Honors Coach
Biography
Dr. Ryan McCormack joined University Honors in June 2022. He previously held teaching positions at Southwestern University (TX), the University of Tennessee, and Tusculum University. As an independent scholar, he has written peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from jazz in communist and post-communist Bulgaria, the metaphysical implications of statues making sounds, and the impact of COVID-19 on philosophies of listening. Ryan’s book, The Sculpted Ear: Aurality and Statuary in the West, was published in 2020 by Penn State University Press.
As an Honors Coach, Ryan assists scholars in formulating academic success plans and connecting to relevant on-campus resources. He specializes in helping students with research methods, essay writing, grant applications, and problem-solving for large interdisciplinary projects.
Ryan is a voracious reader, occasional saxophonist, and writes on his intermittent arts, philosophy, and sports blog Racodemia.
Clifton Strengths: Context, Ideation, Learner, Intellection, Strategic
Education
Ryan received a B.M. in Jazz Studies from West Virginia University (2002), an M.M. in Music Composition from Ohio University (2004), and an M.M. (2006) and Ph.D. (2011) in Ethnomusicology from the University of Texas at Austin.