Honors Program Administration and Staff

Director of the Honors Program

Diane Brewer

Dr. Diane Brewer, BA, PhD

(she/her/hers)

Theatre History and Criticism / John David Lutz Distinguished Professor of the Arts

Room 109A, Hyde Hall
812-488-2369
db57@photographywaltz.com

Dr. Diane Brewer, professor of theatre, teaches three Honors courses for theatre majors – Dramaturgy I and II and Survey of Theatre Histories. In describing the classes, she explains, In Dramaturgy I, we look at plays that fall within the Aristotelian tradition and those that intentionally deviate from those conventions. As we do so, we engage in intensive discussions and writing assignments that help students learn to identify and understand their personal reactions to plays. In Survey of Theatre Histories and Dramaturgy II, we throw ourselves into the gap between past and present, holding ourselves to rigorous standards of research, writing, and critical thinking."

"I want my students to feel challenged and inspired to continue exploring the connection between their own values and the theatre they create," Dr. Brewer notes. "I enjoy teaching UE Honors students because they keep me on my toes. They often ask questions I've never considered and come up with solutions I've never imagined. In that way, they reaffirm why I teach – to keep learning."

Dr. Brewer holds a BA in drama from Tufts University and a PhD in theatre from UCLA. Her areas of expertise include theatre history and dramatic criticism, and she also dramaturgs and directs productions for the UE theatre department. Her articles have been published in The Dramaturgy Protocol, The Dramaturgy Sourcebook (vol. 4), Theatre Topics, PAJ: Performing Arts Journal, and HowlRound at the Center for Theater Commons. She has received such honors as the Dean's Teaching Award, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Evansville and a Certificate of Merit for Dramaturgy from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Assistant Director of the Honors Program

Katie Haire

Mrs. Katie Haire

Assistant Director of the Honors Program

Room 239, Koch Center for Engineering and Science
812-488-5609
kh530@photographywaltz.com

Katie Haire joined the University of Evansville in November 2023 as an Admission Counselor, transitioning into the role of Assistant Director of the Honors Program in January 2025. Katie holds a BSEd in Youth Services from the University of Memphis and a MSEd in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University. Katie works alongside the Honors Program Faculty Advisory Committee to administratively support the needs of Honors students at UE. Katie also works with prospective students who are exploring the Honors Program and its benefits.