As universities rethink their approach to student and faculty mental health, Mad Scholars showcases academics who proudly embrace the label of the “mad scholar.? In twenty-three essays from contributors working in nearly a dozen disciplines across three continents, the volume explores the infinite richness of neurodivergent scholars’ lived experiences, centering their stories in opposition to hegemonic sanism and ableism in the academy. These essays, valuable to any “mad scholar? at any point in their career, highlight the challenges of simply existing within the traditional university model as well as showcase celebrations of community building, self-identification, and connection with students.
A corrective for neurodivergent scholars too accustomed to having their experiences and stories told for them, this collection examines how a more open-minded administrative approach to academics who identify at the intersection of various marginalized identities would be a boon both to students and faculty. The essays provide an opportunity to envision a more hopeful, inclusive, and optimistic view of university culture and pedagogy, while offering concrete steps and strategies that radically reimagine the current landscape. Mad Scholars boldly dreams of a better future for anyone who claims the label, seeking to find fellowship, accommodation, and acceptance both within and outside of academia.

MELANIE JONES is a freelance author and editor. She worked as editor of WHERE magazine for three years, and was a freelance dance writer for several years before that. She performed as a contemporary dancer for seven years and an actor for five. She holds a Masters degree in Dance from York University in Toronto and a Bachelor's degree in Dance from the University of Calgary.

Melanie Jones' profile page

Shayda Kafai's profile page

Sav Schlauderaff's profile page

Shawna Guenther's profile page

Rebecca Eli Long's profile page

Jess L. Wilcox Cowing's profile page

Sydney F. Lewis' profile page

Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarsinha's profile page

Caché Owens' profile page

Sarah Cavar's profile page

Rua Williams' profile page

Kelan Koning's profile page

Liz Miller's profile page

Samuel Z. Shelton's profile page

Pau Abustan's profile page

A.-.M. McManaman's profile page

Jesse Rice-Evans' profile page

Andréa Stella's profile page

Sarah Smith's profile page

Grace Wedlake's profile page

Sarah Arvey Tov's profile page

Kimberly Fernandes' profile page

Diane R. Wiener's profile page

Holly Pearson's profile page

Mad Scholars critiques academic culture’s entrenched ableism and sanism and shows how difficult—still—it is to be recognized as having a positive, credible, valuable Mad subjectivity. The diverse voices in this book give us pathways for leading with care, both for ourselves and others. They reimagine academia. They tell us that our institutions can do better. This is a collection we need.

Elizabeth Brewer, Central Connecticut State University