Associate Professor and Department Chair of English David Wehner, Ph.D., has built a remarkable career that blends academic rigor with creative expression. A 1985 graduate of Williams College, Wehner is not only an esteemed scholar but also a key figure in the world of American comedy. His connection to the arts began when he co-founded Combo Za, an improvisational comedy troupe that, to this day, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously running improv group in the United States. This year, Combo Za celebrated its 40th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy and to Wehner’s accomplishments.
Wehner’s academic work spans a broad array of topics within American literature and cultural studies. His research focuses particularly on 19th and 20th-century American literature, with an emphasis on writers like Flannery O’Connor, Toni Morrison and Kate Chopin. Wehner’s scholarship also explores the history and politics of secularization and its relationship to literature, deep-diving into how religion and modernity intersect in literary works.
Perhaps one of his most fascinating areas of study is the history, theory and literature surrounding American stand-up comedy. Drawing from his own experience with Combo Za, Wehner examines the roots and evolution of comedy in American culture. He has published works on the poetics of comedy. His most recently published paper, “‘To Hell With It’: Flannery O’Connor, The Exorcist, and the Literal/Figurative Tension in Modernity,” explores the intersection of faith, horror, and humor in modern literature and film, showcasing his unique ability to blend academic analysis with cultural critique.
Whether on stage with Combo Za or in the lecture hall, Wehner’s work bridges the worlds of scholarship and creativity, making him a distinguished figure in both academia and the world of American comedy.