Sarah Wolter ’02Alumni and Faculty

My connection to Gustavus started when I attended yearbook camp the summer after 7th grade. Although my photography skills left something to be desired, I left campus that summer knowing that I wanted to attend college at a place that was as amazing as Gustavus. Although I’d like to say my draw was because of the educational opportunities, at that time, I thought the people, the food, and the campus were pretty great. My interest continued, and I returned to Gustavus to pursue a B.A. degree in Honors Communication Studies. After graduation, I only stayed away a few years until coming back as a Visiting Instructor from 2005-2009. I left again to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota and returned again as a Visiting Assistant Professor in 2012. I now serve as an Assistant Professor in the department.

I teach a variety of courses in Communication Studies at Gustavus, though mostly courses in Critical Media Studies. Pedagogically, I approach media courses from a critical cultural perspective, where mediated communication is socially influential, economically powerful, and politically significant. My goal as an educator is to inspire students to be thoughtful, inquisitive, compassionate, and critically-reflexive citizens. My research spans sports discourse and critical pedagogy, and I have published work in places like Communication & Sport, The International Journal of Sport Communication, The Journal of Community Engagement in Higher Education, and The International Journal of Learning.

I harbor tremendous pride for my hometown of Red Wing, MN, home of the Wingers, world-famous Red Wing Pottery, and Red Wing Shoes. I currently reside in Northfield, MN with my partner (Blake Kane ’02) and our two children. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, boating, and spending time with family and friends.

Courses Taught