Faculty & Staff Directory
I am an Admissions Counselor at Anderson University. I love helping undergraduate students find their home for the next four years and realize what they are passionate about in life. I also work with our graduate School of Theology students. Helping people prepare for ministry is something I am very passionate about.
Fun Fact: I have five animals including a bearded dragon named Vendetta.
Hometown: Greenwood, IN
Education: BA in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations, 2018 | BA in Spanish, 2018. Both from Asbury University.
Indiana Counties: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, Newton, Jasper, Starke, Marshall, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Pulaski, Fulton, and Whitley counties.
States: Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin
I am an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions here in the office. Beyond having my own territory of students, I am the liaison between our office and marketing, helping to create and develop content that goes out to our prospective students. I also oversee our multicultural recruitment efforts. It’s a job that never ends but I’m passionate about all students gaining access to quality education!
Fun Fact: I am first-generation Ghanaian-American! Both my parents were born, raised, and married in Ghana. Most of my extended family still lives there!
Hometown: Joplin, Missouri
Education: BS in Communication with an emphasis in Ethical Leadership, 2014 | MA in Communication, 2016. Both from Missouri State University
Indiana Counties: Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, and Boone
Embracing a wide spectrum of musical styles, Dr. Ahn writes music inspired by the natural world.
Born in Seoul, Korea, Caroline KyungA Ahn holds degrees from Yonsei University, Eastman School of Music and Indiana University. Her compositions include orchestral, chamber, and theatrical works that have been widely performed in South Korea, the United States, Europe, and South America. Dr. Ahn currently works as an Assistant Professor and Artist in Residence at Anderson University. She also serves as a chair for Opus Composition Festival and a chair of Commissioned Composer program at IMTA and also serves as a president of the non-profit community serving group Sound of Hope.
Winner of 2018 Christine Clark/ Theodore Front Prize of IAWM (International Alliance for Women in Music), her achievements include being chosen ISCM New Music Days, the Excellence in Composition prize at the IBCF (International Brass Chamber Music Festival, KY) and a finalist for the Respighi Composition Competitions of 2014 season. Caroline was also selected as one of the finalists of Sioux Symphony Orchestra as ‘Composer of the Year’ in 2014. Caroline won the Donghak Civil War theme song competition in Korea in the same year. Commissions include by Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Kaeum String Orchestra, ‘The 3Beats’ trio, Carmel City (IN) to write the opening and finale music of Carmel Festival (IN) in July 2012, New York Classical Players, Inspirare Trio, IKTUS Percussion Quartet, ISO Player group, IMTA Commissioned Composer of the year of 2015, Indiana State Contemporary Music Festival, Cramped Spaces, Mirus Trio and many more.
Learn more about her commissions and awards on her professional website.
Contact Dr. Ahn:
kaahn@anderson.edu
D.M., Indiana University
M.M. and M.A., Eastman School of Music
B.M. Yonsei University
Artist in Residence and Assistant Professor of Music
I came to Indiana after finishing my bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Jordan. I completed my MBA at Anderson University and was honored to find work with Church of God Ministries, where I currently serve as a staff accountant. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Anderson University as a recruiter for international graduate students.
I have a strong belief in higher education and personal experience in the challenges of communicating with and applying to an international university. This is why I began assisting with recruitment of international students three years ago.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, Jwana, and my miniature German shepherd, Tyson. I also enjoy swimming, watching series, and reading.
I look forward to helping you along your journey! Learn more about our MBA program.
Contact Jamil:
(765) 641-4074
au.adultgrad@anderson.edu
Learn more about our MBA programs:
Tammy is the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement. She previously worked as assistant to the Associate Director of Gift Records, where she was responsible for processing and recording all gifts made to the university. Before joining the AU team, she worked 18 years as an Administrative Assistant within the student loan industry.
Tammy Badger has been working at AU since 2008.
Executive Assistant
tebadger@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4040
Michael Bailey teaches in the department of biology at Anderson University. He joined the AU faculty in August 2000.
He previously taught at Bartlesville Wesleyan College, New Castle High School, and part-time at AU. His academic preparation includes a BS in biology and chemistry from Sterling College, two years at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, an MA in biology from Ball State University, and additional graduate coursework at Liberty University.
Michael’s primary teaching assignments are classes in human anatomy and physiology, bioethics, and cell biology. He is the advisor for and an instructor in the TeachScience program, a unique complementary teaching major for students seeking preparation for middle school and high school science teaching careers. Michael also serves as an advisor for students preparing for professional health science careers.
Michael’s research interests are diverse. He received a faculty development grant to understand the genetics of non-syndromic craniosynostosis and has had students do various projects investigating oral microbes, ocular physics, and taste receptors. He has also directed research projects studying topics in bioethics.
Michael is married to his wonderful wife, Brenda, who currently serves as Associate Director of Alumni Engagement at AU. They are the parents of five awesome children, Kayla, Grant, David, Parker, and Ian. Michael and Brenda enjoy quiet evenings by the firepit in their backyard, traveling, and gardening together. They love hosting students and alums in their home.
Contact Mr. Bailey:
mjbailey@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Biology
A.B.D., Ball State University
In June of 2017, Brent Baker returned to his alma mater, Anderson University, as Development Officer for major gifts. Brent previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Life at AU from 2001-2016. Brent received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from AU, a Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Ball State University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership: Higher Education from Indiana State University. Brent’s career in higher education has spanned over 30 years and in addition to Anderson University he has worked previously at Taylor University, Colorado Christian University, and Georgetown College.
Brent has a long family history and tradition at Anderson University. His mother and father (Sandy and HL) met at AU as students and HL spent his whole professional career working at Anderson. Brent graduated in 1985 and he and his wife Allyson’s three sons have or are currently attending AU. Brent has a love for the University and its impact on students’ lives through many generations. His primary role is to connect donors who share a passion for AU with meaningful giving opportunities.
Originally from Wabash, Ind., Brittany currently resides in Indianapolis, where she is a dance instructor and choreographer. Brittan graduated summa cum laude from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., with a Bachelor's degree in Dance Performance. She is also a graduate of Florida State University's School of Dance with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Choreography and Performance. Upon graduation from FSU, Brittany lived in Rochester, N.Y., where she was a member of the contemporary dance company, BIODANCE, under the direction of Missy Pfolh Smith.
Also a project-based choreographer, Brittany's work has been selected for presentation at The Breaking Glass Project in New York City, ChEck Us Out Dance Festival in Central Park, DUMBO Dance Festival in Brooklyn, N.Y., and The Citigroup Theater at The Ailey Studios. Beyond her courses at AU, Brittany is also on faculty at Indy Dance Academy where she teaches ballet, jazz, and tap to students of all ages.
She has been a part of the Anderson University dance faculty since 2014.
M.F.A., Florida State University
Dr. Baker is interested in computational applications of solid mechanics and numerical methods, including applications in pharmaceutical processing and explosives.
Her Ph.D. work at Purdue University is in computational methods for analyzing particulate and granular systems at high confinement. She has developed a time integrator using a recent reformulation of angular orientation, and used it to analyze diametrical compression of compressed granular tablets, as well as impact tests on plastic-bonded explosive formulations. She has also contributed to the nanoHUB network of simulation tools for researchers and educators, mentoring students and contributing to the codebase.
She is married to her husband Christopher, a program analyst for the Indianapolis VA. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, playing the piano, dabbling in language learning, and being annihilated by her husband at board games.
Dr. Baker has served at Anderson University since January 2019 and is a member of the American Chemical Society.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
BS, Chemistry, Pensacola Christian College
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Pensacola Christian College
MS, Mechanical Engineering, North Caroline State University
PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University
Michael Baker is the creative manager for the Anderson University Office of Communication and Marketing. He has worked in multiple design capacities since joining the university in 2011. As creative manager, Mike leads a team that oversees the institution's brand and the development of strategic and engaging visual content. Both of his degrees were obtained at AU, with a BA in graphic design in 2008 and an MBA in 2015.
He has been called "a print and web graphic guru extraordinaire" and referred to as "the horse whisperer of Macs." Michael has worked in marketing at several businesses, most recently at Church of God Ministries. He and his wife, Andrea, have a young daughter and two sons and attend Madison Park Church of God in Anderson.
Favorite book: Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton
“Failure is built into creativity… the creative act involves this element of ‘newness’ and ‘experimentalism,’ then one must expect and accept the possibility of failure.” — Saul Bass
"Simplicity is not the goal. It is the by-product of a good idea and modest expectations." ― Paul Rand, Graphic Designer
David Baird, professor of communication, is the academic advisor for journalism students as well as faculty advisor for the student newspaper, the Andersonian. Special interests include political communication and media history, and one of the highlights of his professional career was interviewing Pem Farnsworth, who was working in the lab alongside husband Philo Farnsworth when he invented electronic television in 1927. Baird was associate producer for the Department’s A Ripple of Hope documentary, and his articles have appeared in Columbia Journalism Review, Quill, American Journalism, and other publications.
Baird joined the Department of Communication Arts in 1990.
Contact Dr. Baird:
dabaird@anderson.edu
Professor of Communication
B.A., Anderson University
M.A., Wheaton College Graduate School
Ph.D., Purdue University
Inge grew up in Brazil, South America, speaking Portuguese at school and German at home. At age 20 she began her college studies in the United States, graduating from Anderson University in 1985 with majors in Spanish and German. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Spanish from Ball State University. She has taught German and Spanish at Anderson for more than 25 years. Inge is married to David Baird, who teaches in the Department of Communication Arts at AU, and the couple has two adult children. In her free time, Inge enjoys walking, gardening, cooking, traveling and serving in a ministry to migrant children.
Professor Baird has served at Anderson University since 1987.
Contact Professor Baird:
irbaird@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4415
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Assistant Professor of German
B.A., Anderson University
M.A., Ball State University
Personal Web Page
McKenzie is a native Indianan who loves the hospitality and downright friendliness of the Midwest. She received her bachelors in dance from Point Park University and her MFA in dance from Florida State University. She blends a combination of technical acuity with proprioceptive and bio-mechanical training to help students achieve their personal best. As a project-based choreographer McKenzie has set works in cities across the US including: NYC, Seattle (Velocity), Chicago (NorthSide) and here at home (Motus Dance Theatre and MamLuft & Co).
McKenzie is also a Pilates Certifying Instructor focusing on helping artists use the Pilates method to cross-train and support their arts.
M.F.A., Florida State University
Dr. Rebekah Baker is an Associate Professor in the Anderson University Department of Teacher Education. Currently, she teaches the elementary methods courses in mathematics and science and the multicultural education course for all elementary and secondary teacher candidates. Previously, Rebekah taught the introductory education, character education, and organization and management of the elementary classroom courses. She has led two Tri-S trips to Kodiak, Alaska.
Rebekah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Anderson University in 1987, and her Master of Science in School Administration and Supervision in 1997 from Butler University (Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals — E.P.P.S.P Group XV). Rebekah has completed her doctorate in elementary education (Ph.D.) at Ball State. Her areas of research interest include culturally relevant pedagogy, intercultural competence, and issues of equity for culturally and linguistically diverse learners.
Rebekah has 18 years of public education experience. After graduating from AU, she began teaching with Fort Wayne Community Schools (Fort Wayne, IN). She served as a classroom teacher and principal with Anderson Community Schools before joining the faculty of Anderson University. As principal, Rebekah had the opportunity to work in a wide range of schools and open two new elementary facilities. She also worked for the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy as a team facilitator.
Rebekah enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid storyteller, specializing in African folktales. Rebekah has traveled internationally and within the United States. She finds time to participate in various community activities and civic organizations. Rebekah served on the Anderson University Alumni Council during the years of 1996-2001.
Rebekah Baker has been at Anderson University since 2006.
Contact Rebekah:
Phone: (765) 641-4405
ribaker@anderson.edu
Associate Professor of Education
B.A., Anderson University
M.S., Butler University
Ph.D., Ball State University
Lolly Bargerstock, Ph.D., MSW, professor of social work and social work program director, received her master of social work degree from Indiana University. She completed the Ph.D. at Western Michigan University with a research focus on professional and religious identity integration among undergraduate social work students. She has practiced social work in the fields of mental health, aging, hospice, and home health care. Before she began her full-time teaching tenure, she provided mental health services for AU students and taught as adjunct faculty. Dr. Bargerstock primarily teaches macro-level social work classes helping students understand the positive impact they can have on communities and organizations.
She has been an active member of Park Place Church of God for almost thirty years and has served in various leadership roles for the Park Place Community Center. For more than fifteen years, she has served as a consultant to the Indiana Church of God Ministries in instances of alleged pastoral misconduct.
Dr. Bargerstock has been at Anderson University as full-time faculty since 2004.
lkbargerstock@anderson.edu
B.A., Anderson College;
M.S.W., Indiana University-Purdue University
Ph.D., Western Michigan University
Hello, my name is Crisharo Begay and I am the Resident Director of Smith Hall. I graduated from Howard Payne University in the spring of 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Youth Ministry. I served as a Resident Assistant in two different male residence halls at Howard Payne. During that time, I discovered my call to college ministry and I’m excited to follow that calling by serving as a Resident Director.
I’m currently engaged and will be getting married at the end of this year (2018). In my free time, I enjoy watching movies/TV shows, listening to music (except for country), making music, playing video games, reading, rock climbing, hammocking, playing board games, and traveling.
I am excited for the opportunity I have here at Anderson University, and I can’t wait to see how the school year unfolds.
Contact Crisharo:
crbegay@anderson.edu
B.A., Howard Payne University
I am the Associate Director of Visit Engagement. I enjoy meeting new students and families to engage with them in the college search process. I also serve as the Program Director for our dual credit program and teach a first year seminar class to freshmen.
Fun Fact: I am a lake girl and love to be on the water as much as possible with my family. I also own a Cricut and love finding new ways to be crafty with it. My latest craze is making earrings!
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education and half way through the MBA program at Anderson University
Having always had a passion for learning and teaching, Dr. Blunt’s area of expertise is student learning and memory. Her research focuses on answering questions such as: How do students learn? What study strategies promote lasting, meaningful learning? How can evidence-based strategies, like retrieval practice, be incorporated into classroom activities? Dr. Blunt received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Purdue University.
Dr. Blunt’s research has received funding from the National Science Foundation. Her work is published in several top academic journals including Science and has appeared in the New York Times.
Using her research to inform her teaching, Dr. Blunt’s goal is to engage and challenge her students. She enjoys introducing topics with interesting stories and providing evidence with tangible demonstrations and mini-experiments done in the classroom. Dr. Blunt is particularly passionate about teaching Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, and Memory. Dr. Blunt is especially interested in helping students apply psychological principles to everyday life, from understanding the pull of advertisements and wise decision making to creating robust interpersonal relationships.
Dr. Blunt is married to Dr. Andrew Pannabecker. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, mountain biking and spending sunny afternoons in her hammock. Dr. Blunt is an active member of Trinity church in Indianapolis.
jrblunt@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Psychology
B.A. in Psychology, Purdue University
M.S., Ph.D in Cognitive Psychology, Purdue University
Dr. Scott Borders is chair of the English department and its senior member, having joined the faculty in 1985. With a BA in English from Anderson, he attended Purdue University for both his master’s and doctoral degrees. His doctoral dissertation was on family structures in the fiction of nineteenth-century writer Thomas Hardy.
With primary training in British literature of the past two centuries, Dr. Borders teaches a variety of literature courses in the major, including Introduction to Literature, The British Novel, and surveys of eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth century British literature. Additionally, he teaches special topics courses in the fiction of Thomas Hardy as well as contemporary Southern American literature, along with a course in professional writing and editing.
In addition to chairing the department, Dr. Borders has served on many university committees, most recently on the Academic Policies and Faculty Affairs committees. For 25 years he was advisor to the department’s national honor society, Sigma Tau Delta.
Active in professional organizations, Dr. Borders has longstanding memberships in the Indiana College English Association (ICEA) as well as its national counterpart, the College English Association (CEA). Within that organization he has filled many leadership roles, including a term as president; he currently serves as treasurer. He has been recognized with CEA’s Life Membership award and as ICEA’s Scholar/Teacher of the Year.
A native of Alabama, Borders resides in Anderson. He enjoys maintaining a 90 year old home and yard on Anderson’s northwest side, reading (especially fiction), and caring for two lively corgi dogs. He has one son, also a graduate of Anderson University.
Dr. Joani Somppi Brandon serves as a professor of music, teaching music education general/choral methods and Women’s Chorus. Joani is the former director of the Anderson Area Children’s Choir Chorale (1999-2011). The nine years prior, Joani taught music at Clay Middle School in Carmel, Indiana. She previously served as a middle school choral director for three years in Wilmington, Ohio where she received the Sallie Mae First Year Teacher of the Year award and was in top ten first-year teachers in the state of Ohio.
Joani completed her bachelor of arts degree in music education and piano performance, with honors in music and education, from Anderson University in 1987. In 1995, she completed her master’s of music education from Butler University where she studied conducting and children’s choir methods with Henry Leck, director emeritus of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. Joani has also studied conducting with at the Choral Music Institute with Doreen Rao and Barbara Tagg. Joani has Kodaly Certification from the Hartt School, University of Hartford (Connecticut), Orff Schulwerk Certification, and Dalcroze training from Anderson University, where she also serves as the program director for the Summer Studies in Music Education program featuring Orff Schulwerk, Feierabend, and Dalcroze summer courses.
She completed her doctor of musical arts degree in 2013 from Boston University, and her research interests include teacher training in elementary music education methodologies. She has worked with all ages of singers from early elementary to adults and is a frequent clinician and guest conductor. Joani is a member of the national and state chapters of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and is past repertoire chair of the Elementary and Middle School Divisions for the Indiana School Music Association. She is a former national president of the Feierabend Association for Music Education. She is actively involved in church music at Park Place Church of God, where she serves as Sanctuary Choir director. Joani is married to Chris Luekenga, AU Dean of Students, and has two grown sons: Jonathon and James.
Joani Brandon has been at Anderson University since 1999.
B.A., Anderson University
M.M., Butler University
D.M.A., Boston University
Dr. Brewer has managed HR, training and development, computer programming, and other functions in multiple corporate industries. He has also directed two nonprofits, including an international business incubator. He has taught for five universities across the country. His main interests are leadership, systems, and development.
Jonathan Brooks completed his Ph.D. at the University of North Texas in music theory. His dissertation, entitled “Imagined Sounds: Their Role in the Strict and Free Compositional Practice of Anton Bruckner,” investigates the degree to which Bruckner’s harmonic-counterpoint teachings affected his compositional output. Prior to coming to Anderson University, Jonathan was a Lecturer of Music Theory at Baylor University for the 2000-01 academic year where he taught classes in form and analysis, traditional harmony, and twentieth-century analysis and ear-training.
Jonathan’s research interests include the history of music theory, and the analysis of harmonic and contrapuntal elements in Late Romantic and Early Twentieth-Century Viennese music. Jonathan presented several papers on turn of the century Viennese harmony and compositional theory for the Texas Society of Music Theory. More recently, he has focused research on popular music of the sixties and tracing the origins of their harmonic-contrapuntal structures in earlier popular and classical music.
In addition to his work in music theory, Jonathan is an active composer who focuses on piano, song and choral writing. In addition, he has taught private lessons since arriving at Anderson University with several students going on to complete master’s and doctorate degrees. Over the last year, Jonathan has worked with the Just Press Play Academy in Anderson teaching music theory and piano skills to children between the ages of 8 and 11.
Courses taught at Anderson University: Theory, Aural Comprehension, Choral Arranging, Counterpoint, Private Composition Lessons
Jonathan Brooks has been at Anderson University since 2001.
Contact Jonathan:
jebrooks@anderson.edu
Associate Professor of Music
Professor of Music
Theory, composition
B.A., Erskine College
M.M., Indiana University
Ph.D., University of North Texas
Dr. Fred Burnett is the chair of the Department of Christian Ministries. He teaches World Religions, New Testament, and Advanced Greek in both the undergraduate school and the School of Theology and Christian Ministry.
As a researcher, he is an active member of The Society of Biblical Literature, The American Academy of Religion, and The Catholic Biblical Association. His publications have appeared in The Journal of Biblical Literature; The Catholic Biblical Quarterly; Interpretation; Semeia; The Journal for the Study of the New Testament; Theology Today; Biblical Interpretation; The Bible and Critical Theory; Religious Studies Review; Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels; Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts; Christian Scholar’s Review; Critical Review of Books in Religion; The McKendree Pastoral Review; Shofar; Hebrew Studies, and in several collections of essays (Screening Scripture: Intertextual Connections Between Scripture and Film [Richard Walsh and George Aichele, editors]; Literary Encounters with the Reign of God [Sharon H. Ringe and H. C. Paul Kim, editors]; A Handbook of Postmodern Biblical Interpretation [A. K. M. Adam, editor]; and, Reading Communities, Reading Scripture [Gary A. Phillips and Nicole W. Duran, editors]). His monographs have been published by Yale University Press (co-authored) and University Press of America.
He has received research grants and fellowships from The National Endowment for the Humanities, Eli Lilly Foundation, Vanderbilt University, The University of Chicago, Andrew W. Mellon Faculty Development Award, Vanderbilt University Center for the Humanities, The American Academy of Religion (Grant for Collaborative Research), and Anderson University’s Faculty Development Award. He has delivered academic lectures at College of the Holy Cross, University of St. Francis, University of Indianapolis, The Universalist-Unitarian Church (Arlington, Virginia), Anderson University (Faculty Lecture Series), The Society for the Study of Narrative Literature, The Society of Biblical Literature, The American Academy of Religion, The Weststar Institute, and The Catholic Biblical Association. Honorary awards and memberships include Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Who's Who in Biblical Studies and Archaeology, Who's Who in Religion, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, (Marquis') Who's Who in America, and Two Thousand Notable American Men (American Biographical Institute, 2nd edition, 1994). He has received outstanding faculty member awards from both Anderson University (1993) and the University of St. Francis (1989, 1997).
He has also served as the Liaison and Faculty Advisor to the state of Indiana for the University of St. Francis Health Arts Program, on the Editorial Board and the Board of Trustees for The Christian Scholar’s Review, and on the Advisory Boards for the University of St. Francis Health Arts Program, and Hospice and Home Health Care (St. John's Hospital, Anderson, Indiana). His editorial activities include Semeia Studies Monograph Series for The Society of Biblical Literature, (co-editor), and Religious Studies Review (book review editor).
He has also taught courses at Vanderbilt University, American Baptist Seminary, Indiana University, the University of St. Francis, George Mason University, Drew Theological Seminary, and New Mexico State University. He was raised in the Church of God in Birmingham, Alabama, has been an ordained minister in the Church of God since 1979, and has served churches in Alabama and Tennessee as interim pastor.
Fred has been on Anderson's faculty since 1976.
Contact Professor Burnett:
fwburnett@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4504
Professor of Religion
B.A., Anderson University
M.Div., Anderson School of Theology
D.Min., Vanderbilt Divinity School
M.A., Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Dr. Katelyn J. Butler received her B.A. in Biology from Judson University in Elgin, IL where she graduated Summa cum laude from the honors program and was the recipient of the President’s Scholar award.
She then proceeded to receive her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her graduate work, she investigated the genetic mechanisms behind plant resistance to soybean cyst nematode, the most economically significant pathogen of soybean. In addition, Dr. Butler was a Borlaug Fellow at the Borlaug Summer Institute for Global Food Security at Purdue University. She also completed a year-long program as a WISCIENCE Scientific Teaching Fellow where she received extensive training on research-based teaching principles. She joined the faculty at AU in 2018 and teaches non-majors biology, botany, and upper division molecular biology. Dr. Butler hopes to establish a student-run research program on plant-microbe interactions and engage in discipline-based education research.
Outside of the classroom or lab, Dr. Butler enjoys reading, cooking, and gardening. She likes to keep active by playing golf, ultimate frisbee, hiking, and yoga. She loves to travel to new places with her husband, Jackson, where they spend their time exploring the local cuisine and culture.
Contact Dr. Butler:
kjbutler@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Biology
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
For more information about Dr. Butler's research and teaching, visit her website here.
Hello, I am Stacey Carpenter. I am the housing coordinator along with administrative assistant to Maggie Platt, Assistant Dean of Students and Andrew Lehr, Director of Student Success. The best part of being at AU, is getting to know the wonderful people God has place around me. I have enjoyed the times I have spent in Chapel, singing and hearing the speakers as well.
My previous experience has been working in customer service for over 20 years at Comcast and Prairie Farms. I love working with people and trying my best to make them happy.
I have been married for 22 year to the best husband, Greg, and we have one daughter, Meghan. Along with keeping up with my family, we have Robyn our lab and my grand pup Cora. My hobbies include making cookies and decorating cakes. Also, I enjoy crafting during the Christmas season. I can't wait to see what new experiences AU brings to me in the years to come.
Dr. Carr instructs courses mainly in chemistry, but also has taught courses under the physics caption and is involved in the freshman Liberal Arts Seminar courses.
In addition to course instruction, Dr. Carr has assisted students in undergraduate research projects. The work that has been completed in some of the endeavors has been presented at local American Chemical Society and national conferences. Opportunities for new areas of research exist, but the focus of what has been accomplished recently has utilized an in-house constructed x-ray fluorescence instrument. Research opportunities are also afforded to students through Aurum Consulting in which he is a partner available for scientific consulting.
Dr. Carr additionally serves as an advisor to pre-professional health and science students along with being a faculty mentor. As advisor he assists students wishing to pursue careers in health-related fields, such as those wishing to become doctors, dentists, therapists and the like. He has helped coordinate opportunities for science students to teach local homeschool children through Sigma Zeta, a national honor society for math and science.
In the summers, Dr. Carr has been teaching at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. For five weeks he instructs an environmental chemistry course in Northern Michigan where students get to experience and analyze God’s creation.
Dr. Scott Carr has served at Anderson University since 2001.
Contact Dr. Carr:
srcarr@anderson.edu
Professor of Chemistry
B.A. Chemistry, Taylor University
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, Miami University
Alex Carter is a professional musician located in East Central Indiana. Originally hailing from Metro Detroit, he began playing trumpet at age 10 and has never stopped. He is currently on faculty at Anderson University and Purdue University - Ft. Wayne. He previously taught trumpet at Ball State University to undergraduate music students of all majors, and was a member of the Da Camera Faculty Brass Quintet. Alex has a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance from Oakland University and was awarded a Fellowship to attend The University of Michigan where he received Master's degrees in Trumpet Performance and Chamber Music. While in Michigan he worked with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's education program, mentoring young orchestra musicians. Alex has also worked with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in their international exchange program, where he performed as principal trumpet of the International Youth Symphony Orchestra in concerts throughout Europe and worked with students in the orchestra and communities.
He has performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, Ft. Wayne Philharmonic, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Muncie Symphony, Marion Philharmonic and is a member of the Anderson Symphony. Not limiting himself to classical performing, Alex has played lead on several musicals including West Side Story, Les Miserable, Oklahoma, Guys 'n' Dolls, and Into the Woods. He also has worked in Indianapolis based recording studios for Hal Leonard and FJH publishing companies.
When not performing or teaching, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife Liz and their beagle, Hank, as they adventure all over the Midwest.
Marilyn Chappell teaches bassoon instruction and advanced woodwind methods with her husband, Melvin Chappell, at Anderson University. She received her Bachelor of Music Education Degree, K-12, and Master of Music Degree in bassoon performance from the University of Texas in Austin.
Marilyn was principal bassoonist for the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and contrabassoonist for the Houston Ballet Orchestra and often played with the Houston Symphony. Mrs. Chappell has a long-standing interest in bassoon pedagogy and performance and was an affiliate artist in bassoon instruction for the University of Houston School of Music and for the Texas Music Festival.
An avid chamber musician, she was an active performer as a member of the Winds of Texas faculty woodwind quintet. In addition, she also maintained an active bassoon studio for 6lh through 12th grade students for many school districts in the Houston area for over 30 years, coach accompanying piano to help her students prepare for juries, recitals, and competitions.
As a dedicated music educator, she presented clinics for TMEA, TBA, and in many band programs, specializing in "How to Start/Recruit and Switch Your Student to the Bassoon," and was adjudicator and clinician for TMEA region/all state music. She has taught public school as a beginning 6th grade band and choir director, piano accompanist and coach for middle school choir, and K-2 elementary music instructor, including beginning class piano instruction.
MM, University of Texas
DR. REBECCA CHAPPELL is Director of Music Business Studies at Anderson University and Founder/Director of Orangehaus Music Business Camp. She also founded Orangehaus Records, Orangehaus Publishing, and Orangehaus Entertainment. As a woodwind specialist, Chappell performs as "first call" studio session player and member of several area orchestras. Recent concerts include Principal Clarinet for The Who on the "Moving On Tour" and Weird Al Yankovic's "The Strings Attached Tour."
Professor Carrie Y. Clay earned her B.A. in Spanish Teaching from Anderson University in 1999 and her M.A. in Spanish from Middlebury College in 2005. She has traveled and studied in El Salvador, Mexico and Spain.
Professor Clay began her teaching career at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis. A few years later she returned to her alma mater, AU, where she now teaches Elementary/Intermediate Spanish, Spanish Phonetics, Methods in Teaching Foreign Languages, Strategies for Advanced Spanish Proficiency and First-Year Seminar.
In 2012 Professor Clay was awarded the Collegiate Teacher of the Year award by the Indiana chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (IAATSP). In 2019, she was honored to receive a Site Manager of the Year award from College Mentors for Kids.
Professor Clay is married and has two children. She enjoys books, travel and music. She and her family attend Daleville United Methodist Church.
Contact Prof. Clay:
cyclay@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Director, Critical Thinking Seminar
B.A., Anderson University
M.A., Middlebury College
Dr. Collette has served at Anderson University since 1977 and blends a background rich in professional and community service. He holds a Doctor of Education degree with emphasis in organizational development at Indiana University and a BA in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He has taught at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Dr. Collette is the former CEO of a small, regional marketing research firm. He is very active in consulting in the Midwest. Having worked with more than 40 organizations, he currently serves on the board of directors for two start-up businesses and serves on several local non-profit boards.
Contact Michael:
collette@anderson.edu
Professor of Management
B.B.A., M.S., University of Wisconsin-Whitewater;
Ed.D, Indiana University
David Coolidge is the Director of the Musical Theatre Program at Anderson University. He received his MFA in Acting from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and his BFA in Musical Theatre from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. As a professional theatre artist, David toured with Jason Robert Brown in the Broadway National Tour of “Parade” directed by Hal Prince, served as the Director of six National Tours, and as the Assistant Artistic Director of TheatreworksUSA oversaw thirty National Touring Productions. As a coach, David works one-on-one with young professionals to develop a plan to successfully navigate the 'business of the business'. Past clients have been successful on Broadway, National Tours, TV, and Film including: MTV’s The Search for Elle Woods, The Good Wife, Army Wives, and Law & Order.
David Coolidge
M.F.A., University of North Carolina Greensboro
Associate Professor of Musical Theatre
Director of Musical Theatre Program
Listen to a story about David
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A native of Ohio, Professor Mary Beth Coolidge made her operatic debut in Arezzo, Italy where she sang the roles of Hero in L'Egisto and Lisette in La Rondine. Since then she has enjoyed multiple performances with Greensboro Light Opera, Greensboro Opera, UNCG Opera Theatre and Oberlin Opera Theater. Her favorite past roles include: Zerlina {Don Giovanni), Emily {Help Help the Globolinks), Miles {Turn of the Screw), Jenny Slade {Roman Fever) Kate {Pirates of Penzance).
She is actively involved in the Alexander Technique community, pursuing her teaching certification with the Chesapeake Bay Alexander Studies. She enjoys a whole-self approach in her performing and teaching. She holds a Masters of Music in voice performance from U.N.C. Greensboro and a Bachelors of Music in voice performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
M.M., University of North Carolina - Greensboro
Professor Cox teaches Obstetrical and Pediatric nursing, focusing on family centered nursing care. She completed her BSN from Grand Canyon University and her MSN in Nursing Administration from the University of St. Francis. Previous undergraduate work includes a BA in Business Management from Warner Southern University. She has worked in Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Postpartum Care as well as supervisory and management roles in these units. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau; Nu Upsilon and Upsilon Delta Chapters.
Prior to coming to Anderson University she taught courses in Pediatric Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Community Nursing, and Leadership in Nursing at Fortis College in Indianapolis.
Contact Sarah:
smcox@anderson.edu
Hartung 377
Ext. 4382 (765) 641-4382
Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.A., Warner Southern College
B.S.N., Grand Canyon University
M.S.N., University of St. Francis
Dr. Jennifer Coy is the Chair of the Department of Computer Science and a member of the interdisciplinary panel that oversees the Cybersecurity and National Security Studies majors. She teaches a wide range of computer science, cybersecurity, and engineering courses, since she is also dual-appointed to the Department of Physical Sciences and Engineering. She enjoys learning new technology and computer languages, and recently passed the EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker exam.
Dr. Coy's research interests lie in the connections between computer science and physics. She attended the University of Toledo as an undergraduate, receiving a B.S. in Engineering Physics and a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, graduating magna cum laude with Honors in Computer Science and Engineering. She received her masters and doctorate from Purdue University in Physics, where she studied gravity within galaxies where she created a parallel processing program to compare alternate theories of gravity to dark matter models.
Dr. Coy serves as an advisor to the Women in Computing student group, coordinates the computer science department's monthly Tech Talks series, communicates with industry partners to develop opportunities for student internships, and leads the department's Computer Science Hackathon and Cybersecurity Capture the Flag competitions.
Outside of the classroom, Coy enjoys camping with her husband and two children, running half marathons, knitting, scrapbooking, playing games, reading, and occasionally playing the piano.
Dr. Coy joined the AU faculty in August of 2014, bringing more than 10 years of prior experience teaching at small colleges, including Wabash College and Saint Joseph's College.
Contact Dr. Coy:
jjcoy@anderson.edu
LinkedIn
Professor of Computer Science & Physics
Chair, Department of Computer Science
B.S., University of Toledo
M.S., Ph.D., Purdue University
Professor Craton joined the AU faculty in 2019. He brings experience working as a software engineer, consultant, and open source contributor. He has previously worked alongside college students in residence life and student programs and has worked at Interactive Intelligence (now Genesys), Taylor University, Ivy Tech Community College, and Houghton College. He completed his BS in Computer Engineering and MA in Higher Education and Student Development from Taylor University, and he is currently completing his graduate work in Computer Science from Dakota State University.
Having lived and worked with college students as a resident director for six years, Professor Craton seeks to build strong and meaningful relationships with his students. He also strives to bring his practical experience building software to the classroom. He loves exploring new trends and technologies and works hard to ensure that his students have the tools that they need to build the high quality, secure software of the future.
Professor Craton lives near campus with his wife, Karin, and son, Benji. He has many interests, including playing board games, tinkering with electronics, and building with LEGO.
Elyse came to Anderson University with managerial experience in addition to having successfully run her own business for eleven years. She works to promote Annual Giving initiatives which support many areas of the university, but most importantly provide necessary funds for student financial aid.
In addition, her efforts serve to strengthen relations with alumni, donors, parents, students, and other constituents to further the work of the university. As an AU alumnus, Elyse has a strong commitment to raising annual support and facilitating programs which bring others alongside the university as partners in supporting the mission of AU.
Elyse Cromer has been at Anderson University since 2006.
Dave Crump (BA '82) has been working for the Office of Conference and Performance Events at Anderson University since October of 2003. Before coming to AU, he worked as a worship pastor and a lighting director for Sandi Patty. In addition to his BA in music education, he also has a master's degree in church music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
Dave and his student staff oversee stage, audio, and lighting at Reardon Auditorium for all events. They also help facilitate technical needs for other events that take place around the campus.
Fun facts: He enjoys movies (his favorite is Cloud Atlas), baseball, and golf. He is part of a large family, where his father, one brother, one sister, two uncles, one nephew, and one niece have all graduated from AU.
Contact David:
Tech Director
decrump@anderson.edu
Emily Day is an assistant professor of Athletic Training in the department of Kinesiology. She earned her bachelor's degree in Athletic Training at Franklin College and her Master's of Education with a concentration in exercise science at Campbell University. She also is the primary athletic trainer for the Men's Soccer and Track and Field teams. Day enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
She joined the Department in 2019.
Contact Emily Day:
eeday@anderson.edu
Kardatzke Wellness Center 143
(765) 641- 4491
Brian Dirck is a Professor of History at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. He received his B.A. in history at the University of Central Arkansas, an M.A. in history at Rice University, and a Ph.D. in history at the University of Kansas. His scholarship has focused on the American Civil War era, in particular the life and career of Abraham Lincoln. His first book, Lincoln and Davis: Imagining America, 1809-1865 offered a comparative analysis of the two Civil War presidents. He has since published Lincoln the Lawyer, a study of Lincoln’s legal career which received the Barondess Award from the New York Civil War Roundtable as the best book on Abraham Lincoln published in 2007, and he has edited Lincoln Emancipated: The President and the Politics of Race. In 2012 he released two books, Lincoln and the Constitution, and Abraham Lincoln and White America. He has also written numerous articles, and spoken at Harvard University, the National Archives in Washington DC, the Lincoln Forum in Springfield, Illinois, and Gettysburg’s Civil War Institute.
Dr. Dirck has served at Anderson University since 1998.
Contact Dr. Dirck:
brdirck@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 365; (765) 641-4443
Professor of History
B.A., University of Central Arkansas
M.A., Rice University
Ph.D., University of Kansas
I first graduated from Anderson University in 2011 with a degree in Mass Communications. After six years working in venue management and public relations with organizations like Tuxedo Brothers Event Management, Live Nation, White River State Park, and The State of Indiana, I joined the Anderson University family.
I started pursuing an MBA in AU’s Falls School of Business in January of 2016, knowing it could have lasting benefits for my career. The caliber of education I have received with my MBA has not only provided me with a solid understanding of business practice and leadership, it has offered me opportunities to learn from colleagues, create lasting friendships, and enhance my skills working in teams and small groups. I have made wonderful connections through the AU MBA program, and I have that hope for you as you learn more about Anderson University and the Falls School of Business. I look forward to learning more about you, why you are considering the AU MBA program, and watching as God molds you into the leader, manager, employee, and/or colleague that he has called you to become.
Fun Facts: My husband and I live on the east side of Indianapolis and both met at AU in 2010. We have a dog named Chewebacca, enjoy traveling, hiking and camping together when we have time away. I’m a movie buff, enjoy writing and exploring cities.
Contact Colleen:
au.adultgrad@anderson.edu
Gregory Dugan became a member of the ISO bass section in 1979. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University, where he studied with Murray Grodner. Prior to joining the ISO, he was principal contrabass with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica.
Dugan has held a number of faculty teaching positions, including 30 years at DePauw University. He currently teaches in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra program, Anderson University and the MasterWorks Festival. He has performed as guest principal bass with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Shanghai Symphony, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and has been a substitute bassist with the Chicago Symphony and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In the summers he performs as principal bass in the Oregon Coast Music Festival, and in recent years has participated in the summer orchestra festival in Zhengzhou, China.
Dugan has received the ISO Patch Leadership Award, and in 2017 received the Alice D. Akins music education award from the ISO Learning Community. He and his wife, a microbiologist originally from Singapore, enjoy traveling — preferably by train — and exploring remote corners of his home state of Oregon.
Dr. Dulaney holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Ball State University, an MBA from Anderson University, and completed his DBA in 2009. Dulaney has a background in technology and publishing and has started businesses in both fields. His research interests are consumer behavior, e-business, and e-commerce. Dulaney has written several books on computer operating systems and certifications and is a columnist for two online publications as well as the editor of the Christian Business Academy Review.
Emmett Dulaney has served at Anderson University since 2006.
Contact Emmett:
eadulaney@anderson.edu
Director of Doctoral Studies
Professor of Marketing
B.S., Ball State University;
M.B.A., D.B.A., Anderson University
Nina Eaton is an assistant professor of nursing in the BSN pre-licensure program. She graduated with her BSN from Anderson University in 2009 and MSNEd from Anderson University in 2015. Nina’s clinical background is cardiac and intensive care at Hancock Regional Hospital. Before moving to full time teaching, Nina acted as charge nurse, nurse preceptor, and staff nurse. While full time at Hancock, Nina sat on the ethics committee, the unit counsel, and was nominated for the Daisy Award twice and recipient once. Nina is the faculty mentor for and member of Sigma Theta Tau, National Honor Society of Nursing and is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. She also holds certificates in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), & teaching certificates for both BLS & ACLS courses. In 2009, Nina went to Uganda with Tri-S, in 2014 studied Culturally Competent Care of the Islamic Patient & Family in Chicago, and in 2015 led a nursing Tri-S trip to Belize. Her research interests include critical thinking development in pre-licensure nursing students and persistence/completion of minority students in pre-licensure nursing.
Nina and her husband, Michael, live in Greenfield, Indiana with their “fur baby” Abby. Nina and Michael enjoy traveling and visiting family in Michigan as much as possible. One of Nina’s favorite bible verses is Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”.
Nina Eaton has been at Anderson University since 2013.
Contact Nina:
clkeaton@anderson.edu
Hartung 369
Ext. 4379 (765) 641-4379
Assistant Professor of Nursing
M.S.N., Anderson University
B.S.N., Anderson University
Rebecca Edie serves as Staff Accompanist and piano instructor at Anderson University. She received a B.M. in Performance from Butler University and an M.M. in Performance, Vocal and Opera Coaching, and Accompanying from the St. Louis Conservatory of Music. Rebecca also serves as Staff Accompanist for the Indianapolis Children's Choir, Indianapolis Youth Chorale, and has appeared as soloist and orchestral pianist for the Santa Fe Symphony, OK Mozart Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, Tulsa Philharmonic, Phoenix Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Anderson Symphony, and Orvieto Festival of Strings in Italy.
M.M., St. Louis Conservatory