PWSC welcomes Dr. Stanley Herman as the new Museum & Community Engagement Coordinator.
by Vicki Heisser |
Meet Dr. Stanley (Stan) Herman, the Museum & Community Engagement Coordinator at PWSC!
Stan grew up as a military brat and moved frequently every two years. As an adult,
he spent much of his time abroad for work, study, or research. Until recently, he
taught at the University of Maryland College Park, but Alaska has always fascinated
him. When Covid disrupted his routine, he pursued his dream of living here. He couldn't
miss the opportunity, a 'now or never' moment.
With a doctorate and master's degree in Cultural Anthropology and Cultural Resource
Management, Stan has extensive teaching experience in anthropology. He has taught
in various countries at different levels and ages, including institutions like UC
Berkeley, the Catholic University of America, UMD, and the National Defense Academy
of Japan. He finds that anthropology intrigues students as it offers a comprehensive
approach to studying the human experience: from studying the fossil remains of early
hominids, to the archaeology of ancient Mesoamerica, to linguistic analysis of emojis
used in social media, to sociocultural analyses of the drug cultures in 1980s Harlem.
Stan's hobbies and interests reflect his career choice. He loves to travel to learn about new cultures and languages and holds two instructor ratings in traditional Japanese arts. Nowadays, he enjoys quieter pursuits like reading, walking his dog, or enjoying a glass of wine.
Stan will teach courses next spring and wants to spark informed discussions by asking
thought-provoking questions and integrating Indigenous knowledge into his teachings.
He plans to invite guest speakers and incorporate Indigenous perspectives into presentations
and discussions at the Whitney Museum. His ultimate goal is strengthening partnerships
with Indigenous and local communities in the Valdez area.
Welcome to PWSC and Valdez, Stan!