My name is Rwany Sibaja (Ph.D. George Mason University). I’m an Associate Professor of History and Director of the History Education program. My research focuses on the cultural history of Latin America, primarily in the areas of sports and leisure. I’m working on a book that looks at the formation – and reimagining – of national and class identities in Argentine soccer.
Before coming to Boone, I began my career teaching 9-12 Spanish and History in NC (and coaching soccer), served as the K-12 Social Studies Program Manager at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and later completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I earned an undergraduate degree in History from Elon University as an NC Teaching Fellow, and an M.A. in History from UNC-Greensboro.
As a Costa Rican-American, the World Cup and passion for fútbol runs deep in our family and have been a part of my life since childhood. Beyond the US and Costa Rican national teams, I also cheer on Argentina after many years of conducting research in Buenos Aires. At the club level, I support Atlanta United in Major League Soccer, our local team, Appalachian FC, and L.D. Alajuelense in the Costa Rican first division.
My passions vary, but they usually involve a good cup of coffee, travel, and, of course, fútbol. I live in Deep Gap with my wife, who is an ESL teacher in Ashe County Schools, and a dog named Django. We are very proud of our daughter and son, who are away from home and enjoying life as college students.
Learn more at: rwanysibaja.com
email: sibajaro@appstate.edu
zoom: appstate.zoom.us/j/4651190141
phone: 828.262.8476
office: Anne Belk Hall 249M
