Experts
THE ROAD SCHOLAR FACULTY: LEADERS IN THEIR FIELDS
If we’re lucky, we can all remember at least one from our school days. The teacher who made learning a sport. The teacher who opened a new door on the world. The teacher who introduced us to a passionate interest we never saw coming. That’s how we choose the members of our Road Scholar faculty—for the depth of their knowledge about a destination or subject and for their ability to captivate us while communicating that knowledge.
They're scholars & historians
MEET BLY STRAUBE
Bly Straube is a renowned historical archeologist and scholar who was a member of the team of archaeologists who found the remains of James Fort, the site of America's 1607 birthplace. The co-founder of the James River Institute for Archeology, Straube also works at Historic Jamestowne and has recorded programs for the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, National Geographic and more. She earned a Ph.D. in Archaeology and Ancient History.
“Bly Straube was outstanding. Her presentation made the the museum come alive and the entire Jamestowne visits meaningful.”
36 Years as a professional archaeologist 86 Presentations given to Road Scholars
They lived the history
MEET DIANNE HARRIS
A local of Selma, Alabama, Dianne Harris became an activist in the Civil Rights Movement when she was 15 years old. She and her younger brother took part in several marches, including the march that would become known as "Bloody Sunday." She has received the Congressional Foot Soldier Medal and Certificate, as well as numerous other medals and awards for her ongoing fight for racial equality. She is an avid public speaker and is often interviewed by newspapers, magazines and other media outlets for her unending vigil for justice. She shares her story with participants on The Civil Rights Movement: Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham.
“This was a powerful and enlightening trip. Dianne (our local guide in Selma) had walked as a young girl in the crowd on Bloody Sunday. Her stories were fascinating.”
57 Years as a civil rights activist 60 Presentations to Road Scholars
He wrote the book
MEET DR. SPENCER JONES
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian and author. He is Senior Lecturer in Armed Forces and War Studies at the University of Wolverhampton and serves as the Regimental Historian for the Royal Regiment of Artillery. He is the author of several books including “From Boer War to World War: Tactical Reform of the British Army 1902-1914” and “At All Costs: The British Army on the Western Front 1916.”
“Dr. Jones can explain any subject and bring it to life. Not only is he inspiring others to learn about history but he's changing the way we look at it.”
5 Books written and edited 25 Presentations to Road Scholars See Dr. Jones' upcoming programs“This was the most authentic cultural experience I've ever had in my 20 years of world travel.”
— Alice, Seattle WA —
Featured faculty
Each and every one of our faculty experts has been carefully selected for the Road Scholar learning adventure they lead. A glance at their bios, and you will understand why.