The chirps of birds, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the laughs and snippets of conversation from students seated in Adirondack chairs on the lawn outside Pennsylvania Hall greeted Sociology Prof. Alecea Standlee as she stepped onto Gettysburg College’s campus more than six years ago. This movie-like setting, she said, captivated her during her on-campus interview for a faculty position in Gettysburg’s Sociology Department, drawing her into the life of the Gettysburg community.
Today, surrounded by beauty and history in Gettysburg, Standlee appreciates the consequential work that occurs here daily. As a first-generation college student born and raised in a low-income rural community in southern Idaho, she’s proof of the impact that access to higher education can make in one’s life.
With the support of her mother, Donna, Standlee enrolled at the University of Idaho. There, she obtained an undergraduate degree in communication and cultivated her research interests related to race and gender inequalities, encouraged by Communication Prof. Emerita Martha Einerson. Upon graduating, Standlee worked for Dell for several years but longed for the opportunity to continue her education. In 2004, she left her job to attend the University of Cincinnati, where she worked toward her master’s degree in women, gender, and sexuality studies while simultaneously serving as a teaching assistant. It was then that she discovered her passion for teaching.
“I loved everything about teaching,” she said. “I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.”
Encouraged and supported by her spouse and lifelong partner, Jason, Standlee pursued her doctorate in sociology, graduating from Syracuse University in 2012. Focusing her research on the impact of social and other digital forms of media, she brought to Gettysburg College extensive knowledge of how these technologies reinforce and resist older structural inequalities, such as gender inequality, racial inequality, and stereotypes around religion and sexuality.
“Sociology allows me to engage with and understand people and look at the technologies I study from the perspective of everyday people who use them,” said Standlee, who received tenure last fall, acknowledging her appreciation for this aspect of her work.
She especially values the opportunities to continue conducting this research with her students in ways that allow her to hear their voices and welcome their perspectives. They give purpose to her work.
“The opportunity for students here at Gettysburg to engage in real intellectual exploration is unique in my experience for undergraduates. I love that element of the institution, and I love that element about teaching at Gettysburg.”
Throughout her path to pedagogy, she credits several professors and colleagues for her growth as a teacher and scholar, from her Syracuse dissertation advisor, Sociology Prof. Emerita Jackie Orr, to her current colleagues who are passionate about their work and care deeply about their students. In addition to teaching, Standlee has served on the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Task Force, worked with the Office of Multicultural Engagement, collaborated with first-generation students and students of color, and conducted interdisciplinary research with faculty colleagues from various academic programs, such as the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
“All of it has allowed me to be not only a sociologist but also a global citizen of the College,” she said. “Having those opportunities allows me to not only be the teacher I want to be but also be a part of the College community and contribute to the things that I’m passionate about, like diversity and inclusion.”
When she’s not teaching and conducting research with her students, Standlee and her husband enjoy exploring the town of Gettysburg and its surroundings. Her quintessential Gettysburg experience is taking evening drives through Gettysburg National Military Park to watch the sunset over the battlefield. She supports the work of a Gettysburg cat rescue organization, Forever Love Rescue at the Kitty Corner, Gettysburg Community Theatre, and the Adams County Library. Inheriting the love for reading from her mother, Standlee relishes time with a good book—she’s an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy novels.
Reflecting on how many students’ lives she has touched throughout her career, Standlee appreciates the little and big moments that bring them joy. These moments are made possible by access to education, the nurturing of curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
“I love the way that students ask questions and push me to think in different ways. I love their energy, excitement, and even their frustrations, but especially the moment they overcome the challenges they thought they couldn’t conquer,” she said. “I had and continue to have extraordinarily gifted students who are passionate about education and exploring the world in exciting ways. They’re what make it all worth it.”
by Michael Vyskocil
Posted: 02/21/24