bachelor's degrees in music from the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Colorado. His performances and ensembles have been featured on National Public Radio's "Performance Today" and "Weekend Edition", as well as in national publications. -
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AARON BEASLEY
Aaron Beasley is an associate instructor and independent scholar specializing in Literature and Critical Theory. He completed his PhD in English at the University of Utah in 2022, and he currently teaches for the Honors College and the Department of English. His dissertation examines modern literary form and the hermeneutics of mortality within several French texts between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. His ongoing research in everyday life studies pursues various intersections between theories of the sacred and the political, between philosophical and erotic imaginations, among writers as varied as Isidore Ducasse, Clarice Lispector, Georges Bataille, Colette (Laure) Peignot, Aime Cesaire, Maurice Blanchot, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Jean Genet and Simone Weil. His teaching aims to incite curiosity within, and beyond, the limits of the habitual or familiar. Taking a cue from Henri Lefebvre's claim that 'the familiar is not necessarily the known,' the goal of learning should include re-learning and reflecting upon what was presumably learned, so that our habitual life becomes habitable, as the ancient wisdom has held, habit is the human's second nature. -
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SCOTT BLACK
Scott Black joined the U's English Department in 2005. He teaches courses on contemporary global literature, the long history of the novel, and speculative fiction. Originally from the east coast, he now loves hiking in the west and running in the local canyons.
What Students are Saying:
"This was the BEST class. It had all the great things about school (joy of learning, exposure to fantastic material, meeting new people) without the stressful parts (tests, papers, etc.). Scott did an incredible job guiding us through this literature and I looked forward to this class with excitement and anticipation each week. Now I want to take every class Scott offers from here on out!"
- Allison S.
"This class was excellent. It was a serious academic experience with substantive reading and content. The professor was extremely knowledgeable and passed along a lot of useful context and background. I feel that my knowledge of the Japanese short story has expanded dramatically. Thank you!"
-Jorge C.
"I ADORED this class. Scott is a wonderful teacher and guides the class in such an engaging and organic way. All my life it always caused me so much anxiety to speak up in class and share thoughts, but Scott has created such a safe space that I always feel comfortable sharing my thoughts about the readings, no matter how harebrained or bizarre :) I wasn't familiar with the writing of Jorge Luis Borges prior and I'm forever grateful for this class for introducing me to such fantastic writing and ideas. Looking forward to taking any future classes Scott decides to teach through Lifelong Learning."
-Alison S. -
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SHAWN CARLYLE
Ph. D. 2003, Anthropology, University of Utah. Project: Geographical and Temporal Lineage Stability among the Anasazi
B.A. 2000, History, University of Utah
B.S. 1990, Anthropology, University of Utah
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LANI CLOUGH MOON
"Lani Moon was so genuine and very knowledgeable. She was patient with us and did all she could to help us learn how to navigate opening up discussions with people about racism."- Kendy F. -
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ELIZABETH DUDLEY-MURPHY
Dr. Dudley-Murphy earned her B.A. in anthropology, her M.S. in geography, and her Ph.D. in geography from the University of Utah. She is currently research faculty working for the Energy & Geoscience Institute within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Utah. -
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ERIC EREKSON
Eric Erekson's long road to making art started with his life and education in Salt Lake City, Utah. His skills as a painter were fine-tuned in the BFA and MFA programs at the University of Utah. He has shown in a number of galleries throughout the state, received honorable mentions, has been included in group and solo exhibitions, and has been published twice in International Artist magazines. His work has been exhibited locally at Coda Gallery, Evergreen Art and Frame, Magpies Nest, Pickett Fairbanks, Springville Art Museum, Pioneer Theater, Salt Lake Photo Collective, Gittins Gallery, Art Access Gallery, and Mountain Trails Gallery. Eric's interest is in how identity is formed, which he now explores in a body of work that bridges the gaps between technology and painting. He has a relentless work ethic, leading to a prolific portfolio. He paints consistently while also teaching at the University of Utah, participating in family life, and volunteering for projects such as the Beautify Salt Lake Mural project (intersection show) and leading Sketch Night at the Leonardo Art and Science Center.
What Students are Saying:
"I loved this class, it was exactly what I needed to start my art journey. Eric was very kind and always super helpful. I'm really proud of what I was able to create with his guidance and I'm excited to continue drawing!"-Rebecca L.
"[Eric] was engaging and took time to make sure everyone was understanding each technique. He made the class fun and relaxing."-Amber S.
"It was wonderful to start with the basics and work through to executing something special. Eric was very knowledgeable, and encouraging. He instructed in a relaxed, easy to understand way, at a pace I could (mostly) follow. He kindly helped each student individually break through learning road-blocks. I would encourage anyone interested in exploring art to sign up!" - Michelle B
"Professor Eric Erekson's Beginning Drawing Skills and Techniques class far exceeded my expectations. The evening class (6 evenings) covered a lot of drawing methods: from blind contour, semi blind contour, negative drawing, perspective, value, to still life, portraits, etc. Each class covered a lot of materials; Professor Erekson was very patient and professional. For example, in one still life class, he taught use how to draw FIVE objects together. He first demonstrated the composition, how to measure the proportions, then had the students draw the first steps, then he demonstrated the next steps, and meanwhile pointing out where the darkest and lightest value should be. During the class, he took time with each student to explain and show the specific steps. I felt a sense of 'accomplishment' after drawing Five objects for the first time on a 19 x 25 inch drawing paper provided by the class." - Sue Y -
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LINDSAY FREI
Lindsay holds a BFA from the University of Utah (2000) and has exhibited her work nationally. She was awarded the Undergraduate Research Grant and the Painting and Drawing Scholarship from the University of Utah (1999). Lindsay's work has been featured in Salt Lake Magazine, Southwest Art, and Poets and Artist. Lindsay currently resides in Salt Lake City.
"I learned so much in this class! I was afraid of 'color' but now feel that I can paint and draw with color confidently. Our instructor taught and explained the concepts so well and we were able to understand her, yet she also allowed us to express our own creation! I would love to take another class with her." Drawing with Color - Tamara P. -
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RICHARD INGEBRETSEN
Dr. Richard Ingebretsen is faculty member of the University of Utah School of Medicine and also teaches in the department of physics. Currently, he is a practicing emergency room physician. Dr. Ingebretsen has been involved with the instruction of Wilderness Medicine for several years. He has also been rafting rivers for about 20 Years. Dr. Ingebretsen believes that wilderness medicine is needed because so many people travel to the outdoors where there is no medical help around. Basic outdoor first aid skills are critical in that setting. -
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MITCHELL JENSEN
Mitch grew up in a family who used American Sign Language. His approach to teaching American Sign Language does not follow the traditional educational models of learning. He has been teaching American Sign Language since 1980, and brings a great deal of enthusiasm and life to his classes. Students really enjoy his sense of humor -- they never know what to expect in class! Mitch has been involved in the Deaf Community since his youth, having family members who were Deaf or involved in deafness. He currently works as Director of the Utah Interpreter Program, and is a freelance interpreter. He holds a Master's Degree in counseling. Taking one of his classes will be an experience you will always remember! -
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GIULIANA MARPLE
Giuliana Marple is a teaching faculty and Lecturer of Italian at the University of Utah. She directs and organizes study abroad programs in Italy and Europe. Giuliana received a Master in Foreign Language Teaching from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young Universtiy. She has worked for two Olympic Committees in Salt Lake City and Turin, Italy. Giuliana is the founder of several cultural organizations, including Frontier Education and the Italian Club of Salt Lake. She lectures on Italian Culture and Society all over Utah and in the North West. She collaborates with the SLC mayor's office and the Italian Consulate in SLC for Italian cultural exchanges. She is currently the director of the Verona Italian Language Learning Abroad program.
What Students are Saying:
"Giuliana is bright, dynamic, and makes this class FUN. She's the best--not only completely at ease with the language, but also, she knows how to teach. Excellent!" P.C., Bountiful
"Giuliana is such a bright, enjoyable person and being around her is so nice. She was so knowledgeable about the horses and made our experience with them very connected and fun. I left this experience with a deeper knowledge of myself and better tools for my relationships with others. I loved the meditation portions and all the interactions I was able to have with the horses. I will definitely be coming back to this experience and recommending it to people in my life!"-Kirsten D.
"I absolutely loved this class! Guilanna is a great instructor that is clearly passionate about her work and horses.
"I felt incredibly lucky to have stumbled upon this class and highly recommend it to anyone looking to clear their head or do something different."
-Becca C.
"Excellent! So well done. Prepared for us, the attendees, so much effort and sincere love. Excellent training and memories and positive life thoughts taken away from this class."
-Judy N.
"This is an amazing class and I liked it so much that I attended for a second time. Please continue to offer this great class!"
-Jill M. -
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MARK MATHESON
Mark Matheson, D.Phil., received his doctorate in English from Oxford in 1990. He has worked in the English Department and the Honors College at the University of Utah for the past eighteen years. He has taught Shakespeare's plays extensively and published scholarly articles in Shakespeare Quarterly and Shakespeare Survey.
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BOJKA MILICIC
Ph.D., University of Utah. Cultural anthropology, kinship, gender, ethnohistory, social networks; Mediterranean and India. -
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EMILY NELSON
Emily Nelson D.M.A.
Emily enjoys a lively career as a singer and educator. Her enjoyment of a wide variety of styles has led her down diverse musical paths, from opera to Brazilian pop, Appalachian ballads, jazz, and atonal art music. In 2009 she co-founded Utopia Early Music with tenor Christopher LeCluyse, bringing professional performances of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music to the Salt Lake music scene. She recently sang with the Ohio Light Opera as Elsie Maynard in "The Yeoman of the Guard", Adele in "Die Fledermaus", and as a braid-swinging Wagnerian soprano in Victor Herbert's "Dream City and the Magic Knight", which was released by Albany Records in 2015.
Emily holds degrees in voice, music history, and early music performance from Indiana University and the University of Utah.
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KENNETH NOPENS
Kenny has been fencing since 1995. He is a certified national coach and competes regionally and nationally.
"This is the perfect introductory course--a good mix of footwork, technique, and free time to practice. Just great." - satisfied student
"He explained things well, kept things moving, and had a great attitude. It was just what I was looking for." - S.A., Salt Lake City -
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MARTIN NOVAK
Martin Novak is a photographer and an interdisciplinary media artist. He received a BFA in Photography and Intermedia Sculpture from The University of Utah, a Master of Fine Arts in Photography and a Master of Arts
in Art Education from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Mr. Novak teaches arts and technology, photography, and art foundation courses in the Art and Art History Department at The University of Utah. His work was published in The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes, shown in Chicago's I Space gallery, Spaces gallery in Cleveland, and is in collection of the College of Business Illini Center in Chicago. -
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REBECCA OLSEN
MA University of Utah. Cultural anthropology, women cross-culturally. -
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BRIAN RIEDESEL
Brian Coats Riedesel is a licensed, Counseling Psychologist. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Counseling Psychology Department at the American School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University, Seattle Campus. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Utah. His primary professional interests are in Vocational and Health Psychology with a special emphasis on career development, stress, trauma, spirituality and culture. He was an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family & Preventive Medicine and Psychiatry, on the Medical Staff of the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, and Coordinator of Career Development Programs at the University of Utah Counseling Center. He is currently a Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, listed in their International Registry) and maintains a small, private consulting practice. He has been teaching, counseling and consulting for 35 years, including 5 years abroad in Asia and Europe with the United States Air Force. He received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal in 1991 for meritorious service while in the Republic of the Philippines.
His formal education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology/Social Science from Macalester College, a Master's in Student Development in Postsecondary Education from the University of Iowa (National Institute for Drug Abuse fellowship), and a Doctorate from the University of Utah. He is published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, Journal of College Counseling and the Journal of Counseling and Development. He has provided presentations, workshops and consulting at international and regional venues on topics such as meditation, trauma, and career development.
He was co-recipient of the 3rd Annual Pete Suazo Social Justice Award in 2004. This award is given by the University of Utah College of Social Work and was granted for his activities in “training, outreach and awareness buildingâ€. A part of the two-page citation for this reward is as follows… “Dr. Riedesel is a master teacher in formal classroom settings as well as in outreach and workshop settings for diverse groups on campus.â€
Brian has been practicing meditation on a daily basis for 38 years. He has been teaching meditation for 37 years and uses mindfulness and mantra meditative techniques in his personal and professional life. He also speaks fluent Minnesotan.
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BRUCE ROBERTSON
EDUCATION: M.F.A., Brigham Young University, 1991. M.F.A. program, California State University, Long Beach, 1984-1986. B.F.A., Brigham Young University, 1984. AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Painting, Figure Painting, Drawing, Figure Drawing, & Color Theory. -
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OLGA SERGEYEVNA SAVENKOVA
Olga holds Bachelor’s degrees in Economics from Moscow State University and in Cultural Studies from Nizhny Novgorod State Linguistic University. She has an MA in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies from the University of Utah, and is currently working towards her PhD in that department. She has been teaching advanced Russian and Introduction to the Study of Literature and Culture and has been a teaching assistant in a class on Classical Mythology at the University of Utah. She specializes in Plato, Modernism, and Queer Studies. In the classroom, she enjoys an open discussion format and free exchange of opinions. -
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TODD WOODBURY
Todd Woodbury is one of Utah's leading classical guitarists. For two decades, he has performed and toured throughout the Western United states. Mr. Woodbury has worked with guitarist/mandolinist Paul Binkley, guitarist/composer Gyan Riley, Jose Duarte Coste at the Lisbon Conservatory in Portugal, Oscar Ghiligia at the Aspen Music Festival, George Sakellariou at the San Francisco Conservatory, and Jose Luis Lopatigui in Cervera, Spain. He has performed with the Utah Symphony, the Colorado Springs Symphony and with the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. He has been on the touring arts programs in Utah, Idaho, Washington, South Dakota, and Arizona. He is head of the guitar department at Weber State University, and a faculty member at both the University of Utah and Westminster College. -
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