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
Caroline 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.
Professor 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 candidate, 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 Campus 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 halfway 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 teaches clarinet and saxophone. She is founder and Director of Orangehaus Records, Orangehaus Publishing, and Orangehaus Music Business Camp, a summer music business experience for high school students. She served on the Board of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA) from 1999-2009, including President of the organization from 2003-2007, and was the first educator to receive the "Music Business Educators Award” from EMI Music Group. Chappell currently serves on the Board of Legendary Road, a music company that promotes independent artists through a national restaurant chain.
Chappell has performed as a woodwind soloist throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, including a performance for the Prime Minister of Israel. Professional orchestral performances include the Indianapolis Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and tours with "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" and Pavarotti. As an active studio musician, Chappell has recorded for noted clients such as John Williams, Hall Leonard, MGM Studios, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises. She is also a member of IndyKlez, an Indianapolis-based professional world music group. In addition, Chappell currently serves as an adjudicator for Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA), Indiana Music Teachers Association (IMTA), and Regional and State Contests for the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA).
Becky Chappell has served at Anderson University since 1993.
Contact Becky:
rachappell@anderson.edu
Director of Music Business Studies;
Professor of Music
Woodwinds, music business
B.A., Anderson University
M.M., Oklahoma State University
D.A., Ball State University
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
[soundcloud id='338327401' comments='false' mini='true' height='false']
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 at 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, but it has also 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 welcomed our son, Arlie in 2018, and will soon welcome another addition to our family in the spring of 2021. As a family we enjoy traveling, visiting new restaurants in Indianapolis, and hiking and camping together when we have time away. I’m a movie buff, enjoy writing, reading, 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
Todd Edwards is creator/co-writer/co-director of the box office hit HOODWINKED, an indie phenomenon that also showcased his skills as a songwriter and musician.
Todd wrote nine original songs for the film, including “Great Big World” performed by Anne Hathaway, and “Red is Blue” performed by platinum recording artist Ben Folds. Following the success of, Todd enjoyed multiple studio script sales, and has continued to develop both live-action and animated screenplays with his Hardy Howl partners. Todd recently completed the novelization of his epic adventure “Digging to China” with co-author Timothy Hooten. Prior to that, he wrote, directed and scored his third feature, JEFFIE WAS HERE, an award-winning indie comedy in which he also plays the title character, Jeffie.
Todd’s first feature CHILLICOTHE, which he wrote, directed and starred in, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it won rave reviews and distribution. In 2010 he directed the viral sensation music video “Thinkin’ Bout Somethin” for the Grammy-nominated band Hanson. Along with Hooten, he is co-writing “The Marvel Experience,” an unprecedented multimedia touring show launching later in 2014. Todd is also currently directing an exciting new animated feature about the story behind the world’s most legendary game.
Caitlynn Elkins is the digital storyteller for the Anderson University Office of Marketing and Communication.
Caitlynn studied telecommunications with a minor in professional writing at Ball State University and graduated in May of 2018. During her time as a student, Caitlynn dabbled in several internship opportunities that allowed her to explore the many different realms of communication and media.
As the digital storyteller, Caitlynn’s main responsibilities are to develop strategy, write, and schedule content across relevant social media platforms. Her position at AU holds a great emphasis on digital marketing and campus engagement.
Caitlynn values her family, and spends most of her free time with her loved ones.
Professor Elliott primarily teaches first-year writing courses, including Rhetoric and Composition plus Rhetoric and Research. These courses are designed to give new AU students the writing skills they need -- and hone the skills they already have -- to be successful in their college coursework, regardless of the majors they choose. Elliott is also a certified K-6 teacher in Indiana and teaches Language Arts methods to prospective secondary English teachers.
His research interests include digital rhetoric and composition studies of students with disabilities. As the father of three sons, the youngest of whom has autism, Elliott is deeply interested in issues of access and accommodation for all students no matter what their perceived limitations. He enjoys presenting his work at regional and national conferences and being part of the dialogue of how best to serve all learners. His family is broadly interested in autism advocacy.
Elliott earned his B.A. from Purdue University and has two Master’s degrees from Ball State University, one in Elementary Education and one in Rhetoric and Composition. He began his career as a print journalist working in Minnesota, Northwest Indiana and suburban Washington, D.C., where he covered the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He returned to Indiana and was a news and sports editor for The Herald Bulletin in Anderson before beginning graduate work in 2003. He later taught middle school Language Arts for four years prior to starting at AU as adjunct faculty in 2009. He joined the full-time faculty in 2012.
He, his wife Karla, and sons live in Fishers and attend The Promise United Methodist Church where he serves in children’s ministries.
Missy is the Associate Director of Data Management and Donor Research. She has her BS in nursing and worked for 17 years in the oncology field. She then worked for over 11 ½ years for a Christian non-profit in the volunteer coordinator role at first, moving to the gift processing, donor relations, development, and communications roles. Her passion for serving others and God has been a common thread in her various positions. She and her husband live in Muncie and have two sons. The oldest graduated from AU in 2019.
Contact Anna:
Phone: (765) 641-4409
acepperly@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Education
B.S. Ball State University
M.A.E. Ball State University
Ed.D. Ball State University
Download Professor Epperly's VITA
Chad Evans has been the Chief Recording Engineer at Gaither Studios in Alexandria, IN since 1994. He has been a professional audio engineer since graduating from Middle Tennessee University in Murfreesboro, TN with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recording Arts and Sciences in 1989. He has garnered two Grammy awards for his work on the acclaimed, Gaither Gospel Series which has sold millions of DVDs and CDs worldwide.
Chad has worked with such artists as Sandi Patty, The Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, Jon McLaughlin, Amy Grant, Andrea Crouch, Vince Gill, CeCe Winans, Marty Stuart, The Isaacs, Natalie Grant, Wintley Phipps, and many more artists throughout his career.
Rev. Dr. Todd Faulkner is the Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry at AU and Dean of the SOTCM Chapel. Todd is an ordained minister in the Church of God. He graduated from the Anderson University School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree in 2004 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2009. His dissertation work focused on narrative theology in the practice of ministry. Todd has served congregations as children's pastor, youth pastor, worship leader, and senior pastor. He served as Campus Pastor at AU from 2008-2016.
Todd lives in Anderson with his wife, Cindy, and their three children, Caleb, Anna, and Isaiah.
Todd has served at Anderson University since 2008.
Contact:
jtfaulkner@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4534
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry
B.A., Bluefield College
MDiv., Anderson University School of Theology
DMin., Anderson University School of Theology
Dr. Heaven Fan's performances have been featured on National Public Radio (NPR), as well as radio and TV stations in the US, Canada, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia to critical acclaim. Fan has recorded with the Pacific Harp Quartet under the Fons label and with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir under the Naxos label.
Fan has won competitions in Taiwan and the United States, including the national Anne Adams Competition of the American Harp Society, the Travel Grant Competition of Indiana University, and the Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship Award of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Lilly Endowment. She was invited internationally as a featured soloist in the MasterWorks Festival in South Carolina, the Festival of Chinese Performing Arts in Boston, the Boston Harp Festival, the World Harp Congresses in Czech Republic and Geneva, the International Harp Festival of Mexico, and the New Year Concerts with the Qingdao Municipal Opera and Dance Drama Theater Orchestra in China. As an orchestra musician, Fan has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Opera, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Lafayette Master Chorale, Ronen Chamber Ensemble of Indianapolis, and other regional orchestras throughout Central Indiana. In 2016-2017, Fan performed and taught in China where she also served as Guest Principal Harpist with the Yellow River Symphony Orchestra of China.
Fan has received her bachelor's degree with highest distinction in both harp and piano from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Griffith University) in Australia, and her master's degree, Artist Diploma, and Doctor of Music in harp performance from Indiana University studying with distinguished professor Susann McDonald. As a harp scholar, Fan is the first person to publish an in-depth analysis on the New Method for the Harp by the early 19th-century English harp virtuoso Elias Parish Alvars, which was published in the 2011 winter issue of the American Harp Journal. She has also been elected as a member to Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society, and classified by the US Government as an Alien of Extraordinary Abilities in the Arts.
Currently on faculty at the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, Indiana University South Bend, and Anderson University (IN), Fan is also a member of the artist faculty of the MasterWorks Festival in South Carolina. She has been invited as a guest coach working with young harpists of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Side-by-Side program and the Indianapolis Youth Orchestras. Her students have won first prizes in national and international competitions and have held orchestra positions. In 2017, Fan served as the advisor for the Central Illinois Roslyn Rensch Chapter's Auditions and Evaluations, a two-part program focusing on the improvement by participating in two events sponsored by the American Harp Society. She has also served as Chair/MC for the panel discussion with jury members at the Fifth International Harp Competition and Festival of Mexico. Fan has served on the judging panels for the 2007 National Harp Competition in Taiwan, the 2008 and 2012 Young Artist's Harp Competition in Rabun Gap, Georgia, the Individual Artist Program of the Indiana Arts Commission for FY2012, the 2013 Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Collegiate Scholarship Competition, the 2019 Indiana University Harp Concerto Competition, and the Fourth International Harp Competition in Mexico. Fan also serves on the Board of Directors of the prestigious USA International Harp Competition.
Heaven Fan, D.M. | Harp Faculty
Anderson University | The MasterWorks Festival
www.heavenfan.com | hhfan@anderson.edu
D.M., Indiana University
Lillie Feierabend is known for her work with young children and instilling a love of music within them. She has been an early childhood and general music educator for the past 30 years and a conductor for the Connecticut Children’s Chorus for 17. She has twice been honored with her district’s Teacher of the Year Award and in 2008 also received the Outstanding Elementary Music Educator Award from the Connecticut Music Educators Association. She is a frequent clinician at local, state, and national conferences; is adjunct faculty at the University of Hartford; teaches weeklong workshops; and conducts regional honors choirs.
Dr. John Feierabend is considered one of the leading authorities on music and movement development in childhood. He is a professor emeritus and former director of music education at the University of Hartford’s The Hartt School and is a past president of the Organization of American Kodály Educators. He is the author of more than 70 books, recordings, and DVDs, many of which served as the inspiration for the award-winning PBS children’s television series Lomax: the Hound of Music. He has been honored as a Lowell Mason Fellow by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), named University Educator of the Year by the Connecticut Music Educator Association, received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Organization of American Kodály Educators and the James Bent Award for outstanding achievement in scholarship and creativity from the University of Hartford, and was the first U.S. recipient of the LEGO Prize, an international award given annually to “an individual who has made a distinctive contribution to the betterment of children.”
Dr. Fox shares with his students a background merging academic work, practical experience, and consulting service. He holds an MBA in finance from Indiana University and a PhD in organizational behavior and development from The Union Institute. In addition to being a certified financial planner, Dr. Fox is active in management consulting and is the author of numerous articles in professional journals, magazines, and newspapers. He has also published devotional guides for applying biblical principles to personal financial planning.
Jerry Fox has served at Anderson University since 1985.
Contact Jerry:
jmfox@anderson.edu
Austin/Cooper Director of Global Business Studies
Professor of Management
B.A., Anderson University; C.F.P, College for Financial Planning;
M.B.A., Indiana University;
Ph.D., Union Institute
Dr. Fox is currently the Chair of the Department of Modern Foreign Languages and Cultures. His area of specialization is Latin American short fiction, but he enjoys teaching all levels of Spanish. Dr. Fox feels blessed to work at AU with a gifted and dedicated group of departmental colleagues. He has led student travel groups to Spain, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, traveling, biking and watching college sports. His greatest satisfaction is seeing AU language grads take their skills and knowledge into a variety of professions and make a difference in their community and the world. "We know that our MFLC graduates are doing well and doing good around the world. As teachers, business people, programmers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, linguists, social workers, missionaries and so much more, AU language grads are being light and salt in a world so in need of God's love."
Dr. Fox has served at Anderson University since 1998.
Contact Dr. Fox:
trfox@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4433
Chair, Department of Modern Foreign Languages and Cultures
Professor of Spanish
B.A., Anderson College
M.A., Anderson School of Theology
M.A., Ball State University
Ph.D., Purdue University
Dr. Michael Frank is a Professor of Political Science, teaching courses in American Government and Research Methods, including Congress, the Presidency, Political Parties, and Political Behavior. He is also the Pre-Law Advisor, helping students prepare for law school, the LSAT, and the admissions process. He has directed a number of internships for students in government offices, political campaigns, and legal settings.
Dr. Frank has served as the Chair of the Madison County Public Defender Board since 2009. The Board provides independent administration and oversight of the county’s public defender system to ensure compliance with state guidelines.
Dr. Frank earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his B.A. in International Relations fro Northern Illinois University. His research interests focus on political realignment, party history, and political inequality. He is a regular contributor to the Raven Politics blog.
Dr. Frank has served at Anderson University since the fall of 2001, having previously taught at Knox College and Houghton College.
Hear a podcast featuring Dr. Frank
[soundcloud id='509992596' comments='false' mini='true' height='false']
Contact Dr. Frank:
mwfrank@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 364; (765) 641-4444
Professor of Political Science
B.A., Northern Illinois University
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Neal Freeman is an Instructor of Criminal Justice. He holds a BS in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Masters of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Mr. Freeman served as an enlisted soldier in the US Army before receiving his appointment to the Military Academy. Upon graduation, he served as an Aviation Officer for 10 years, rising to the rank of Captain. He flew UH-1 Huey and CH-47 Chinook helicopters during that time and served as a platoon leader, several staff positions and as a company commander.
Upon his discharge from the US Army, Freeman became a Special Agent with the FBI, serving the Indiana community for 20 years before retiring in 2017. During his time with the FBI, he served as a team member of the Indianapolis Evidence Response Team and as a Special Agent Assessor for hiring.
Neal and his wife, Laura, a teacher with Anderson Community Schools, are active members of Eastside Church of God. They also have been mentoring incarcerated youth at the Pendleton Juvenile Detention Facility for many years. Neal and Laura have two sons, one daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.
Contact Professor Freeman
nofreeman@anderson.edu
B.S., United States Military Academy
M.A.S., Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
From his childhood, Larry has always been enamored with mechanical contraptions, cars, trucks, farm equipment, machinery, how things work. He entered the University of Cincinnati in mechanical engineering in parallel with his co-op job at Armco Steel and acquired substantial technical knowledge as well as a valuable experience working with seasoned engineers. He used that knowledge as a manufacturing engineer producing Perfect Circle piston rings and Schwitzer turbochargers.
The grueling vibration classes proved worthwhile when he moved to the area of crankshaft vibration dampers. He was fortunate to be involved in the design, development, application, lab management, and sales of crankshaft dampers for 30 years to BMW, Case-New Holland, Caterpillar, Chrysler, Cummins, Deere, Detroit Diesel, Ford, GE, GM, Hercules, Isuzu, International, Mack, MAN, Mercedes, Saab, Tata, Volvo, & Waukesha. Although the names changed, Schwitzer, Household Mfg., BorgWarner, and Aprotech, it was a fortunate and fulfilling career.
He worked as facility coordinator for ISO-9001 and QS-9000 implementation in sales, engineering, and laboratory and is an approved Quality Auditor. He also worked as engineering manager for co-gen power units, generating electricity and hot water with natural gas powered engines operating at > 90% efficiency. He studied business at Indiana University culminating with his MBA. He has a professional engineering license in Indiana and Ohio, four patents, some of which are still in production, and the Supplier Innovation Award from John Deere.
He is married to his awesome wife, Diana, and has two wonderful children. He enjoys traveling with his wife and family, as well as woodworking, canoeing, and fishing.
Mr. George joined Anderson University in 2016 helping with the lab renovation and subsequently became Adjunct Professor, guiding students in the procurement, testing, design, and support of the solar car project and other student projects. The engineering faculty recently decided to participate in the eV Grand Prix and he is helping the students with the design, fabrication, and assembly of the eV car.
There are so many opportunities here at AU for these students to learn and mature into fulfilled individuals who will make substantial contributions to society. He likes pursuing these opportunities both corporately with the faculty and in particular with the individual students.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Cincinnati
MBA, Indiana University
PE, Indiana and Ohio
Noelle Tretick Gosling double majored in ballet and music at the North Carolina School of the Arts and performed with Ballet West. A graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in violin performance, she is a member of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and plays regularly with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Having taught at Anderson University and Park Tudor School, she maintains a private teaching studio in her home.
Dr. Grayson teaches all levels of Spanish language as well as courses having to do with the art, history, and literature of Spain. She is an enthusiastic reader of Golden Age Spanish Theater, and loves introducing students to the various manifestations of cultural identity in Spain. She also researches early modern Jesuit school plays. Additionally, Dr. Grayson directs the First Year Experience Seminar, where she enjoys challenging students to identify how their core values will impact their lives, both at AU and beyond. In her spare time, she is an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Spanish tortillas.
Dr. Grayson has served at Anderson University since 2011.
Contact Dr. Grayson:
blgrayson@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4432
Associate Professor of Spanish
Director of the First Year Experience Seminar
B.A., University of Tulsa
M.A., Notre Dame
Ph. D., Washington University in Saint Louis
Dr. Griffith prepares students to help people by teaching skills that enable them to practice psychology doing counseling and training and research. He assists students in learning about Abnormal Psychology, Counseling, Statistics, Interpersonal Relationships and Leadership Skills.
In addition to his teaching, Dr. Griffith maintains an active private practice. With his colleagues, he coordinates the Anderson University Interpersonal Trainers. These groups give students the opportunity to work with children, youth and adults teaching a wide variety of skills from anti-bullying to anger management.
Dr. Griffith is particularly interested in helping students cultivate a Christian understanding of psychology. Students in Liberal Arts Seminar, Christian Living in a Postmodern World, and other classes learn to express the connections between their faith and the discipline of psychology.
Dr. Griffith is grateful to be a husband, father, and grandfather. He is committed to healthy living in both mind and body. He is actively involved with a group of other believers.
Dr. Griffith has served at Anderson University since 1977.
glgriffith@anderson.edu
Professor of Psychology
B.A. in Psychology Cedarville University
M.A. in Counseling Psychology The University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology The University of Texas at Austin
Jane Hachiya-Weiner has been a vital part of the Indianapolis dance community since 1985 when she joined Indianapolis Ballet Theatre. Originally from Japan, she studied with the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Academy in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, graduating from the Academy and becoming a company member the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Company in 1979. She eventually became principal dancer of the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Company during her 8 years with the Company, studying and dancing in Tokyo and abroad with the company in England, Scotland, France, and Italy.
Jane is educated in several of the most celebrated training techniques: RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabus and the Vaganova (Russian) syllabus. She is an ABT ® (American Ballet Theatre ®) Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT © Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT © National Training Curriculum. She is also designated an ABT ©Affiliate Teacher in that she has successfully presented students for National examinations. Currently, she is the only teacher in the state of Indiana with the ABT © Affiliate Teacher designation, and her teaching career began in Indiana when she was appointed director of the Academy of the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre during her final years as a professional dancer.
After her tenure at Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, she joined the faculty of Jordan College Academy of Dance at Butler University from 1998 -2009 and was appointed adjunct faculty for the dance majors at the Jordan College of Fine Arts Department of Dance as their pointe technique teacher in 2002. Currently, Jane is the artistic director of Ballet Theatre of Carmel at Performer's Edge - a pre-professional ballet company and an educational component of the Performer's Edge School of the Performing Arts in Carmel, Ind.
Jane has been a part of the Anderson University dance faculty since 2012.
Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Academy
Ballet, pointe, variations
I am one of our undergraduate admissions counselors. I love meeting with students and families when they are on campus for their campus visit. I love traveling out to college fairs and meeting new students to build relationships with them and help them through their college search process.
Fun Fact: I have my own car detailing business that I have owned and operated since I was 16 years old.
Hometown: New Castle, IN
Education: Elementary Education at Anderson University ‘19
Indiana Counties: Delaware, Henry, Wayne, Randolph, Jay
States: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine
Chris Hamlyn is an assistant professor of kinesiology and serves as the program director for athletic training education at Anderson University. He is a 2007 graduate of Manchester College, earning a bachelor of science in athletic training and exercise science. He went on to complete a master’s degree in kinesiology with a specialization in athletic training from Indiana University (2009). He worked as a certified athletic trainer at Lapel High School for two years before returning to the college level at Anderson University in 2011 as an assistant athletic trainer and preceptor for the academic program. After three years in this position, he returned to his education at Ball State University and completed his doctorate in higher education with a sports performance cognate in 2018.
He joined the Department of Kinesiology at Anderson University in 2015.
Contact Chris Hamlyn:
cjhamlyn@anderson.edu
Kardatzke Wellness Center 237
(765) 641-3792
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Program Director of Athletic Training Education
B.S., Manchester College
M.S., Indiana University
Ed.D., Ball State University
Jenny Handshoe teaches general music and choir to grades K-8 at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is also a piano accompanist for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. Jenny holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Anderson University and also a Master of Music Education degree with Orff Emphasis. Her Orff Schulwerk training includes Levels I-III and Orff Curriculum from Anderson University as well as recorder shadowing. She has also completed Kodály Level I through Indiana University and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.
Mischon joined the team at Anderson University in 2016 after working in the healthcare industry for 10 years. She brings managerial, marketing, and communication experience to her role. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Anderson University in 2007.
As the Director of Marketing, she acts as a strategist for enrollment growth, branding, content strategy, digital media, and print production.
Mischon loves outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping, and backpacking. Most weekends, she can be found hiking at Mounds State Park with her husband, daughter, and dog. She lives in historic Anderson.
Fun Fact: Mischon was a Dativus Doll and the Student Peace Initiative Coordinator at AU from 2006-2007.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“Some of us believe that you need to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work yourself.” — Leslie Knope
Dr. Haskett teaches in the areas of management, non-profit leadership, and strategic planning. She completed her EdD in higher education at Indiana University, with a minor in non-profit strategic management. Her dissertation focused on emotional intelligence (EQ) and effective teaching, which has led to many speaking engagements on the topic. She is a certified trainer in the TalentSmart Emotional Intelligence training curriculum and the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, and has been certified in the BarOn EQ-i Emotional Intelligence assessment. Her past experience includes 17 years as a CPA for General Motors, along with leading the organizational strategic planning process. She holds an MBA, has an accounting degree from Ball State University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Rebecca Haskett has served at Anderson University since 1996.
Contact Rebecca:
bahaskett@anderson.edu
Professor of Management; CPA
B.S., M.B.A., Ball State University;
Ed.D., Indiana University
Sarah Hassler teaches music at the American International School Chennai, India. She retired from Carmel Clay Schools and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir to experience international teaching. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University and a Master of Music Education with Kodály emphasis from Capital University. Her Orff Schulwerk training includes curriculum and certification from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. In the United States, she has been a presenter at both Orff and Kodály chapters as well as national conferences. Sarah presented internationally at the Association of International Music Schools in Dubai, UAE.
MaryAnn Hawkins, dean and professor of intercultural studies, brings significant experience to her faculty role at the School of Theology because of the years spent as academic dean for KIST in Kenya, East Africa. She and her husband Jim also served the Church of God (Anderson) in California before coming to the seminary. Hawkins is the national convener of Women in Ministry for the Church of God (Anderson) with the program Qara and is on the national board of the Wesleyan Holiness Clergy Women. In her capacity as dean of the chapel, Hawkins is responsible for the seminary’s worship ministry. She is the editor and contributor to two books, Thread of Hope and Called to Minister, Empowered to Serve.
Hawkins joined the School of Theology faculty in 2006.
Contact Dr. Hawkins:
mahawkins@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4535
Dean
Professor of Intercultural Studies
B.S., Bartlesville Wesleyan College
M.A., Azusa Pacific University
Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary
Christal Helvering is the Director of Counseling Services at Anderson University. As the director, she provides direct clinical services to students, supervises the Counseling Services staff, serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff; and participates in student leadership training.
Christal earned her B.A. in Social Work from Anderson University in 1988 and her M.S W. from Indiana University-Purdue University: Indianapolis in 1992. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. (L.C.S.W.)
Christal began her career working as the Community Case Manager at the Center for Mental Health in Anderson. Following the completion of her Master's degree, she worked in private practice at Associates in Mental Health, Inc. for 15 years located in Muncie, IN.
Christal lives in Anderson, Ind.
Christal has served at Anderson University since 2008.
Contact:
crhelvering@anderson.edu
Morrison House
(765) 641- 4205
Director of Counseling Services
M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
B.S., Anderson University
M.S.W./L.C.S.W., Indiana University
Loy Hetrick started playing trombone at age 10 in Fremont, Neb., where he was a student of Robert Olsen. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Nebraska, where he studied with Vernon Forbes. He was a charter member of the Plymouth Brass, a resident church ensemble, playing with them from 1977 through 1979.
In 1983 Loy and his wife, Cynthia, moved to Indiana so he could pursue a graduate degree at Indiana University. There, he studied with Dee Stewart, Lewis VanHaney, Keith Brown, and Ed Anderson. He also studied improvisation under David Baker and played lead trombone in the top jazz ensemble. While at IU, he was an
Assistant Instructor and later taught low brass at Purdue and Butler Universities. After finishing a Master of Music in trombone performance, they moved to Indianapolis, where he has worked as a freelance musician. He has toured the U.S. and Canada with performers including Andy Williams, Mel Torme, Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, and Natalie Cole. Currently, Loy performs regularly with the Indianapolis Symphony, the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. He has recorded for Sandy Patti, the Gaither Vocal Group, as well as for various music publishing companies. Other jobs include pit orchestra work for the Broadway musicals that come to the Indianapolis area, and the local ballet and opera companies. He has taught private lessons for over thirty-five years.
MM, Indiana University
Jason Higgs joined the Department of Communication and Design Arts in 2015. He has won an Emmy® award as well as several Telly and Addy awards for his creative direction and storytelling. His teaching draws on his experience in all aspects of design, television, cinema and animation.
Contact Professor Higgs:
jahiggs@anderson.edu
B.F.A. in Visual Communication, Herron School of Art/Indiana University
M.F.A. in Graphic Design/Video/Animation, Ball State University
Dr. Hochstetler has enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in a variety of management positions in his career. After receiving his MBA from Indiana University, he worked in Human Resources for R. R. Donnelley and Sons and then for NCR. Jay then spent eight years at Indiana Wesleyan University where he was director of the business programs in the college of adult and professional studies, followed by eight years at Ivy Tech State College where he was the executive dean of the Marion campus. Dr. Hochstetler started an education program at the Miami Correctional Facility and also coordinated the separation of a physician's office from a large healthcare organization to become an independent office. He also taught at Taylor University before coming to AU. In addition to teaching at AU, he is a partner in a commercial real estate development. Brookhaven Wesleyan Church is a large part of his life, where he also serves as collegiate ministry leader, board member, and treasurer. He is married to Kelley and has a son and daughter-in-law who are graduates of AU.
Jay Hochstetler has served at Anderson University since 2007.
Contact Jay:
jjhochstetler@anderson.edu
Professor of Management
Director of Assessment and Accreditation
B.A., Goshen College;
M.B.A., Indiana University;
Ed.D., Ball State University
Ph.D., Northcentral University
Cortney Hofer is an assistant professor of nursing in the BSN pre-licensure program. She graduated with her BSN from Olivet Nazarene University in 2003 and her MSN in Nursing Administration from Anderson University in 2017. Cortney’s nursing experience includes intensive care, progressive care, and telemetry. Cortney has been with St. Vincent Anderson since 2003 where she has had the honor of serving in several roles within the ICU, chest pain observation unit, and Administration. Her roles have included charge nurse, nurse preceptor, Practice Facilitator, Co-Manager, Manager, and Administrative Director. She currently holds PRN positions in the ICU and as the Administrative Director. Cortney worked for Anderson University as an adjunct faculty member teaching sophomore and junior community health nursing and junior ICU clinical during the 2017-2018 school year.
Cortney holds certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Trauma Care After Resuscitation (TCAR). She is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. Cortney is also a member of the Nursing Honor Guard, paying tribute to nurses who have dedicated their lives to helping people. The Nursing Honor Guard offers various options for visitation and funeral services in Madison County and surrounding areas.
Cortney and her husband, Mike, live in Lapel, Indiana with their two boys. They enjoy traveling, camping, boating, and spending time with their families.
Cortney Hofer has been at Anderson University since 2018.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., Olivet Nazarene University
M.S.N., Anderson University
A native Texan, Dr. Christopher Holmes studied music theory at the University of Texas at Arlington and music history at Baylor University. He earned his Ph.D. in musicology from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, completing a dissertation on the music of Peter Maxwell Davies.
Dr. Holmes's primary research interests are in the relationship between twentieth-century music and tradition and aesthetics. His current research projects include papers on tradition and twentieth-century music and studies of the music Peter Maxwell Davies, Edmund Rubbra, and Hans Werner Henze. He has presented papers at regional and national conferences on the music of Arnold Schoenberg and Peter Maxwell Davies, as well as pre-concert talks for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. He also organized a series of talks at the Anderson Public Library.
At Anderson University, Dr. Holmes teaches a variety of courses in music history and literature for music students and non-majors. He is also the founding director of the Community School for Performing Arts at Anderson University. He has previously taught music history courses for both undergraduate and graduate students at Indiana University.
Dr. Holmes enjoys reading tales of espionage, watching films, fishing, and watching Dallas Cowboys football. But most especially, his joy is in his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Emma, Charlotte, Anne-Claire, and Elise.
Courses: History of Medieval and Renaissance Music, History of Baroque and Classic Music, History of Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Music, History of Lyric Theatre, Introduction to Music Literature, Introduction to World Music, and Music, the Arts, and Culture, as well as seminars on various topics.
Associate Professor of Music
B.M., University of Texas at Arlington
M.M., Baylor University
Ph.D., Indiana University
I am excited to be working with the School of Music, Theatre, and Danceto showcase their programs to prospective students. My husband, Dr. Christopher Holmes, teaches music history at AU, and we enjoy opening our home to students whenever possible.
Fun Facts: I am mother to four beautiful daughters, a native Texan, and an avid college sports fan...Sic’Em Bears!
Hometown: Columbus, Texas
Education: B.A. in Film and Digital Media at Baylor University; M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Baylor University
I am the Visit Coordinator here at AU. I love to help prospective students and families plan their day, connect them with faculty, and show them what a great place AU is for their college experience!
Fun Fact: In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, entertaining and I am a wedding planner with a love for growing and arranging flowers.
Hometown: Anderson, Indiana
Education: Elementary Education
In October of 2016, Jen Hunt returned to her alma mater, Anderson University, as Director of Development. Since September 2017, Jen has served in the role of Vice President of Advancement.
Jen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from AU and her law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. Her career in development began in 2000, when she joined Deaconess Hospital Foundation in Evansville, Indiana as the Annual and Planned Giving Officer. Prior to coming to AU, she served as the Director of Development and Communications for the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention in Indianapolis for more than 10 years.
A native of Indianapolis, Jen lives on the northeast side of Indy with her husband, Steve, and their two daughters, Abby and Cassie.
Her passion for Anderson University stems from the positive academic and spiritual foundation she received while a student here. She is excited about the opportunity to provide those same kinds of experiences for students today. Her primary role is to connect donors who share a passion for AU with meaningful giving opportunities.
Jen has been at Anderson University since 2016.
Vice President for Advancement
(765) 641-4063
jehunt@anderson.edu
Soprano
Diana holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Education from Millikin University and a Master of Music Degree in Performance from Bowling Green State University. She is also a Level III Certified Teacher of Somatic Voicework™, The LoVetri Method. Professional organizations include The Ohio Light Opera, Toledo Opera, The Indianapolis Symphony, The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Indiana Opera Theatre. Favorite roles include Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutté, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Desirée Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, and Maria in The Sound of Music. Diana also counts Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Handel’s The Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Mozart’s Requiem in her repertoire. She is also a studio singer at Aire Born Studios recording choral arrangements for music publishing companies including Beckenhorst Press, Hal Leonard and Boosey and Hawkes. She can be heard on the newly recorded Requiem, by Mark Hayes and The Music of Living by Dan Forrest. Diana recently appeared as the soprano soloist with the Butler Symphony Orchestra on Beethoven’s Egmont. She is currently on staff at Anderson University as Adjunct Instructor of Voice, Taylor University as Adjunct Instructor of Voice, and formerly at Butler University as Adjunct Instructor for Jordan College of the Arts.
M.M., Bowling Green State University
Elizabeth Imafuji teaches first-year writing and a variety of courses on writing and language, including Composing Arguments, History of the English Language, English Grammar and Style, and the Honors Program course Journeys and Migrations in the Western Tradition.
As Writing Program Director, she provides leadership for the university’s first-year writing sequence. She also co-directs the university’s Honors Program.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Imafuji researches writing and rhetoric. Recently she has presented her work at national conferences including those of the College Composition and Communication, College English Association, and the Council of Writing Program Administrators. In 2017 she was awarded a fully-funded spot on the Council for Independent Colleges seminar “The Verbal Art of Plato,” hosted by the Center for Hellenic Studies. She also serves on the executive board of the Indiana College English Association.
Dr. Imafuji holds a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Composition from Ball State University, and an M.A. in English specializing in Teaching English as a Second Language from Purdue University. She joined the AU faculty in 2005.
Linda Imel currently serves as a Development Officer, working closely with donors to help them connect their passion for AU with meaningful giving opportunities. Linda has been involved in various capacities at Anderson University since 2008.
As a student, she earned her Bachelor of Organizational Leadership and Master of Business Administration degrees through the Department of Adult Studies and Falls School of Business. Linda also worked with the Department of Adult Studies as an adjunct professor where she gained a deep appreciation for the mission of AU and the impact it has on the lives of all students.
Linda Imel has been working at AU since 2013.
Contact Linda:
lfimel@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4069
Karen comes to Anderson University bringing ten plus years' experience as an administrative support professional at the primary, secondary, and higher education levels. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Karen assists the undergraduate programs of the Falls School of Business.
Dr. Ippolito received his B.S. in Biology from Yale University in 1979 and his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985. His doctoral research focused on competition between an invasive species and native bass in a power plant reservoir in East Texas. After a four-year stint teaching marine biology at the University of New England in Southern Maine, Dr. Ippolito took his present position with Anderson University, where he has taught for the past 26 years. While on the AU faculty, Dr. Ippolito has developed interests in the fields of ecology and philosophy of science. He has conducted long-term monitoring of the White River in Anderson using benthic macroinvertebrates as indicator organisms and currently shares his data with the Anderson Stormwater Department. Several of his students have presented their findings at the Butler undergraduate conference. Dr. Ippolito also teaches an upper division seminar on the integration of faith and science and is currently investigating the question of how to reconcile Divine action and special Providence with the insights of modern science.
Dr. Ippolito is also a member of the summer faculty of the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies in Mancelona, Michigan. He has taught either fish biology or aquatic ecology at Au Sable for all but one of the past twenty-one summers. Dr. Ippolito has also taught stream ecology for the Creation Care Study Program (CCSP) at both their Belize and New Zealand campuses.
Dr. Ippolito is married to Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito, also a member of the Anderson University Biology faculty. Together they have five children, three of whom have received or are in the process of achieving advanced degrees in their respective disciplines.
Dr. Ippolito enjoys reading, traveling, and classical music. He is also an accomplished martial artist, holding a rank of fourth-degree black belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, as well as lesser belts in three other styles. He was the 2003 AAU black belt senior champion for the Midwest region.
B.S.; Yale University
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Jeffrey graduated from AU in 2012 with a degree in visual communication design. Before joining the Communication & Marketing team in 2018, he was an apparel screen printer and designer for 6 years in Indianapolis. He lives in Broad Ripple with his wife and serves as the visual director for his church.
Jeffrey likes to dabble in many artist mediums outside of digital design, including screen printing, pottery, and woodworking. He enjoys being an artistic master-of-none and values learning the processes into how all things work.
He enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and traveling in the outdoors.
Favorite food: anything from Yats.
Jamie holds master's and bachelor's degrees in classical guitar music performance from Ball State University, where he studied with Mr. Paul Reilly. Jamie has held numerous teaching positions in Indiana at both the university level and the freelance level, including Anderson University, Taylor University, Purdue University, and Ball State University, as well as at the Muncie Music Center and Meridian Music, Indianapolis.
He has performed in many classical small ensembles in the Central Indiana region, including the WyndWood Flute & Guitar duo with Donna Swartz Bath (flute). In addition to his classical work, Jamie performed with the Jazz quartet Cries & Whispers, the Blues sextet Borrowed Time, the Madison County Directors Band, and the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
He also served for fifteen years as director of music at the Saint Francis of Assisi Newman Center in Muncie, Indiana.
M.A., Ball State University
Diana Jones serves as the department chair of kinesiology and is a professor in the area of physical education teacher education and coaching minor program. She has taught at all grade levels throughout her career and has extensive experience in preparing students to become physical educators and coaches. In addition, she has presented various programs on fitness, dance, brain-based research, sports education, and adventure education at the local, state, regional and national levels. She is extremely passionate about teaching and preparing future teachers.
Jones joined the Department of Kinesiology in 2005 and received the faculty of the year award in 2011.
Contact Dr. Jones:
dljones@anderson.edu
Kardatzke Wellness Center 235
(765) 641-4125
Professor of Kinesiology
B.A., Cedarville College
M.Ed., Bob Jones University
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Dr. Kang has long been interested in integrating mechanical engineering technologies into bio-applications.
His Ph.D. work at Pohang University of Science and Engineering (POSTECH) in Pohang, South Korea, was in design, characterization, and evaluation of an in vitro cell stimulation device using biophysical stimuli for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. He also utilized additive manufacturing techniques to provide a three-dimensional environment for cells during culture. He optimized the parameters of electromagnetic field and ultrasound stimuli to specifically enhance cellular functions and evaluated their combined effects with a biomimetic stimulus on bone regeneration.
He further pursued how mechanical stimuli affect cellular metabolism and behavior (i.e., mechanotransduction) as a post-doctoral fellow at Indiana University School of Medicine. He utilized genetically modified mice to observe which cellular mechanisms are associated with external mechanical loading to bones, especially via the Wnt signaling pathway. Additionally, he has worked to develop a reliable osteocyte in vitro culture model using 3D-shaped collagen and mechanical stimuli.
Dr. Kang is married to his grad-school sweetheart, Jung Min, with whom he has a son named Ian. Dr. Kang enjoys learning American culture.
Dr. Kang has served at Anderson University since 2017 and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Contact Dr. Kang:
kskang@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University (Seoul, South Korea)
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH (Pohang, South Korea)
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, POSTECH (Pohang, South Korea)
Welcome to Anderson University! We are so happy to have you here and have been prayerfully awaiting your arrival. My name is Ashley, and I will be living and working with you during your freshman year.
I grew up in Michigan and Ohio, but have now lived in Indiana the longest and intend to make Anderson my home. I attended AU as an undergraduate, majoring in English Education. I then taught high school in Northwest Ohio. Last year, I returned to campus to begin a degree in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and work in the office of Student Engagement before transitioning to my current role as Resident Director of Martin Hall.
Living and working in a residence hall as a young college student completely transformed my life. I found a community in my dorm that welcomed me, listened to my story, and encouraged me to grow as a woman of God. It is in this environment that I flourished. It is my prayer that you would have a similar experience this year. Your RA Staff and I have made your future flourishing our goal.
Outside of my time working with students, I try to spend as much time as possible snuggled up with a great book or working on some stories of my own. In the summer you will find me at a baseball game, listening to a baseball game, watching a baseball game, or wishing I was at a baseball game. Clearly, I am a big fan.
Again, we are so happy that you chose Anderson University for your educational journey. We are so excited to watch you grow!
Contact Ashley:
ackelly.dosl@anderson.edu
B.A., Anderson University
During his tenure at Anderson University, Dr. Kennedy has taught a broad range of courses in chemistry and physics and maintains an active research program studying the antimicrobial properties of polymer solutions and polymeric coatings.
In 2009 Dr. Kennedy began consulting for a start-up company that formulates and distributes unique antimicrobial products to a wide variety of markets. In 2010, Dr. Kennedy partnered with his colleagues in the Department of Chemistry and Physics to form Aurum Consulting, a scientific consulting firm that provides services to small businesses and educators in central Indiana. In addition to meeting the needs of its clients, Aurum Consulting also provides exciting internship and research opportunities to Anderson University students.
While on sabbatical during the 2011-2012 academic year, Dr. Kennedy earned his M.B.A. His primary motivation for pursuing this degree was to better understand the demands that are being placed on young, professional scientists and engineers as they enter a work environment that is very different from the environment encountered by previous generations.
Dr. Kennedy is married to his wonderful wife Melinda, with whom he has three daughters: Cassandra, Jadyn, and Amber. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, teaching and playing tennis at the local racquet club, and playing intramural sports.
Dr. Scott Kennedy has served at Anderson University since 2005.B.S. Materials Science Engineering, University of Illinois
M.S. Polymer Science Engineering, University of Massachusetts
M.B.A. Anderson University
Ph.D. Polymer Science Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Doyeon Diane Kim, a native of South Korea, will serve as piano faculty and the international student director for the Anderson University Piano and Composition camp.
She has made her way across the globe with performances as a soloist and chamber musician at diverse festivals and music venues in the United States, Europe, and Asia. She was also invited as an artist for guest artist series and exchange artist series during her studies and has performed at schools such as Eastman School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and Oberlin School of Music. In 2010, she made her debut in NYC with New York Concerti Symphonietta as a concerto soloist and also as a solo pianist at Carnegie Weill Hall. Having started her music study at the age of 5, Dr. Kim studied with Edward Auer in Indiana University for her Bachelor’s degree and has been fully supported by Rackham Graduate Fellowship during her studies at the University of Michigan where she earned her Master’s Degree and Doctor of Musical Arts degree under the tutelage of Arthur Greene.
In 2015, to celebrate the centenary of Scriabin’s death, Dr. Kim released her first album of a selection of the Scriabin’s Preludes, including a complete set of Op. 11. In 2016, she released her second album of music with stories to explore and create a new genre. “Classical Ballade” is available on Amazon, iTunes, and other streaming sites.
She is currently teaching at Gyeongsang National University and Paichai University in South Korea.
Heather A. Kim joined the staff of Anderson University in January 2020 as vice president for enrollment, marketing, and communication. She previously served as assistant vice president and dean of admissions at Trine University. Her career in higher education spans over twenty-two years, including serving as the vice president for enrollment and marketing at Arizona Christian University in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to entering the field of higher education, she spent several years in sales and marketing for Continental Airlines in Los Angeles, California. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and her master's degree in education leadership from Northern Arizona University. A native of Greencastle, Indiana, she is happy her position at AU allows her to be closer to family and friends. She is married to her husband Darryl, and has adult twins, Dylan and Delaney, who reside in Phoenix.
Doug has a bachelor's degree in theatre with an emphasis on musical theatre and dance from Ball State University. Jazz, tap, and musical theatre are his specialties. He was active in starting the dance program at Anderson University in 2000. His dance study has been in North Carolina, New York, Toronto, Minneapolis, and at Butler University. He has danced with Dance Kaleidoscope, Indianapolis Ballet, and Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. In the Theatre, he has worked extensively in Chicago and Indianapolis with Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. Doug was a cast member of the first national as well as the Canadian national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat where he performed in Toronto, Vancouver, Minneapolis, and Chicago. He has been a part of the AU dance faculty since 2000.
B.A., Ball State University
Shane Kirkpatrick majored in Bible and Religion at Anderson University (1993). He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary (1996) and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame (2003). His doctoral dissertation has been published as Competing for Honor: A Social-Scientific Reading of Daniel 1-6 (Brill, 2005).
Dr. Kirkpatrick has deep roots in the Friends church (Quakers), where he has served as a pastor and continues to be an invited preacher. He is now active in the United Methodist Church. He has traveled to over a dozen countries, touring and doing church work in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. As a student at Anderson University, he participated in Tri-S trips to Costa Rica and India.
Among the courses he regularly teaches are “Introduction to the Bible,” “Methods in Biblical Exegesis,” “Hermeneutics: The Practice of Interpreting,” and upper-division exegetical courses on Old Testament texts, as well as a course in the Peace and Conflict Transformation (PACT) Program. He is active in the scholarship of teaching and learning, presenting and publishing research and reflections on pedagogy as well as facilitating workshops on teaching in theology and religion.
Students regularly report having transformative experiences through their education in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and with Dr. Kirkpatrick. He helps students take responsibility for their own learning, which is pursued in a supportive environment that welcomes faith. His work with students in the field of biblical studies is one of the reasons that Anderson University is valued as an education destination for ministry preparation.
Professor Kirkpatrick has served at Anderson University since 2000.
Contact Professor Kirkpatrick:
skirkpatrick@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4508
Professor of Biblical Studies
B.A., Anderson University
M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame
Patricia Kline teaches Obstetrics and Pediatric Nursing, including concepts related to family-centered nursing based on care of the pregnant woman, newborn and child in both normal and compromised paradigms. She collaborates with health organizations to provide clinical experiences for students in which they care for low and high risk perinatal women as well as transitional newborns. She also coordinates pediatric learning experiences through acute and outpatient child care settings. Prof. Kline also mentors senior nursing students through the intercultural nursing experience. Recently, she led a trip to Nicaragua and Uganda.
Professor Kline earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Anderson University and continued her education by earning a BSN from Ball State University. At the beginning of her nursing career, she and her husband, Will, served as career Missionaries for the Church of God in Brazil. Upon returning to the states, she felt a definite call to practice obstetrical nursing with a focus in labor, birth, newborn transition, and lactation. After ten years of working as a labor and delivery nurse, she earned her CNM from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing and her MSN from Case Western Reserve University. One of her passions is understanding and promoting human lactation. She has maintained her certification with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) since 1993. She comes to Anderson University with almost 30 years of nursing experience and continues clinical practice as a Certified Nurse Midwife through IU Health in Indianapolis working with the interurban underserved and Hispanic population.
Professor Kline is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, ACNM (American College of Nurse Midwives), and ILCA (International Lactation Consultants Association). Her research interests focus on the benefits of physiologic labor and birth and the barriers to understanding and maintaining human lactation within our culture.
Pat and her husband, Will, live in Indianapolis, Ind. Three of their four children (Stephanie Mabry, Jonathan Kline, and Joshua Kline) are AU graduates. Pat and Will enjoy traveling and visiting their four granddaughters as much as possible. Pat’s life verse is Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ-yes to know the power of his resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like him-”
Patricia Kline has been at Anderson University since 2014.
Contact Pat:
pakline@anderson.edu
Hartung 374
Ext. 4387 (765) 641-4387
Assistant Professor of Nursing
M.S.N., Case Western Reserve University
D.N.P., Indiana University
Amy Kniffen, violist, has been a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra since 1998. Trained by prominent violists Emmanuel Vardi, Leonard Mogill, and Robert Vernon, she is a graduate of Temple University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Active in chamber music, Amy has performed with Suzuki and Friends, the Ronen ensemble, Quattra string quartet, and in numerous recitals for the A Piacere recital series. As an ISO Education Ambassador, Amy has taught in Indianapolis area schools, as well as at DePauw University as substitute viola professor. Amy lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Tony Kniffen, who is Principal Tuba for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and their three children.
Professor Charles Koontz joined the Anderson University faculty in 1985 and served as chair of the Computer Science Department from 1999 to 2016. Prior to joining Anderson University, he served in the military and worked in a business-related profession. Professor Koontz received a B.A. in Psychology from Purdue University in 1979 and a M.A. in Computer Science from Ball State in 1985. His academic interests include database programming, web programming, and developing mobile applications.
Over the years, Professor Koontz has done database-related consulting for Lafarge North America, served as a project manager for the English Language Institute in Baghdad, Iraq, and served as a guest lecturer for the Ball State University-Tikrit University Linkage Program.
Chuck and his wife Teresa have five children and nine grandchildren. He enjoys backpacking, hiking and traveling. His work-related and personal travels have taken him to over twenty countries in Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
Contact Professor Koontz:
koontzcb@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4313
LinkedIn
Associate Professor of Computer Science
A.S., Vincennes University
B.A., Purdue University
M.A., Ball State University
Dr. Lallathin is considered to be both a dancer and a scientist. She has a passion for dance and a brain for science. From a young age, she sought a career that would combine, rather than limit, her ability to continue her involvement in both. She earned a B.A. in Kinesiology from Purdue University with a minor in dance and continued her academic pursuits at Ball State University, where she received a M.S. in Biomechanics for her thesis, "Skill Acquisition and Learning in Dance: A Traditional vs Biofeedack Approach." She continued her research at the University of Georgia, where she was awarded with a Ph.D. in Biomechanics. Her dissertation, entitled, "The Effects of Foot Position on Balance Displayed by Classically Trained Ballerinas in Passe," focused on technique differences exhibited by a change in shoes. Her current research interests focus on physiological changes, and their effect on technique performance. She is an active member of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) and the International Association for Dance, Medicine, and Science (IADMS). She has been chosen to present her research at several small regional conferences affiliated with ASB, and also at the annual IADMS conference.
Through her teaching, Dr. Lallathin aims to improve the anatomical awareness of dancers in hopes to improve technique, lengthen dance careers, and reduce dancer injuries. She has been a part of the Anderson University dance faculty since 2016.
Ph.D., University of Georgia
Dr. Lambright teaches almost the entire range of courses offered by the Department of Mathematics, such as Explorations in Mathematics and the Calculus sequence, as well as Mathematical Models and Geometry.
His research interests are related to the fields of combinatorics and algebra, involving special families of polynomials and integer sequences related to them. He is hoping to branch out in the future into areas connected to the intersection of mathematics and political science and the use of computational modeling to predict various outcomes in that field.
Dr. Lambright, along with Drs. Taylor and Van Groningen, has led Anderson University's Research Experiences in Mathematics, a group of students who work on original research alongside faculty members. This work has been supported by grants from both CURM and INSGC, providing the students with opportunities to present their results at other area colleges, as well as at conferences across the country.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Lambright serves the AU community as the academic advisor for both the eSports & Gaming club and Together in Media. Off campus he is active at Maple Grove Church of God in Anderson, IN, where he serves on the Church Council and as part of a cook team for the Wednesday night inter-generational ministry LOGOS. But most of all he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing games and reading.
Dr. Justin Lambright has served at Anderson University since 2011.
Contact Dr. Lambright:
jjlambright@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 333
(765) 641-4413
Associate Professor of Mathematics
B.S. Applied Mathematics and Physics, Geneva College
M.S. Mathematics, Western Illinois University
Ph.D. Mathematics, Lehigh University
Andrew is the Director of Student Success at Anderson University. Andrew provides leadership to the first year experience and the Peer Mentor team, oversees New Student Orientation, and coordinates retention efforts for the university. In this role, he helps students to thrive as they enter and persist throughout their university careers.
Andrew is originally from Indianapolis, IN and is a graduate of Taylor University where he received his undergraduate degree in Biblical Literature and his Masters in Higher Education and Student Development. He then went on to be the Resident Director and Area Coordinator of Walker Hall at John Brown University for five years. He then went on to the University of Dayton where he served as the Coordinator of Co-Curricular Learning prior to joining the team here at AU. Andrew is excited to walk alongside students as they move throughout their college experiences and help students be successful while at AU.
Andrew is married to Maria and they have a son, Nick. Andrew loves spending time with his family, reading, collecting vinyl, and brewing coffee in his growing collection of coffee-making equipment.
B.A. Biblical Literature, Taylor University
M.A. Higher Education and Student Development, Taylor University
Stefanie Leiter graduated from Anderson University with a B.A. in mass communications and a specialization in public relations. In 2016, she graduated with her Master of Science in Communication from Purdue University and received a graduate certificate in strategic communications in 2015.
In her previous role as director of content strategy and public relations, Stefanie was responsible for leading the content team that manages the AU website, institutional and admissions social media platforms, copy for all communication and marketing deliverables, and outreach materials supporting institutional reputation. In her 12 years in the communication field, she started 14 social media channels for Anderson University and worked through five website redesigns including the responsive AU site redesign in 2016. She served as an adjunct for 2 years before joining full time in the fall of 2017. Stefanie started her PhD in Communication from Regent University in May 2018.
Stefanie is married to Dave and has two young children, Ava and Jackson.
Hear a podcast featuring Stefanie
[soundcloud id='555401940' comments='false' mini='true' height='false']
Contact Professor Leiter:
skleiter@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Public Relations
B.A., Anderson University
M.S.C., Purdue University
A.B.D., Regent University
Kyle is a 2015 Anderson University visual communication design graduate. Kyle works with his fellow designers to guide the mission and vision of the university through both print and web collateral.
Before starting at AU in 2016, Kyle interned with two Indianapolis-based marketing agencies.
Favorite Movies: Harry Potter series, The Hobbit Trilogy, Mad Max Fury Road, and Interstellar
"It is what it is."
Tai Lipan, director of university galleries and instructor of art, teaches drawing, painting, and 2-D Design. As director of the galleries, Tai oversees the permanent collection and managing exhibitions in both the Wilson and York Hall Galleries throughout the year.
She received her BA in painting from Anderson University in Indiana and her MFA in painting from Western Carolina University.
Tai Lipan has been at Anderson University since 2002.
Contact Prof. Lipan:
talipan@anderson.edu
Fine Arts 249
(765) 641-4322
Instructor of Art
Director of University Galleries
B.A., Anderson University;
M.F.A., Western Carolina University
Hello, I am Dillon, and I am the resident director of the on-campus apartments! I have spent the previous four years of my life on Anderson's campus as an undergraduate studying Youth Ministry. I spent three of those years residing on the 4th floor of Smith Hall, two of which I was an RA for the floor. I loved my experience in residence life and am super excited to be a part of this team once again in a slightly larger role.
I am the resident director, but I am also a graduate student at the Anderson's School of Theology where I am studying to get my Masters of Theology. Along with a love for theology and engaging in the deeper conversations that follow, I really enjoy playing all kinds of sports. My favorites of which are Spikeball and Basketball. It would not be uncommon to find me playing these sports with a group of students on any given night. I absolutely love Anderson University and am super appreciative to all of the experiences that I have had here and was not ready to say goodbye to this community so I am super excited that will get to be engaged in it for another couple of years!
Professor Lowmiller joined the AU faculty in 2019. He brings experience working in DevOps, systems and network administration, development, and cybersecurity. He completed a BS in Business Information Systems degree at Indiana Wesleyan University and an MS in Cybersecurity at Bellevue University.
Having been an independent cybersecurity consultant, trainer, and adjunct professor, Professor Lowmiller is looking forward to training the next generation of our cyber workforce for excellence and service. He is very excited to share his experiences working alongside organizations like the US military, financial services providers, and member organizations of the big four accounting firms.
Professor Lowmiller lives in Marion, Indiana, with his wife, Heather, and their three kids. He has many interests, including gardening, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Gilbert Lozano, professor of biblical studies and Hebrew, was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Lozano came into the Church of God as a youth. His growth and service to the church would in time take him to live in Brazil. He completed his bachelor's at Warner Pacific College (Portland, Ore.). This opportunity opened a network of friendships that would in time allow him to complete his graduate work at the University of Denver/ Iliff School of Theology and then pave the way for him to teach at Messiah College (Grantham, Pa.). Lozano returned to Curitiba, Brazil where he taught for Fidelis, the Mennonite School of Theology, before joining the Anderson University School of Theology faculty. Here he teaches Hebrew and Old Testament studies. Lozano is also ordained in the Church of God (Anderson) and has served congregations in both Colombia and the United States.
Lozano joined the School of Theology faculty in 2011.
Contact Dr. Lozano:
(765) 641-4523
glozano@anderson.edu
Professor of Biblical Studies and Hebrew
B.Th., Boa Terra Theological Institute
B.A., Warner Pacific College
M.Div., Iliff School of Theology
Ph.D., University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology
Dr. Lucas has been serving students at Anderson University since 1981 and as a faculty member in the Falls School of Business since 1984. An Anderson University graduate, Dr. Lucas has an MBA from Ball State University and a Ph.D. in higher education administration with an emphasis in organizational behavior and theory from Indiana University. In addition to his teaching, Dr. Lucas also serves as chairperson of the Anderson University faculty and also as the faculty athletic representative to the NCAA.
Contact Doyle:
djlucas@anderson.edu
Professor of Management
B.A., Anderson University;
M.B.A., Ball State University;
Ph.D., Indiana University
Allison Ludwig is the project manager for Anderson University’s Office of Advancement. She coordinates with members of the Advancement, Alumni, Development, and Annual Giving staff on events, communications, and projects for AU donors and alumni.
Allison graduated from AU in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations. After graduation, she began working for a local nonprofit healthcare agency as the community outreach and marketing coordinator. There she planned and coordinated events, created marketing material, wrote for the company’s blog and social media pages, and built community relations.
Allison has been with Anderson University since 2018.
Jack Lugar worked for more than a decade in Los Angeles as a television writer and producer. Jack’s writing credits include the Warner Bros./FOX sitcom “Wanda At Large,” “From the Top” for Family Theater Productions, and several projects for comedian Louie Anderson’s company, Louzell Productions. Most recently, he has been a panelist and/or jury member for Heartland International Film Festival, Indy Shorts, and International Mobile Film Festival.
His recent work includes the creation of the children’s chapter book series, Katz Pajamas, about an extraordinary cat detective, and his current project, writing the young adult fantasy series Sessi and the Gates to Hel. In addition, Jack is the author of the humor book The Starving Artist’s Diet and co-author of Hollywood Break-In: Launch your Entertainment Career. He also holds the distinction of being selected as a writer for the Warner Bros. Comedy Workshop and has received recognition from the Disney/ABC Writer’s Program, Slamdance, Scriptapalooza and The Page Awards.
Jack has been a guest lecturer and adjunct professor at Anderson University, Taylor University, Azusa Pacific University, and the Act One Writer’s Program in Los Angeles.
He joined the full-time faculty at Anderson in the fall of 2016 and teaches on the topics of screenwriting, TV writing, storytelling, cinema studies, and producing for film and television.
Contact Jack Lugar: jrlugar
B.A., Taylor University
M.A., Regent University
J.D., Indiana University
Chris Luekenga serves as assistant provost and the dean of students. He served as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Western Colorado University for 6 years where he oversaw Residence Life, Security Services, Conduct, Title IX, Health and Wellness, University Center and Student Engagement/Orientation. Chris also taught Psychology courses for Western including General Psychology, Personality Theory, The History of Psychology, and designed and taught Psychology of Human Strengths.
Chris is an ordained Church of God minister and served congregations in Colorado for 25 years.
Chris graduated from Anderson University (College) with a B.A. In Psychology and minor in Bible and from Trinity Seminary with an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry.
Chris is married to Dr. Joani Brandon. Chris has two married children, Dayne (Brittany) who live in Florida, and Madison (Ben) Leatherman who live in Anderson. Chris attends Park Place Church of God and enjoys outdoor activities.
Chris has a passion for mentoring university students and young professionals in life transforming opportunities.
Toya Lutterman is a full-time assistant professor in the school of nursing BSN pre-licensure program. Toya earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Anderson University and has experience in OB, Pediatrics, and Community Health. For the past eight years, she has worked as the corporation nurse for Alexandria Community Schools, where she precepted nursing students, provided primary care to pediatric population, and managed staff education and state reporting. Toya and her husband, Nathan, have five children and live in Summitville. She enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.
Contact Toya:
thlutterman@anderson.edu
Hartung 372
Ext. 4389 (765) 641-4389
Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., Anderson University
Dr. Kimberly G. Lyle-Ippolito is Professor of Biology at Anderson University. Dr. Lyle-Ippolito received her BS in Biology from Wright State University in 1980 and her MS and PhD in Molecular Genetics from The Ohio State University in 1985. She completed a post-doctoral research position at Case Western Reserve University in vaccine development before moving to The Cleveland Clinic Foundation as a virologist. She then accepted the position of Chief of Virology at the Dayton (Ohio) VA Hospital and taught as an adjunct professor for Wright State University College of Medicine. Dr. Lyle-Ippolito joined the AU faculty in the fall of 2000. She received the Nicholson Award for outstanding teaching (awarded by the students) in 2002 and again in 2004. She is currently completing an MTS at the Anderson University School of Theology.
She maintains an active undergraduate research program in genetics and microbiology, studying gut microflora in mice, anaerobic bacteria and spore formation, and bacterial/fungal alpha-amylase activity. Her students have presented their work at the Butler Undergraduate Research Conference and at the national Alpha Chi Convention.
Dr. Lyle-Ippolito is the author of several best-selling textbooks, including Inquiry into Life, with McGraw-Hill. She currently serves as science editor for Wiley, Inc. working on microbiology textbooks. Dr. Lyle-Ippolito is married to Dr. Dan Ippolito, another professor in the biology department, and together they have five children. She is also a member of the Anderson Symphonic Choir and is the music director at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anderson.
B.S., Wright State University
M.S., Ph.D. The Ohio State University
Kimberly Majeski, associate professor of biblical studies, is a scholar, preacher, and author. Majeski has served the wider church as a conference speaker, women’s retreat leader, and radio personality with the Church of God’s ViewPoint ministry (Christians Broadcasting Hope). Before joining the seminary faculty, Majeski served Anderson University as campus pastor and as ministry coordinator of the Women of the Church of God. She writes a popular weekly blog and is the founder of Butterflies of Hope Outreach, a ministry to exotic dancers in her city. Majeski is an ordained minister of the Church of God (Anderson). Kimberly and her husband Kevin reside in Anderson, Ind., with their two black cats, Monkey and Henry.
Majeski joined the School of Theology faculty in 2008.
Contact Dr. Majeski:
(765) 641-4551
ksmajeski@anderson.edu
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
B.A., Cumberland University
M.Div., D.Min., Anderson University School of Theology
Post graduate education University of Notre Dame (IN)
Professional Website
Personal Website
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
David B. Mannell, tenor, enjoys a demanding singing career spanning opera, musical theatre, oratorio, academic, and church work. A native of Topeka, Kansas, he received his music education degree from Emporia State University and master's degree from Indiana University.
David's career has taken him throughout the Midwest, nation, and Europe performing with regional opera houses and orchestras, as well as to Italy where he studied with Arrigo Pola, voice teacher of the late Luciano Pavarotti.
David is also on the faculty of IUPUI as Director of Choral/Voice/Education areas and stage directs for the educational program for the Indianapolis Opera Company. He has a very active private voice studio of which many of his students have received high awards regionally and locally, and have been accepted to many outstanding universities. He is the tenor soloist/section leader for Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and is an Executive Board member of the National and State NATS, National Federation of Music Clubs and the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Club. He has recorded four CDs.
M.A., Indiana University
Brian Martin is a development officer for Anderson University. He earned his bachelor's degree in Bible and religion and has been serving as a minister with the church in Anderson since 1992. He is married to his best friend, with whom he has 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls). He has been serving God at AU since 2014 when he began working as an admissions counselor focused on the School of Theology.
His focus is on connecting donors with meaningful opportunities that enrich the university community.
Development Officer
bhmartin@anderson.edu
I live for students. In my role as a ScholarCorps AmeriCorps Member, I act as a resource for Anderson University's 21st Century Scholars, hence the name"Ambassador." I plan and facilitate various workshops pertaining to different skills that are necessary in the life of a college student, I connect scholars to campus resources, and I strive to provide a space in which my students can feel welcome. The mission of this office is to make the college experience one that instills growth and enables scholars to thrive.
Andrea has been working at Anderson University since 2014, both in Admissions and the Office of Marketing and Communication.
Before coming to Anderson University, she earned a BA in telecommunications from Ball State University. At the completion of her college internship at WISH-TV in Indianapolis, she transitioned directly into a full-time staff position as a reporter and weekend assignment editor. She later took her reporting skills to WANE-TV. Then, eventually came back to Indianapolis where she worked again for WISH-TV and later for WTHR Channel 13.
She and her husband Rick have been married since 1993 and have 4 teenagers – Kerrigan, Cannon, Caden, and Kestin.
She earned her MBA from AU in May 2019.
As assistant director for adult and graduate admissions, Andrea manages projects and priorities for the university’s creative marketing and content teams.
Favorite quotes:
“I realized today is the day I write my own story.”
“Don’t think outside the box. Think like there is no box.”
I am an undergraduate admissions counselor at AU. I love being able to work with students as they go through their college search process. Choosing the right school can be one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
Fun Fact: My wife and I both ran collegiately and we met during our Freshman year at Marian University, where we were both on the Cross Country team.
Hometown: Avon, Indiana
Education: B.S. in Marketing from Marian University ‘18. Pursuing an MBA through Anderson University
Indiana Counties: All Southern Indiana Counties
States: Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi
I am an undergraduate admissions counselor at AU! Being a recent AU graduate, I’m very passionate about navigating families through this process as I was the first to graduate college in my family! I also guided my sister through her college search as she is now a Sophomore at AU.
Fun Fact: I was a left-handed pitcher for 14 years and was on a travel softball team that was ranked 7th in the nation!
Hometown: Muncie, IN
Education: B.A. in Biology and minor in Spanish from Anderson University ‘19
Indiana Counties: Benton, White, Tippecanoe, Clinton, Carroll, Cass, Miami, Howard, Tipton, Wabash, Grant, Huntington, Wells, Blackford, Adams, and Allen
States: Every state west of Illinois
Prior to arriving at Anderson University, Dr. McPheron spent four years as an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Dr. McPheron received his BSEE in Electrical Engineering at Ohio Northern University in 2010, and his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park in 2014.
Dr. McPheron has experience teaching a variety of engineering courses, including a majority of the courses required for Electrical Engineering majors. At AU he will teach courses in freshman engineering, circuit theory, electronics, control systems, power systems, and mechatronics. Dr. McPheron’s research interests include applications of control systems, robotics, and engineering education. He is a member of IEEE, ASME, and ASEE.
He is married to his amazing wife Mallory, and the couple has a daughter: Madeline. He is active serving on the worship team and as a life group leader at Northview Church, Anderson Campus. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, running, disc golf, board games, and making YouTube videos for engineering education.
Dr. McPheron has served at Anderson University since 2018. Dr. McPheron grew up in the Midwest and is excited to return after a long time away to help the engineering program grow at AU.
Selected Publications
B.D. McPheron, C.R. Thomas, W.J. Palm IV. “Time for Reflection: Development of Twenty Short Videos to Introduce New Topics and Engage Students in Circuit Theory.” Proceedings of the 2018 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, June 24-27, 2018.
E.T. Daniels, B.D. McPheron. “A Machine Learning Approach to Classifying Algae Concentrations.” 2017 IEEE MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference, November 3-5, 2017.
B.D. McPheron, M.Z. McPheron, C.R. Thomas. “Does Performance-Based Assessment in an Introductory Circuits Laboratory Improve Student Learning?” Proceedings of the 2017 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, June 25-28, 2017.
B.D. McPheron, Charles V. Thangaraj, Charles R. Thomas. “A Mixed Learning Approach to Integrating Digital Signal Processing Laboratory Exercises into a Non-Lab Junior Year DSP Course.” Advances in Engineering Education, Spring 2017, Vol. 6, Issue 1.
A.J. Bradley, W.C. Caruso, Y. Zheng, C.V. Thangaraj, B.D. McPheron. “Development of Low Cost Device for In-Situ Algae Monitoring.” 2016 IEEE MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference, November 4-6, 2016.
B.D. McPheron, J.D. Legris, C.P. Flynn, A.J. Bradley, E.T. Daniels. “Development of a Low-Cost Two- Degree of Freedom Spring-Cart System and System Identification Exercises for Dynamic Modeling.” Proceedings of the 2016 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, June 26-29, 2016.
B.D. McPheron, S.M. Gratiano, W.J. Palm IV. “Does Choice of Programming Language Affect Student Understanding of Programming Concepts in a First Year Engineering Course?” 2015 First Year Engineering Experience Conference, August 2-4, 2015.
Contact Dr. McPheron:
bdmcpheron@anderson.edu
BSEE in Electrical Engineering, Ohio Northern University
Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University
Professor Cara Miller first came to Anderson University to study journalism. As an undergraduate, she wrote for the school newspaper, was active in a social club, went on a trip to Spain, experienced several valuable internships, and graduated summa cum laude. She enjoyed AU so much that she returned to work on campus less than a year after graduating — first in the Publications Office, where she focused on university marketing and communications, and then in the English Department, which she joined in 2011.
In addition to freshmen composition, Professor Miller teaches courses in creative writing. She is also the faculty advisor for the student-run Literary Arts Magazine, director of the campus-wide Syford Poetry Contest, and a faculty mentor for first-year students. Besides teaching, she is the copy editor for two academic journals: Journal of Biblical Integration in Business and the Christian Business Association Review. Her own work has been published in various publications, including Eastown Fiction, Signatures magazine, and Metro North Business magazine.
Professor Miller serves on several university committees geared toward student success and marketing, including the Marketing and Recruitment Committee for the university’s Strategic Enrollment Plan, the Student Success Communications Committee, the Admissions Committee, the Centennial Steering Committee, and the Steering Committee for the Indiana Faith and Writing Conference. She is also co-coordinator of the Anderson University United Way Campaign.
She lives in Fishers with her husband and two young sons and attends Northview Church.
Kari Miller serves as Simulation Director and Assistant Professor. She collaborates with nursing faculty to facilitate hands-on learning of fundamental nursing skills and life-like clinical experiences. Professor Miller is also a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. She is experienced in high-fidelity simulation management and scenario writing.
Before coming to Anderson University, Professor Miller was adjunct nursing faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University. Her previous academic nursing experience includes six years at IWU Fortune Simulation Lab for the School of Nursing, clinical instructor, professor of Physical Assessment and Pharmacology, and substitute professor for many additional nursing classes.
Prof. Miller’s nursing experience and passion is working with babies. Previously, she worked as a primary NICU nurse and maternal newborn nurse. While working in this role, Professor Miller was part of the PMAD committee and was essential in changing hospital policies for the safety of mothers in Grant County. Among her nursing responsibilities, Professor Miller also worked as a charge nurse and primary nurse preceptor for new hires.
Kari, lives in Anderson, Indiana. She has two wonderful children, who are currently students at Anderson University. A favorite Bible verse and guide in troubling times is Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (New International Version).
Simulation Director and Assistant Professor
B.S., Evangel College
B.S.N., Indiana Wesleyan University
M.S.N., Indiana Wesleyan University
Professor Deborah Miller-Fox teaches creative writing, composition, cross-cultural American literature, two courses in the First Year Experience sequence and the Senior Seminar course required for all English and writing majors. Since 1997 when she began teaching in the English department, her course load has included a variety of other courses such as argument, literary non-fiction and advanced grammar. For many years, she advised the student staff for AU’s Literary Arts Magazine and directed the English department’s annual creative writing contest. Just recently, she accepted the role of faculty advisor for our chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honor society.
In addition to her responsibilities in the English department, Professor Miller-Fox serves the institution in a variety of other roles. For several years she chaired AU’s Academic Policies Committee and briefly served on the Faculty Affairs Committee. Miller-Fox worked with faculty from seven different departments to revise the existing Liberal Arts Seminar and design a new course from scratch. Additionally, she was one of the lead writers of a grant proposal that won the university a $1 million Lilly grant in 2013 and led to her becoming director of IDEA-U, a three-part initiative funded by the grant. Miller-Fox is also serving as co-chair of the university’s Strategic Enrollment Plan.
Though her primary calling is classroom instruction, Miller-Fox is an accomplished writer as well. She has contributed essays to several anthologies, and in 2010 she released A Star for Robbins Chapel, a young adult novel about a migrant family living in Lee County, Virginia in 1905. Though fiction and literary non-fiction are her preferred forms of prose, Miller-Fox writes scholarly and professional pieces as well. Since 2011, she has contributed multiple articles to Faculty Focus, an online professional journal on teaching methodology and best practices. Miller-Fox’s current writing project is a novel for adult readers. Tentatively titled Gravity, this work of fiction witnesses the crisis of faith, the consequences of rebellion and the power of redemption when the main character faces profound loss.
Professor Miller-Fox and her family attend Madison Park Church of God, where she serves on the Board of Elders and leads a small group with her husband, Jerry, a member of AU’s Falls School of Business. When she’s not cooking for family or friends, she can usually be found tending the flowerbeds around her home or reading a book on the front porch.
Stephanie is an Anderson resident and an AU alum. She completed a BA with majors in sociology and government, as well as an MBA from AU. She received an MA in adult and community education and executive development of public service from Ball State University and is passionate about increasing individual and organizational capacity and effectiveness through education. Stephanie is currently completing her doctorate in adult, community, and higher education.
As the director of the Office of Engagement and the Adult Student Experience, Stephanie has developed a network of education, business, and community partners that actively engage with faculty, staff, and students in identifying and creating career and educational pathways for all levels and categories of students. She has implemented university strategies that not only strive to benefit adult students and assist them in achieving academic and personal success, but to also increase success and retention for all students.
Contact Stephanie:
Office of Engagement and the Adult Student Experience
smmoran@anderson.edu
Dr. Marie Morris was named Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at Anderson University in 2009 and Provost in 2011. She previously served as Vice President and Undergraduate Academic Dean at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Morris earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Eastern Mennonite University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in Nursing Administration from George Mason University.
A message from the Provost:
Greetings,
Welcome to Anderson University where we are committed to educating the whole person for a life of faith and service! We are living in exciting times that are both stressful and hopeful.
As Provost, my personal mission is to create an environment for growth and learning where together we deeply engage the learning process. I am passionate about preparing students for a complex global society and a future we can hardly imagine. Today's graduates may be working at a job that does not yet exist. Where best to prepare students for the future than in a Christian liberal arts university, with a strong liberal arts program, among faculty mentors who guide students in exploring their vocational calling, where there is a deliberate attempt to connect theory with practice, the opportunity to develop real life skills through hands on learning, and all within the context of academic and Christian discovery. I see it as my calling to foster such an environment and I'm honored to work with the exceptional faculty and staff at Anderson.
The Office of Provost is here to serve and lead the academic endeavors of the university. For academics at Anderson to be at its best then all of us must give our best to one another. Mutuality in the learning process is essential for a vibrant learning community. In the spirit of mutuality we invite your comments (affirmations and/or suggestions).
Together we will create a vibrant learning community where all are challenged to reach their fullest potential. Together we lift one another to higher heights.
Dr. Marie S. Morris
Provost
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Monica trained with Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, dancing roles in Serenade, Swan Lake, Giselle, Coppelia, Don Quixote and Les Sylphides among others. In 2002, she had the honor to participate and perform in the X Curso International de la Danza in El Escohal, Spain, led by Alicia Alonso and master teachers of the National Ballet of Cuba. In 2005, she joined Milwaukee Ballet II performing in Michael Pink's Dracula, Swan Lake and Kathryn Posin's Scheherazade.
Monica later joined the Louisville Ballet, under the direction of Bruce Simpson and Helen Starr. While with the company, she enjoyed performing in a diverse repertoire including Raymonda, Andre Prokovsky's The Great Gatsby, Lila York's Celts, Graham Lustig's Between Stillness, Val Caniparoli's Vivace, Alun Jones' Cinderella, and Adam Houghland's CoW Virtues. Among her favorite roles include "Rum & Coca Cola", in Paul Taylor's Company B, "Arabian" in Val Caniparoli's The Nutcracker and "Dew Drop" in Michelle Jarvis' Waltz of the Flowers.
Monica earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance pedagogy from Butler University. She has taught and choreographed at Bluegrass Youth Ballet, Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble, and the Blue Grass State International Dance Festival. In 2009, her choreography for the Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble Vals de la Mar was chosen to perform at the SERBA festival in Montgomery, Ala.
Most recently Monica worked as faculty, and guest choreographer with Central Indiana Academy of Dance, and as assistant guest choreographer for Harvard University's Ballet Company. She is currently associate director to Kids Dance Outreach, an Indianapolis based non-profit that gives free dance education to underserved youth. Monica also teaches at Ballet Theatre of Carmel.
She has been a part of the Anderson University dance faculty since 2014.
B.A., Butler University
Ballet, pointe, character
Professor Murphy earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1992. His research specialties are in the history of modern Europe, modern Germany, and the Holocaust. He is the author of three books: The Heroic Earth: Geopolitical Thought in Weimar Germany (Kent, 1997), German Exploration of the Polar World: A History (Lincoln, 2002) and Murder in Their Hearts: The Fall Creek Massacre (Indianapolis, 2011). He has also the author of numerous scholarly articles, including most recently "Hitler's Geostrategist? The Myth of Karl Haushofer and the Institut für Geopolitik" in the March, 2014 issue of The Historian.
Prof. Murphy has also been the recipient of grants from the Program in Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security, the Stiftung Volkswagenswerk, the Social Science Research Council, the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) and the Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
At Anderson University, he teaches courses on Western Civilization, the Holocaust, modern Europe, and the history of war in the Western world. He also serves as co-director of the Anderson University Honors Program, a post he has held since the Program began in 2004.
Dr. Murphy has served at Anderson University since 1992.
Contact Dr. Murphy:
dtmurphy@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 367; (765) 641-4445
Professor of History
B.S., Southern Illinois University
M.A., Ph.D., University of Illinois
Melanie Lain Musser, MSW, has been teaching at Anderson University since 1992, first as an adjunct instructor, then as a full-time faculty member, and returning as Instructor of
Social Work.
Having earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Indiana University, she has practiced as a clinical social worker in community mental health counseling, in-patient psychiatric services, medical social work, and older adult and caregiver support services.
She teaches courses in the Social Work and Family Science programs, with a particular interest in introducing students to professional roles in social services, integration of faith and learning and professional practice, and exploring family dynamics in societal context.
Beyond AU, her volunteer and ministry roles have included advocating for children in poverty (Church of God child sponsorship program Children of Promise), promoting water well construction in developing countries to address the global clean water crisis (through Living Water International), serving in various youth development organizations (including Girl Scouts of Central Indiana), and ministry to the local community through Crosspoint Church in Fishers.
Contact Professor Musser
mlmusser@anderson.edu
MSW, Indiana University
Dr. Dama O’Keefe is an assistant professor in the BSN pre-licensure program. She graduated from the University of Saint Francis in 2001 with a BSN. Dama worked for St. Vincent Carmel in intensive care and progressive care and would function as the charge nurse in these areas. She transitioned to Community Surgery Center Hamilton and worked for seven years in pre-op, post-op, and PACU. During her time there, she was also a CPR instructor. Since completing her Master’s in Primary Care Nursing in 2013, Dr. O’Keefe has worked as a family nurse practitioner for IU Health Business Solutions providing primary care and occupational health to various populations in central Indiana. The past four years, Dama has divided her time between nursing education teaching in the BSN pre-licensure program at Indiana Wesleyan and continuing her practice with IU Health.
Most recently, in 2020, Dama completed her DNP with a focus in leadership. Her project concentrated on the importance of self-care in nursing, which demonstrated an improvement in the emotional intelligence of the participants in her project. She developed a curriculum, The O’Keefe Approach to Self-care, for nursing students to use during their education and beyond.
Dama is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners). She holds a certification with NRCME (National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners).
Dama and her husband, Jeff, live near Lapel with their two daughters. They enjoy gardening, beekeeping, tending to their chickens, and spending time with family and friends.
B.S.N. University of Saint Francis
M.S.N. Indiana Wesleyan University
F.N.P.-C Indiana Wesleyan University
Dr. Sarah Neal teaches Community Health Nursing at Anderson University in the School of Nursing, where she teaches concepts related to population health and global health issues. She collaborates with local health and social service organizations to provide clinical experiences for students in which they care for aggregates facing disparities in health. She coordinates Service Learning activities to meet critical health care needs of the community, including mass vaccination clinics and targeted health promotion programs in schools, churches, and community agencies. Prof. Neal routinely takes senior nursing students to the Jewish communities in Indianapolis, IN and Skokie, Il for a 2-week intercultural trip focusing on the religious and cultural traditions that affect nursing care given to patients in the Jewish culture.
Professor Neal has presented at State and National conferences on areas related to public health, nursing education, and Service Learning. Dr. Neal recently graduated from Indiana State University from their Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a focus on public health.
Sarah Neal has been at Anderson University since 2000.
Contact Sarah:
smneal@anderson.edu
Hartung 371
Ext. 4386 (765) 641-4386
Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., B.S.W., Anderson University;
M.S.N., Indiana University
D.N.P., Indiana State University
James Newton, MBA - Kent State University, comes to Anderson University Falls School of Business with a combined 25 years in the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors. Mr. Newton was an executive at Red Bull Energy Drink, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Harley-Davidson Motor Company. In the private sector, he owned and operated a small chain of action sports retail stores, a motorcoach company, and a social media influencer marketing agency. Married to his college sweetheart, Melanie, they have five children; Tabitha, Griffin, Samiya, Zayda, and Sebastian and reside in Fishers, Indiana.
Dr. Overstreet came to Anderson University after serving as a pastor in the Church of God for 14 years. He was ordained in 1989 and has served with congregations in Michigan and Indiana. For several years he represented Indiana Ministries of the Church of God on the Servant Board of the Indiana Partners for Christian Unity and Mission, a statewide ecumenical organization.
Dr. Overstreet's academic preparation for ministry began at Gulf-Coast Bible College (now Mid-America Christian University) and continued at Anderson University's School of Theology. His Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology from Christian Theological Seminary concluded with the project, “The Authority and Function of Scripture in Congregational Life.”
Whether teaching courses in Christian education and pastoral care in the ministry core of the Christian Ministries and Youth Ministries majors or courses in faith development and Bible within the liberal arts curriculum his background in practical theology prompt him to encourage students to explore not only how beliefs influence faith practices but also how communities and practices influence the formation of Christian belief.
Dr. Overstreet is a member of the American Academy of Religion, the Association of Practical Theology, and the Religious Education Association. With his family he attends Park Place Church of God. In addition, he is a tutor with the Madison County Literacy Coalition.
Professor Overstreet has served at Anderson University since 2002.
Contact Professor Overstreet:
gaoverstreet@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4502
Professor of Christian Education/Ministry
B.A., Gulf-Coast Bible College (Mid-America Christian University)
M.Div., Anderson School of Theology
D.Min., Christian Theological Seminary
As the Director of Spiritual Formation Becca oversees the Campus Ministries staff, and Discipleship Coordinators, as well as coordinating chapel worship. Her responsibilities in Campus Ministries include overseeing a staff of 11 student coordinators that lead weekly ministries for both the campus and the Anderson community. As Director of Discipleship Coordinators, Becca oversees 22 upperclassmen men and women who live on freshmen floors, leading Bible Studies and mentoring the residents. Her responsibilities for Chapel Worship include coordinating student musicians to lead worship twice a week for campus chapels, as well as including other artistic elements to chapel services.
Becca received her B.A. in Church Music in 2007 from Anderson University and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry. Becca is married to Trent (BA '06) and they have two children, Mae and Bly.
Becca has served at Anderson University since 2008.
B.A., Anderson University
Trent Palmer is the Director of Alumni Relations at Anderson University. Trent earned his BA in Physical Education and Health at Anderson University and an MS in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University.
Trent began his career at AU as the Resident Director of Smith Hall in 2007. He continued as a Resident Director for the apartments after his 4-year stint in Smith Hall. Palmer also previously served as the Director of Student Engagement, where he oversaw the Campus Activities Board, Intramurals and Social/Service Clubs. In 2019, Palmer became the Director of Young Alumni Engagement and in March of 2020, took over as Director of Alumni Relations. Trent is also the public address announcer for Anderson University men’s basketball games.
Trent is married to Becca (Pruett ’07) Palmer and has two children, Mae and Bly.
Trent has faithfully served at Anderson University since 2007.
Dr. Jason Parks hold s a Ph.D. in literature from Ball State University. Prior to joining the faculty at AU in 2008, Jason earned his Master of Arts in English at Butler University. His love of southern literature and absurdly long sentences led him to write a thesis on the links between modern historiography and William Faulkner’s Absalom Absalom! He has also worked extensively with at-risk youth in group home and academic settings, including a year of teaching literature, Bible, and Physical Education at an alternative high school near Boulder, Colorado. He earned his undergraduate degree in English at Anderson University, where he was also an active leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served as captain of the cross-country and track teams for three years. He earned NCAA All-America status as a college athlete and still holds the AU school record at 10,000 meters.
His current course offerings include Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric and Research, Contemporary Global Literature, and multiple courses in Medieval and Early Modern literature, including Chaucer and Shakespeare. His research includes topics ranging from digital pedagogy to early 20th century literary magazines. He has presented papers at multiple conferences on pedagogical topics and the transatlantic literary journal transition. He is a member of the Modernist Studies Association and the College English Association. He has also written a book chapter entitled, “A Digital Approach to Teaching Postmodern Literature,” which will be published by Bedford/St. Martin’s press in January 2015. Some of his original lesson plans can also be found on the preeminent online Shakespeare resource, The Shakespeare Standard.
He, his wife Kendra, and their sons, reside in Anderson and attend Madison Park Church of God where they also serve in the children’s ministry.
Lisa Dawson Pay, LCSW, professor of social work, received her master of social work degree from Indiana University. She has been the field coordinator for the social work program since 2002. She has practiced social work with the seriously mentally ill, persons impacted by domestic violence, and children and families. Professor Pay directed the Counseling Center at the IU for 10 years prior to beginning teaching in 1999.
Professor Pay has implemented several Christ-based 12-step recovery programs for churches and organizations, such as Celebrate Recovery. She created a college-based recovery program based on cognitive theory and Christian principles. She is a sought-after speaker for church, college, counseling seminars, and youth groups. She has an active private practice with Lives Transforming Ministry in Fishers, Indiana.
Specialty areas include cognitive therapy with individuals and families, marital and couples counseling, adolescent anxiety and depression, spiritual formation, and addictions. Her course load includes Introduction to Sociology, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Human Sexuality, and Thought Life and Spiritual Growth.
ldpay@anderson.edu
Professor of Social Work
B.A., Anderson University
M.S.W., Indiana University-Purdue University: Indianapolis
After graduating with a BA in Accounting from Anderson University in 1994, she worked several years for Ernst & Young LLP in Indianapolis where her audit clients included health-care, insurance, retail, and not-for-profit organizations. For the last 15 years, Professor Peddicord has held several positions in the financial management department at The Finish Line, Inc., most recently as the manager of financial reporting. She has also taught adjunct in the MBA program at the Falls School of Business. She is excited to be able to share her public and corporate accounting and management experiences with students as they prepare for their call to service in the accounting profession. Professor Peddicord has an MBA from Anderson University and is an active CPA. She and her husband, Todd, have three children.
Melanie Peddicord has served at Anderson University since 2011.
Contact Melanie:
mjpeddicord@anderson.edu
Associate Professor of Accounting
B.A., M.B.A., D.B.A. Anderson University
Professor Pianki has a well-balanced background, which blends academic ability and professional experience. He earned a BS in chemical engineering from University of Connecticut, an MS in chemical engineering from University of Arizona, and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Pianki served at Taylor University as assistant professor of business and environment management, at Barber Manufacturing as vice president of operations, at First Benefit as chief operating officer, and at PQ Corporation as plant manager. He also maintains an active consulting practice in the areas of strategy, operations, change management, and continuous improvement.
Frank Pianki has served at Anderson University since 1998.
Contact Frank:
fopianki@anderson.edu
Professor of Business Administration
B.S.Ch.E., University of Connecticut;
M.S.Ch.E., University of Arizona;
M.B.A., Pepperdine University;
Ed.D., Indiana University
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrgaviS_8s8&feature=youtu.be[/embed]
John S. Pistole earned his bachelor’s degree from Anderson University in 1978. He went on to earn a juris doctorate from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law before going into practice for two years. Pistole began a career with the FBI in 1983 before he rose through the ranks and was appointed deputy director in 2004. In March 2006, the FBI honored Pistole with the 2005 Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive. President Obama nominated Pistole as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the spring of 2010 and he was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on June 25. At 4.5 years, he remains the longest-serving Administrator in TSA's history.
In his role as Administrator of the TSA, Pistole led a 60,000-strong workforce, the security operations of more than 450 airports throughout the United States, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and shared security for highways, railroads, ports, mass transit systems and pipelines. Under his leadership, the TSA worked to transform as a risk-based, intelligence-driven counterterrorism agency dedicated to protecting the nation’s transportation systems.
Prior to his leadership with the TSA, Pistole served as a 26-year veteran of the FBI with extensive national security and counterterrorism experience. During this time, he was an instructor in Organized Crime matters at the FBI Academy. In 1994, Pistole became a field supervisor of a White-Collar Crime and Civil Rights Squad in Indianapolis, where he created a Health Care Fraud Task Force and a Public Corruption Task Force. He also developed curricula and provided instruction at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, Hungary.
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Pistole was placed in charge of the FBI’s counterterrorism program, eventually becoming the FBI’s Executive Assistant Director for national security. In 2004, Pistole was named Deputy Director for the FBI. Since the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, Pistole contributed to the formation of terrorism policies during both the Bush and Obama administrations.
Pistole’s family has deep connections within Anderson University. His father, the late Dr. Hollis Pistole, graduated from Anderson University in 1945. He taught applied theology in the Anderson University School of Theology for 25 years, retiring in 1984. After his retirement, Dr. Pistole continued to serve as a chaplain in residence at the seminary. Pistole’s mother, the late Elizabeth (Smith) Pistole, was a 1943 graduate of Anderson University and taught at Anderson High School for many years.
Pistole and his wife, Kathy Harp, also a '78 AU grad, have two adult daughters.
His parents’ work in education had a profound influence over Pistole and his siblings. Cindy (Pistole) Crouse, BA ’68, began teaching at Anderson University in 1987 in the English Department and retired in 2011 as assistant professor of English. Carole (Pistole) Greenwalt, BA ’72, is retired from Anderson Community School Corporation and has served as an adjunct professor at AU. Dr. David Hollis Pistole, BA ’77, recently retired as a professor of biology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
In October of 2004, Pistole was recognized as one of several outstanding alumni of institutions within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The CCCU annually recognized alumni of member schools who have made an impact in society. He is a recipient of the 2005 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive. In 2006, Anderson University honored Pistole with the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. In March 2006, the FBI honored Pistole with the 2005 Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive. In 2007, Pistole received the Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity.
Pistole in the News:
Interview discussing his career in public service.
Maggie is the Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct at Anderson University. In this role, she provides leadership for the resident directors, residence life vision, housing, and the student conduct process. Maggie believes that each of these areas provides transformational opportunities for students as they learn and grow both in and out of the classroom.
Maggie is a 2007 graduate of Anderson University. She lived on campus all four years, serving as a Discipleship Coordinator, working in Admissions, traveling with Tri-S, participating in social clubs, and enjoying every moment she could be outside in the Valley. After graduation, she worked in a variety of church, camp, and business settings before returning to AU in 2013.
Maggie served as a Resident Director for five years, leading the women of Rice and Martin halls. She earned her Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University in 2016. She visits Mocha Joe's as often as possible, loves leading trips for the Tri-S program, and is the self-proclaimed #1 fan of AU athletics (Soar, Ravens, Soar!).
Contact:
maplatt@anderson.edu
Decker 209
(765) 641-4192
Dr. Abigail S. Post received her B.A. in political science and international studies from the College at Brockport, SUNY, after which she received her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in Foreign Affairs. Her doctoral research examined the impact of a government leader’s moral language on the willingness of a state to compromise during international negotiations.
During her time at the University of Virginia, Dr. Post managed a United States Air Force (USAF) grant, using both survey and laboratory experiments to explore the impact of political violence on civilian populations. She also studies the dynamics of coercive bargaining in international relations, mostly from a psychological perspective. Her research has been published in The Journal of Conflict Resolution.
Dr. Post joined the faculty at AU in 2018 and teaches courses in political science, national security, and international relations. She is developing new courses for the Political Science program on the contemporary role of nuclear weapons, civilian perspectives toward political violence, among others.
Contact Dr. Post:
apost@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 362; (765) 641-4335
Assistant Professor of Political Science
B.A., College at Brockport, SUNY
M.A., Ph.D., University of Virginia
Amanda Potaczek teaches music business at Anderson University and served as lead guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist for the Indianapolis-based band, 1000 Generation (Varietal Records).
In 2007, she won "Song of the Year" at GMA in the Rockies at Estes Park, Colo., for the song, "How Big Small Can Be." Another one of her songs, "Fail Us Not," has received significant national airplay.
Steven Potaczek has been in the music industry professionally for the past decade. His band 1000 Generations has toured all over the US, had radio and chart success on Billboard's Top 40, and garnered prestigious songwriting awards such as the Gospel Music Academy's "Song of the Year." He is also an avid music producer for other labels and artists in addition to being an adjunct professor at Anderson University. His work has been featured on shows such as New Girl, Parks and Rec, and Good Morning America. Instead of solely keeping industry information to himself, he is passionate about teaching the next generation of young musicians, producers, and industry executives.
After more than 25 years of industrial experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Pottorf felt the calling to “pay back” for his education in chemistry. His experience in Drug Discovery involved medicinal chemistry studies in cardiovascular, CNS, anti-inflammatory and cancer therapeutic areas. He was involved in the discovery of an antihypertensive drug, Cozaar, and similar compounds. Additionally, he was involved in the discovery of preclinical compounds to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and as anti-tumor agents. Dr. Pottorf is a co-author on more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific articles and co-inventor on several issued patents.
Dr. Pottorf and his wife reside in Indianapolis and have three grown sons, Brad, Ryan and Andrew. They also recently welcomed their first grandchild, Arabella, to their family.
Dr. Pottorf has served at Anderson University since 2015.
B. A. Chemistry, University of Northern Colorado
Ph.D. Biochemistry, Indiana University
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Recent publications:
Wagner, J.; Kline, C. L.; Pottorf, R. S.; Nallaganchu, B. R.; Olson, G. L.; Dicker, D. T.; Allen, J. E.; El-Deiry, W. S.; The angular structure of ONC201, a TRAIL pathway-inducing compound, determines its potent anti-cancer activity. Oncotarget; 2014, 5, 12728-12737.
Ekins, S.; Pottorf, R.; Reynolds, R. C.; Williams, A. J.; Clark, A. M.; Freundlich, J. S.; Looking back to the future: Predicting in vivo efficacy of small molecules versus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J. Chem. Inf. Model.; 2014, 54, 1070-1082.
Zhu, J., Pottorf, R. S.; Player, M. R.; Solid-phase synthesis of 4-biaryl-piperidine-4-carboxamides. Tetrahedron Lett. 2006, 47, 7267-7270.
Pottorf, R. S.; Player, M. R.; Process technologies for purity enhancement of large discovery libraries. Curr. Opin. Drug Disc. & Develop. 2004, 7, 777-783.
Vergnon, A. L.; Pottorf, R. S.; Winters, M. P.; Player, M. R.; Solid-phase synthesis of a 4-substituted g-lactam library. J. Comb. Chem. 2004, 6, 903-910.
Recent patents:
Stogniew, M.; Allen, J. E.; Pottorf, R. S.; Nallaganchu, B. R.; Olson, G.; 7-benzyl-10-(2-methylbenzyl)-2,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-A]pyrido[4,-3-D]pyrimidin-5(3H)-one, salts thereof and methods of using the same in combination therapy. US 9,265,765 (Issued Feb. 23, 2016).
Tomczuk, B. E.; Olson, G. L.; Pottorf, R. S.; Wang, J.; Nallaganchu, B. R.; Zhang, Y.; Arginase inhibitors and methods of use thereof. US 8,894,970. (Issued Nov. 25, 2014).
Schuster, V. L.; Chi, Y.; Wasmuth, A. S.; Pottorf, R. S.; Olson, G. L.; Prostaglandin transporter inhibitors and uses thereof. US 8,952,150. (Issued Feb. 10, 2015).
Joshua Powell is an adjunct professor of music business at Anderson University and teaches the innovative new course. Concert Touring, with a specialized focus on practical application in today's emergent independent/DlY music industry. He has also taught Songwriting and Beyond Talent: Entrepreneurshipfor Musicians. He has served as the assistant director for the Indiana Faith & Writing Conference at AU and has been a guest lecturer at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, Tenn., and Incuba8 Labs in Midpoint, Mich. His articles on DIY touring have been featured on CDBaby's DIY Musician Blog and on IndieOnTheMove's blog.
Powell is also the founder, manager, songwriter, and frontman of the Indianapolis psych-folk band Joshua Powell & the Great Train Robbery, a band that has performed 500+ concerts in more than 40 states, Canada, and Iceland. They have opened for such notable acts as Seabird, Mike Mains & the Branches, The Soil & the Sun, Kopecky, and Charlie Parr. Their music has been featured on network television shows on ABC, FreeForm, and MTV, the Netflix documentary "Just Like Being There," various short films, and in Starbucks stores nationwide.
Dr. Priest began his professional career working with juveniles who were referred for residential treatment through the juvenile court system. After completing his Master’s degree, he worked as a therapist for a mental health agency for three years, serving older adults and the severely mentally ill in a partial hospitalization program. After completing his Ph.D. in counseling psychology, he worked for another mental health center as an outpatient psychologist and a supervisor of Ph.D. student interns.
This practical experience has been enlightening and growth-producing. It also informs his teaching. He has been teaching General Psychology part-time since he was working on his master’s degree. He has taught full-time for the last couple of decades, and especially loves his classes in Group Dynamics, Social Psychology and General Psychology.
Dr. Priest has a seminary degree and is very interested in how knowledge gained through scripture and knowledge gained through the scientific method cohere. Both try to help us understand who we are and what motivates us. Dr. Priest is a professor and chair of the psychology department. He is married to AU alumnae Sharon Gray Priest and has two girls, Leah & Anna. He enjoys carpentry work and genealogy. He runs and walks to stay fit only because it’s healthy!
Dr. Priest has served at Anderson University since 2009.
wpriest@anderson.edu
B.A. in psychology & religion studies, Anderson University
M.A. in Religion, Anderson University School of Theology
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Ball State University
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Ball State University
Austin Prior is the Resident Director for Dunn Hall.
Austin studied Youth Ministries with a minor in Family Science at Anderson University and graduated in May of 2015. During his time as a student at AU, he served as a Resident Assistant in Dunn Hall for a year and a half and as Assistant Resident Director for one year. Additionally, Austin became involved in serving the disability community which led him to his career of working with children with autism spectrum disorder.
In 2020, Austin graduated from Purdue University with a Masters of Science in Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. After completing his degree, Austin became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. In his role as Resident Director, he does not use his BCBA credential.
As Resident Director for Dunn Hall, Austin’s main responsibilities include leading a team of Resident Assistants to serve, support, and develop residents as they learn and grow in community with one another and with Christ.
Austin lives in Dunn Hall with his wife, Jennie (B.A.‘14, M.Div.‘18), and two dogs Huck and Honey.
Dr. Leroy Andrew Quashie is Professor of Family Science and Director of the Family Science Program. Dr. Quashie holds a BA in Sociology and Psychology from Warner University, MA and Ph. D. in Family Ecology and Sociology, and MPH in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. His research efforts have focused on health and family issues.
Quashie joined the AU faculty in the Fall of 2007. He is considered by his colleagues and students to be a visionary and passionate educator.
In addition to his leadership and teaching assignments at the University, Dr. Quashie is actively engaged in the Anderson community and serves on a number of health and human services boards and committees. He has conducted workshops, seminars, and retreats in the USA, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana on leadership, community development, marriage and family, prayer, and strategic ministry planning.
Dr. Quashie is married to Karen Quashie, has four children, and five grandchildren. He is a member of the Madison Park Church of God congregation and facilitates intercessory prayer sessions, and a member of a local Rotary Club.
Contact Dr. Leroy Andrew Quashie, Ph. D; MPH, CFLE
laquashie@anderson.edu
Professor and Director of the Family Science Program
Kevin Radaker earned his Ph.D. in English with a specialization in American Literature from Penn State University in 1986. He joined the English department in 1987, and he served as chair of the department for twenty-five years, from 1988 to 2013. His current teaching assignments include American Literature of the Nineteenth Century, American Literature of the Twentieth Century, American Poetry, The American Dream in Twentieth Century American Literature, American Nature Writing, Christianity and Literature, Valuing through Literature, and both freshman composition courses. During his first seven years with the department, he taught courses in creative writing and directed the English department’s annual creative writing contests. In the spring of 1991, he received the Sears-Roebuck Foundation Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Professor Radaker has published a dozen articles on Henry Thoreau, Herman Melville, Wendell Berry, and Annie Dillard in academic journals and encyclopedias. Besides his publications, he has presented papers at over thirty conferences, including three national conferences and three international conferences. His research interests are wide, but he is especially interested in the American Transcendentalists, the role of nature in American literature and culture, and the expression of the spiritual quest in literary works. During his years with the department, he has received seven summer research grants from the university and nineteen summer fellowships from various state humanities councils in support of his travels to those states to offer his dramatic portrayals of Henry Thoreau, C. S. Lewis, and Winston Churchill.
Besides his teaching assignments and research interests, Dr. Radaker is a veteran actor-scholar who offers three highly acclaimed dramatic portrayals of Henry David Thoreau, C. S. Lewis, and Winston Churchill. Since 1991, he has presented his portrayal of Thoreau over 400 times around the nation at universities, colleges, libraries, museums, conferences, state and national parks, and numerous summer Chautauqua tours. He began offering his portrayal of C. S. Lewis in the fall of 2009. Since then, he has presented his “Lewis” over 70 times in seven states at places of worship, libraries, and conferences, including an international teachers’ conference in Beijing, China, in October, 2011. He began offering his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the summer of 2016 for the Oklahoma Chautauqua tour. For more information about his portrayals, including testimonials and video clips, see his websites: www.thoreaulive.com, www.cslewislive.com, and www.winstonchurchilllive.com.
Over the years, Professor Radaker has aided the university by serving on many different committees. He has also aided his local worship community by serving as a Sunday School teacher on many different occasions throughout the past twenty years. He lives in Noblesville with his wife Linda, and their two sons, Paul and Luke. They attend Church at the Crossing in Indianapolis.
As an essayist, Ranfeld writes and publishes about a variety of topics, but especially about gender and religion. Recently, her work has been published by Salon, Christ & Pop Culture Magazine, This Present Former Glory: An Anthology of Honest Spiritual Literature, Whale Road Review, Relief Journal, Everyday Feminism, and many other print and online publications. She is also invested in bringing technology into the classroom in new ways that benefit students. She writes frequently about the best ways to use media, popular culture, and technology in the composition classroom. Ranfeld has presented sessions on integrating technology in the classroom at AU and several times at Ball State University.
Since starting at AU in 2011, Ranfeld has traveled to India with Tri-S, served as the faculty advisor for the student social club Alacritas, contributed to the work of the sexual assault prevention coalition, and served on the Faculty Development Committee, including as Department Chair. She advises freshmen through the First Year Experience seminar. Every fall, she takes English majors to the tri-campus writing retreat in Hartford City, Indiana, where they write and build relationships with students from Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Professor Ranfeld lives in Albany with her husband Ben and their two children. They are members of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Muncie.
Bassist Paul Rhine has performed for decades. In Indianapolis, he was a fixture of the jazz scene, performing with local jazz luminaries, such as saxophonists Jimmy Coe and Alonzo "Pookie" Johnson; pianist/vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery; pianists Ken Fary, Steve Allee, and Claude Sifferlen; and drummer Kevin Johnson. Rhine has performed professionally in big bands, orchestras, and other ensembles and enjoys a rigorous teaching schedule.
Suzanne Rice is the horn instructor at Anderson University. She has degrees from the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and Ball State University. She is an active freelance musician, participating in ensembles from chamber music to orchestras, including principal horn for the Anderson Symphony and Marion Philharmonic Orchestras, associate principal for the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, and playing in a variety of area chamber ensembles. When not playing the horn, she can be found in the library or enjoying the great outdoors.
DM, Ball State University
Kris Rinas started his professional media career as a studio camera operator in local television news, and he spent five years in that business as a photojournalist, director and camera operator while he earned his B.A. in communications from California State University, Bakersfield. After he and his family moved to Indiana in 2006, he served for 13 years at Grace Church in Noblesville, where he had responsibilities in technical directing, training, and managing audio, video and lighting systems.
Kris has extensive experience producing large-scale live events, and each August he provides technical support for more than 700 remote sites in conjunction with the live broadcast of the Global Leadership Summit. He has trained hundreds of volunteers to operate professional A/V and lighting gear, and he has written articles for Church Production magazine.
David Robbins, a native of Evansville, Ind., received a Bachelor of Science degree in music education and a Master of Arts degree, both from Ball State University, where he studied with Erwin Mueller and Richard Paul. In addition to teaching at AU and Anderson Community Schools, he is very active as a freelance percussionist in the Central Indiana area. He currently serves as principal timpanist with the Anderson Symphony, Manchester Symphony, and Kokomo Symphony Orchestras, in addition to associate timpanist with the St. Luke's Orchestra in Indianapolis. David has also performed with the Kokomo Park Band, Muncie Symphony, Ft. Wayne Philharmonic, Marion Philharmonic, Evansville Philharmonic, Carmel Symphony and The Indianapolis Symphony.
David is currently the drummer with the Phil Cooley Jazz Trio and America's Hometown Jazz Band and is also the Xylophone Soloist with America's Hometown Band. He has been teaching percussion at AU since 1998.
MA, Ball State University
A performer of national reputation, Fritz Robertson has appeared with the Bangor Maine Symphony Orchestra, the Lake Placid Sinfonietta, the Bel Canto Chorus & Orchestra of Milwaukee, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, and in our nation’s capital with the National Chamber Orchestra and the Masterworks Chorus and Orchestra. He has often been a featured soloist with the Northwest Bach Festival in Spokane, Washington, under the direction of renowned conductor and composer Gunther Schuller. Mr. Robertson has performed extensively in the Greater Boston area as soloist with organizations including the Handel & Haydn Society, the Boston Cecelia, and the John Oliver Chorale. In great demand as a guest artist in Indiana, Mr. Robertson has been a featured soloist with the symphony orchestras of Muncie, Marion, Anderson, Lafayette, Manchester, Carmel, Fort Wayne and was privileged to be a featured soloist in Ralph Vaughan Williams Serenade To Music, on Maestro Raymond Leppard’s farewell concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Celebrated for his definitive accounts of the major Baroque and Classic oratorios and cantatas, the Bloomington Herald-Times said of his recent performances in Bach’s St. John Passion, “Fritz Robertson served stunningly well as the story-telling Evangelist. His is a bracing high tenor along with an ability to make every word distinctly clear; there was a professional authenticity to his critically important contribution.” Though particularly involved in the performance of Baroque music, his extensive repertoire includes such diverse works as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Stravinsky’s Les Noces, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, and Honegger’s King David. Mr. Robertson has been a frequent collaborator with the Lafayette Bach Chorale Singers in performances of Bach’s Mass in B Minor and Magnificat in D Major, Handels’ Dettingen Te Deum, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and the Evangelist in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Performing with cast members from the City Opera of New York, Robertson sang the triple role of Governor/Vanderdender/Ragotski with the Lafayette Symphony in Bernstein’s Candide. He is a featured soloist on the Pro Organo label CD recording, “In Praise of the Organ: Latin Choral and Organ Music of Zoltan Kodaly.”
With his wife, mezzo-soprano Patricia Robertson, he has appeared in recital in many venues including the Saint Andrew’s Concert Series in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Northwest Bach Festival in Spokane, Washington, the Shenendoah Valley Bach Festival in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the Banco Centrale Concert Series in Cuenca, Ecuador. At AU, as Dr. Robertson, he serves as Professor of Music, Voice Area Coordinator, and Music Director for the Boze Lyric Theatre.
Fritz Robertson has been at Anderson University since 1991.
Contact Fritz:
fsrobertson@anderson.edu
Professor of Music
Voice Area Coordinator, voice, opera, song lit, pedagogy
B.M., B.S., University of Maine at Orono
M.M., Boston University
D.M.A, Ball State University
Dr. Jaye Lee Rogers is a Professor of History and has taught at Anderson University since 1996. She earned degrees from New Mexico State University and the Union Institute. Her fields of specialty include the history of American diplomacy; American 20th century history; Women’s Studies; and the history of the non-Western world, including China, Japan, Russia, and Latin America. Her research includes an extensive study of African-American and white missionary women who served in central Africa in the early 20th century; the challenges facing American diplomats from German anti-Semitism in the 1930s; and, most recently, the reciprocal relationship between the British and American women’s suffrage movements in the late 19th – early 20th century. She has presented papers at several conferences, including the Berkshire Conference in June 2011 and the annual conference of the Indiana Association of Historians. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and the Indiana Association of Historians.
Dr. Rogers currently serves as the chair of the Department of History and Political Science, the Director of Academic Assessment for Anderson University, and the Director of Summer School. She is an active member of the Anderson Church of the Brethren.
Dr. Rogers has served at Anderson University since 1999.
Contact Dr. Rogers:
jlrogers2@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 366; (765) 641-4442
Chair, Department of History and Political Science
Professor of History
B.A., M.A., New Mexico State University
Ph.D., The Union Institute
I graduated from Anderson University in 2011 I loved the way I was challenged in my thinking both personally and academically. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Mexico through my program, where I learned so much about being a global citizen. I found a group of people that I truly considered my family while a student here, and I can't wait to help future Ravens find their place here!
Fun Facts: I love going to concerts, baking, traveling, being adventurous, and spending time with family and friends. I've won several concert tickets over the radio.
Hometown: Alexandria, Ind.
Education: B.A. in Spanish at Anderson University
Transfers and Re-admitted students
https://youtu.be/qBDVRtq62Bs
Dr. Katy Sample is an Associate Professor of education at Anderson University. As the director of the reading education program, she teaches courses in reading development, assessment, instruction, and intervention.
She earned both her M.Ed. and Ph.D. in reading education from the University of Virginia. She holds a K-12 reading specialist license, as well as a K-12 license in learning disabilities.
Dr. Sample began her career at the secondary level teaching in an alternative school for students with disabilities. After earning her master's degree in reading, she became a reading specialist. She taught reading at the elementary and middle school levels for five years while completing her doctorate.
Dr. Sample currently teaches courses in reading development, assessment, instruction, and intervention at Anderson University. Each year, approximately 50-60 area children receive tutoring and intervention services as part of her courses. In 2009-2010, she served on the state advisory board that assisted with the development of the Indiana Reading Framework and also helped to develop the Indiana Content Standards for Reading Educators. When her schedule permits, Dr. Sample also works with area schools as a staff developer.
Her research and professional interests include early literacy, reading disabilities, response to instruction/intervention, developmental spelling/phonics instruction, and staff development.
Dr. Sample lives in Pendleton with her husband, Craig, and their three children.
Katy Sample has been at Anderson University since 2005.
Contact Katy:
Phone: (765) 641-4408
kjsample@anderson.edu
Associate Professor of Education
B.A., Mary Washington College
M.Ed., Ph.D., University of Virginia
Roger Sams retired from the music classroom in 2013 after 31 years of teaching music. He has been an active clinician and Orff instructor for over two decades and has taught in China, India, Indonesia, Scotland, Canada, South Korea, Poland, Spain, and throughout the U.S. Roger is trained in Gestalt therapy and is interested in the power of choice in the artistic process and in life. He is co-author of “Purposeful Pathways: Possibilities for the Elementary Music Room” and the composer of several choral octavos published in the Crooked River Choral Project series and a book of rounds and partner songs titled, “A Round My Heart.” He is currently Director of Publications at Music Is Elementary and Creative Director at TeachingWithOrff.com.
Bill Schmidt is the principal tuba player with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and founding member of The Basement Brass Quintet. He also plays with the Chicago Brass Band, Indianapolis Brass Choir, Indiana Wind Symphony, and the Kokomo Park Band. Bill directs the Starry Knights, where he often plays the baritone saxophone, clarinet, and drum set, and is one of the assistant conductors of the Indianapolis Brass Choir.
Bill completed his master's degree in music performance on tuba from Butler University in May 2009. He is an avid bike rider, completing the Hilly Hundred on several occasions, as well as other sponsored rides. He also enjoys finding new trails to explore with his wife Ellen.
MA, Butler University
Dr. Lynn Schmidt received her RN degree from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, a BSN and MSN from Ball State University, and a PhD from Indiana University. Following her initial clinical career in Medical/Surgical, and later in Outpatient Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology, and School Nursing, Dr. Schmidt has been a nurse educator for the past eight years, teaching didactic courses in the area of nursing research, nursing theory, and diversity in healthcare to prelicensure and graduate students.
Her dissertation focused on an evaluation of the impact of an intercultural learning experience on the development of transcultural self-efficacy of senior level baccalaureate of science nursing students. She is certified as a nurse educator. Dr. Schmidt is the Dean of the School of Nursing and Kinesiology.
Lynn Schmidt has been at Anderson University since 2010.
Contact Lynn:
lmschmidt@anderson.edu
Hartung 380
Ext. 4388 (765) 641-4388
Dean, School of Nursing & Kinesiology
A.S.N., Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing
B.S.N., M.S.N., Ball State University
Ph.D., Indiana University
Brian Schultz joined the Department of Computer Science as an adjunct in the fall of 2018. He also works at Genesys as a software engineer in their testing department. In 2016, Brian helped start an on-campus internship program, partnering Genesys and Anderson University. Working out of the Genesys Lab at AU, he has many opportunities to interact with the students and faculty.
Brian specializes in automated testing at Genesys but also enjoys writing dynamic user interfaces and web services. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, being a part of Bethany Christian Church, table tennis, and pickleball.
Senior Software Engineer, Team Lead at Genesys
BA '06, Anderson University - Information Systems
bschultz@anderson.edu
On LinkedIn
Dr. Dulce Maria Scott, professor of sociology and criminal justice, received her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Brown University. Her research and publication areas have included criminal justice issues, race, ethnicity, migrations, and diasporas. Her most recent publication is Intersecting Diaspora Boundaries: Portuguese Contexts (Peter Lang, 2016). She is a research consultant to the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences (IASS). She is executive co-editor of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Portuguese Diaspora Studies (IJPDS) and executive co-editor of Peter Lang International Academic Publishers' book series, Interdisciplinary Studies in Diaspora.
Dr. Scott has taught at Anderson University since 2003.
Contact Dr. Scott:
dmscott@anderson.edu
B.A., University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth;
M.A., Ph.D., Brown University
Jim Scott is a professor in the department of Kinesiology and Natatorium director. He holds a B.S. and M.S. degree from Eastern Kentucky University and an Ed. D from Ball State University in Muncie. He joined the Anderson University faculty in 1991. He has several certifications with the American Red Cross and is able to certify faculty, staff, and students in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, Water Safety Instruction to name a few. His courses include First Aid, Fit for Life, Lifeguarding, Beginning & Intermediate Swimming, Water Safety Instruction, PE Foundations, Badminton and Bowling. He oversees the day to day operation of the pool and swim lesson program and supervises a staff of approx. 15 student lifeguards. In 2009 he was selected as faculty member of the year.
Scott joined the Department of Kinesiology in 1991.
Contact Dr. Scott:
jrscott@anderson.edu
Kardatzke Wellness Center
(765) 641-4496
Professor, Department of Kinesiology
B.B.A., M.S. , Eastern Kentucky University
Ed.D., Ball State University
Professor Victoria Shaw is an Assistant Professor of Marketing. Victoria’s career spans consulting work, international firms, and global academic research. After completing her degree at Anderson University, she moved to Italy to receive her Master degree in International Management. She completed her dissertation in the discipline of neuromarketing while participating in an Erasmus research exchange with Durham University (UK). She has consulted in industries spanning from technology to agriculture and is a certified HubSpot Marketer. Her courses cover topics from Global Marketing and Digital Strategy to Market Research and Data Ethics.
Kenny is an on-camera choreographer for Broadway Jr., MacMi I Ian/McGraw-Hill, and The Disney Collection of educational DVDs seen worldwide. Recently, his choreography for Mulan Jr. was featured at The Kennedy Center's Family Theatre. Nationally, Kenny works with iTheatrics, teaching master classes and workshops in dance and musical theatre.
He is also co-owner of the live production company, Blue-Eyed Events, producers of theatrical projects starring Grammy, Tony, Emmy, Dove, CMA award winners, and American Idol stars. Regionally, Kenny directs and choreographs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Arizona and won the Arizona Theatre Award of Excellence for Best Director of a Musical (SWING!).
His on-stage credits include Off-Broadway, Atlantic City, Branson, regional theatre, opera and cruise ships to the Americas, Africa, Europe, Scandinavia and Russia including featured roles in Cats, West Side Story, Crazy For You, The Wizard Of Oz, Swing!, White Christmas, Some Enchanted Evening and over 1,000 performances of Beauty And The Beast, playing Belle's prince at Disney World's Hollywood Studios.
Locally, Kenny won an Encore award for Best Choreography (CHICAGO) and has directed/choreographed for ACT, The Children's Museum's Lilly Theatre, Circle of Lights, The Madame Walker Theatre, The Pyramid Players, and Indy Fringe. Kenny performs locally for Beef and Boards and for Actors Theatre of Indiana and is a member of the dance faculty at both Anderson University and at his alma mater, Butler University.
He has been a part of the Anderson University dance faculty since 2011.
B.A., Butler University
Jazz, composition, musical theatre dance
Born in Indianapolis, she graduated from Jordan College Academy of Dance. She moved to New York where she received a BFA in dance from the State University of New York at Purchase. Some of her performance experience includes works from Neil Greenberg, Jacquelyn Buglisi, Stephanie Tooman, and group and solo works by Shen Wei. Since her return to Indianapolis in 2004, she has been working with Motus Dance Theatre as a choreographer and dancer. She was also on the board of directors for Motus Dance Theatre.
She has been a part of the Anderson University dance faculty since 2008.
B.F.A., SUNY Purchase
Modern, improvisation
Leonid Sirotkin is a musician of versatile interest and accomplishments. As an orchestral player he is a Principal Oboe of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, member of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Des Moines Metro Opera.
A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, he served for almost a decade as principal English horn with the Kirov Opera and Symphony Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater under the Maestro Valery Gergiev. In the U.S., Mr. Sirotkin has performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and toured with the CSO to Japan and Europe. He has also performed with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Dayton and Colorado Springs Philharmonic. As pedagogue, prof. Sirotkin leads a successful studio of oboe players at the DePauw University School of Music, and is active as private teacher and chamber music coach at the Benefic Chamber Music Camp in Muncie, IN.
An active chamber musician, he has appeared at numerous festivals including the Kuhmo International Chamber Music Festival, Finland; Kostamuksha Music Festival and Togliatti International Music Festival, Russia and the Lucca Music Festival in Italy.
He has also given many master classes, throughout Russian and the United States. In 2010, he was featured in performance on the American Public Media radio program Performance Today.
In 2000, Professor Sirotkin published the book Orchestral Excerpts for Oboe and English Horn from Operas and Ballets by Tchaikovsky.
Cynthia Shaver received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Anderson University in 1987. Whileat AU, she performed in the Honors Recital and was the instrumental winner in the Concerto-Aria Competition. Also, she was the recipient of the Marjory Fritz Memorial Scholarship and selected for membership in Pi Kappa Lambda.
After college, she taught for two years in Blackford County, Ind., and for five years in Frederick County, Md. The middle school bands under her direction consistently received superior ratings at adjudication. From 1994-2000, Shaver was a private clarinet instructor. Her students were consistently selected for honor bands and received superior ratings at solo and ensemble festivals.
Shaver has resided in Alexandria, Ind., since 2000. In 2005, she started the White River Christian Home Educators instrumental program. Also, she has been a solo and ensemble adjudicator in Maryland and Indiana.
Since 2007, Shaver has taught the Woodwind Techniques class at AU.
BA, Anderson University
Dr. Shin teaches in the subjects of economics. He obtained his master’s degree in economics from Syracuse University and completed his Ph.D. degree in economics at Southern Illinois University. Prior to joining the FSB, he devoted himself as a senior researcher carrying out international economics research and providing consulting services to governments and private firms on international business strategies at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. His research interests lie in global development issues, such as foreign aid, poverty reduction and the economics of nonprofit organizations.
Hyeon Joon Shin has served at Anderson University since 2014.
Contact:
hshin@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Economics
B.A., Korea University
M.I.S., Seoul National University
M.A., Syracuse University
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
Dr. Joel Shrock serves as associate provost, the dean of the School of Humanities & Behavioral Science, and professor of history. He earned his Ph.D. from Miami University in United States History with fields in cultural, gender, and world history in 1996. He teaches courses in modern US and Middle Eastern history.
Dr. Shrock has published The Gilded Age: American Popular Culture through History with Greenwood Press in 2004 and is working on a manuscript on boyhood, youth fiction, and violence at the turn of the twentieth century. He has published various articles on topics that include rape in silent film, the Vietnam Antiwar Movement, and recently an article on print culture and crossover reading in the late nineteenth century.
Dr. Shrock maintains a presence outside of the university. He has served on two Teaching American History Grant Projects, was on the consulting committee for the What Middletown Read Project, has served as a council member, membership secretary, and past president of the Indiana Association of Historians. In 2009 Shrock studied Middle Eastern culture and politics as a Malone Fellow in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. In 2011 he won the Distinguished Scholar Award from Anderson University for his research in the What Middletown Read Project. In 2014 Dr. Shrock won a fellowship for the Council of Independent Colleges Seminar, “The Creation of the Modern American City: Chicago from 1830 to 1910” at the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Dr. Shrock has served at Anderson University since 2005.
Contact Dr. Shrock:
jdshrock@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 120; (765) 641-4441
Associate Provost
Dean, School of Humanities & Behavioral Science
Professor of History
B.S., M.A. Ball State University
Ph.D., Miami University
Josh Southard teaches general music at Smoky Row Elementary School in Carmel, Ind. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Butler University and a Master of Music Education with Orff Emphasis from Anderson University. Josh served four years as president of the Indiana chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. He apprenticed Level I with Cindy Hall at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and has presented at local chapter meetings of the Indiana Orff-Schulwerk Association and Indiana Music Educator Association state conferences. He currently teaches Level I Basic in Gwinnet County Public Schools in Atlanta and DePaul University in Chicago.
Dr. Richard Sowers is a Professor of Music and serves as the Director of Choirs in the Anderson University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Currently he is the conductor of the Anderson University Chorale, Anderson Symphonic Choir, and Men's Choir, and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting and music education classes.
Under Dr. Sowers' direction the Anderson University Chorale has visited almost every geographic region of the United States during spring tours. The Chorale has performed in a number of prestigious concert venues including Lincoln Center's Aver Fisher Hall, the Riverside Church, and St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City, and the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California for the Hour of Power that was broadcast nationally and internationally, and the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., representing the state of Indiana for "Indiana Day." Each Christmas the Chorale, Men's Choir and other Anderson University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance ensembles present the Emmy award-winning Candles and Carols program which is broadcast throughout the United States and on two global networks.
Dr. Sowers has led eight European tours, performances in Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Russia. Most recently, thirty-five singers performed nine concerts during a 16-day concert tour of Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, including several performances at the Vaasa International Choir Festival. The Chorale was chosen to perform in concert for several division and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association. Additionally, the Chorale has performed in concert and as a demonstration choir for many music education events and conventions in which Dr. Sowers served as a clinician.
During a 2007 sabbatical leave, Dr. Sowers was resident guest conductor of the EMO Ensemble in Helsinki, Finland, and presented a concert of music by all American composers written since 2000. Sowers also served as a guest conducting teacher at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and guest conductor of the Tampere Philharmonic Choir. Dr. Sowers is active in the International Federation of Choral Music, and served as a delegate to the 8th World Choral Symposium in Copenhagen, Denmark in July, 2008.
Following his graduation from the Indiana University School of Music, Dr. Sowers taught junior and senior high school choral music for several years in Indiana. He holds a Master of Music degree from Colorado State University and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University. In 1994, Dr. Sowers was selected the outstanding music alumnus from Colorado State University. His conducting teachers have included Jan Harrington, Robert Shaw, Helmuth Rilling, Edward Anderson, Douglas McEwen, and Kenneth Kiesler.
In 1989 Richard Sowers was appointed music director and conductor of the Anderson (City) Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared as guest conductor with the Carmel Symphony, the Dayton Philharmonic, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Youth Orchestras of Indianapolis. For ten years Sowers served on the staff of the Conductors Retreat at Medomak, a 17-day retreat for conductors held each July near Camden, Maine. Sowers served as interim conductor of the Anderson Area Children's Choir and has conducted almost every other kind of choir including church choirs, men's and women's choirs, community choirs, and a professional level chamber choir. Dr. Sowers is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and free-lance orchestral conductor.
Richard Sowers has been at Anderson University since 1984.
Contact Richard:
rlsowers@anderson.edu
Professor of Music
Chorale, Symphonic Choir, Valley Voices, conducting
B.M., Indiana University
M.M., Colorado State University
D.M.A., Arizona State University
Susanna comes to us from Indiana Wesleyan University, where she previously worked in both Admissions and Marketing as a counselor and communication specialist. She also has experience as a freelance writer and editor, helping clients prepare websites, dissertations, manuscripts, and more. Susanna graduated from IWU in 2011 with bachelor’s degrees in writing, leadership, and public relations. She grew up in Napoleon, Ohio, and now calls Marion, Indiana, home. Outside of work, Susanna loves to travel and be active.
Blakelee joined AU in August of 2020. She is from Eminence, IN and graduated from Anderson University this past May with a degree in Public Relations and Management. While at AU, she was a pitcher on the softball team and really enjoyed getting involved in her major. In her free time, Blakelee is a freelance journalist at various newspapers and magazines.
Jennifer is responsible for receipting and recording all gifts made to the university. She also manages the university's employer-matching gifts. Jennifer joined the AU staff in 1978 and has been working in Advancement and gift records since 1981. She is very knowledgeable about all aspects of gift management and the advancement area's database system.
Jennifer Steiner has been at Anderson University since 1978.
Associate Director for Gift Records
(765) 641-4057
(800) 421-1025
jlsteiner@anderson.edu
Rachel Stoneking received her MFA in Contemporary Dance in 2012 and BA in Theater and Medical Anthropology in 2009 from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). While at CWRU, Ms. Stoneking had the pleasure of performing works by Martha Graham, Gary Galbraith, Karen Potter, James Hansen, Erick Hawkins, and Pascal Rioult.
In 2011 she was awarded “The Cleveland Arts Prize: Kathryn Karipides Scholarship” which allowed her to attend the Gaga Intensive at the Batsheva Company Studios in Tel Aviv, Israel. While there, she was given the opportunity to take classes under numerous company members as well as the company’s founder, Ohad Naharin. Additional awards throughout her time at CWRU took Ms. Stoneking to New York City where she studied at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and elsewhere under artists such as Jim May, Lisa Viola, Andrea Miller, and Pascal Rioult. In 2010 Ms. Stoneking worked as a Stagecraft Apprentice at the American Dance Festival where she was able to work directly with renowned artists such as Monica Bill Barnes, Kate Weare, and Pilobolus Dance Theater.
Ms. Stoneking’s creative work has most recently involved choreographing and performing in and around Cleveland, Ohio. She has performed as a guest artist with Elu Dance Company and as both a choreographer and performer for Cleveland Public Theater’s Cleveland Dance Exchange. Her most recent work, premiered at Church of the Saviour in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, was a solo inspired by and performed to Eric Whitacre’s “When David Heard.”
Prior to joining the faculty at Anderson University as an Assistant Professor, Ms. Stoneking served a semester teaching at the University of Akron and seven years teaching as a part-time lecturer at CWRU where in 2012 she received the Kathryn Karipides Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Merle D. Strege is Professor emeritus of Historical Theology in the Department of Religious Studies at Anderson University. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor in AU’s School of Theology. Professor Strege also holds the post of Historian of the Church of God and serves as president of the Church of God Historical Society. He is the author of nine books and has contributed to numerous journals and scholarly anthologies. Professor Strege is also the recipient of several scholarly grants and service awards. For twenty-five years he wrote lessons for the adult Sunday school curriculum of the Church of God and also served as a consultant in curriculum development to Church of God Ministries. In addition to his work as a college professor, he is committed to the church’s thought life, serving Mountain Park Community Church in Phoenix as scholar-in-residence for five years. Professor Strege’s area of academic interest is the historical study of Christianity and American religion. He teaches courses in history of the interpretation of the Bible, history of the Church of God, the Liberal Arts Seminar and the undergraduate honors program course “Christ and Culture.” Prior to coming to AU he taught at Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon.
Professor Strege joined the AU faculty in 1980 and taught in the School of Theology until 1993, when he moved to the undergraduate Department of Religious Studies.
Contact Professor Strege:
mdstrege@anderson.edu
Professor emeritus of Historical Theology
B.A., Anderson University
M.Div., Anderson School of Theology
Th.D., Graduate Theological Union
Dr. Stull is a graduate of Anderson University. She returned to AU with the hope of impacting student’s lives as her AU professors impacted her. Dr. Stull’s tenure at Anderson University, she has taught a variety of psychology courses, including introductory and advanced research courses.
Her research has focused on the stigma of severe mental illness and the detrimental effects of that stigma, including decreased access to mental health care. She is particularly interested in both explicit and implicit stigmatizing attitudes that are held by mental health professionals, clergy, and clergy-in-training. She also has published in the areas of stigma among veterans, fidelity measure development for evidence-based practices, and recovery-oriented services. Her most recent work involves the stigma of mental illness in faith communities.
In addition to her own research, Dr. Stull has assisted students in completing independent undergraduate research projects. The completed work has been presented at professional psychology research conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Dr. Stull’s clinical training included a specialization in psychiatric rehabilitation and she has a particular interest in working with individuals with schizophrenia. She did a year-long clinical internship at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration (VA) and then did a postdoctorate Interprofessional Fellowship in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Oriented Services at the San Diego VA. She is a licensed psychologist in Indiana.
Dr. Stull is married to AU alum Stephen, with whom she has one young son, Simon. In her spare time, she enjoys running (sometimes after her amazingly fast young son), eating ethnic food, and traveling.
Dr. Stull has served at Anderson University since 2012.
lgstull@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Psychology
B.A., Anderson University
M.S., Ph.D., Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Pianist Yuta Sugano is known for interpretations that integrate his experience in historical performance practice and piano technology. An avid performer, he has appeared as soloist in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Spain, and the United States, among others.
Yuta began his piano studies at the age of five, and by age eleven he made his concerto debut performing with the Kansai Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in Japan. He has since been a recipient of numerous prizes and scholarships including Meiko Miyazawa Award, Yamaha President’s Award (Japan), Glenn E. LeClair Graduate Piano Award (USA), and Zodiac Music Academy’s Chamber Musician Award (France). An active chamber musician, Yuta Sugano has collaborated with notable clarinetists Boris Allakhverdyan, Stanislav Golovin, and Emil Khudyev, cellists Emanuel Gruber and Kenji Sasaki, and violinist-conductor Farhkhad Khudyev. His recently released solo CD Romanticism in 1828, published by Rose Planet label in Japan, has won glowing reviews from multiple critics and media outlets.
Former teachers and mentors include Kazuko Akiya, Yoshikazu Nagai, Arthur Greene, Steven Spooner, and Meiko Miyazawa. While at the University of Michigan, Yuta also studied historical performance practice and the fortepiano extensively with renowned fortepianist, Penelope Crawford.
When he is not performing, Yuta enjoys all things piano. He apprenticed with the piano technology department while at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. There he was trained to tune, service, and rebuild keyboard instruments including the harpsichord, fortepiano, as well as the modern piano. At the University of Michigan, he worked as an assistant piano technician, overseeing the practice room pianos. He has served as guest artist and speaker at the yearly C. F. Theodore Steinway Technical Academy at Oberlin Conservatory since 2009.
As a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Yuta has appeared as presenter and performer at both state and national conferences. He is currently on the faculty at the Arts Academy at the Steinway Gallery of Detroit and is a visiting lecturer of piano and music theory at the Illumine Star Academy in Ontario, Canada.
DM, University of Kansas
MM, University of Michigan
BM, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Lisa Sullivan teaches K-2 music at Madison School in Skokie, Ill. Prior to her move to Skokie, Lisa taught music at Mohawk Trails Elementary in Carmel, Ind., for 28 years and was named Carmel Clay Teacher of the Year in 2008. In 2017, Lisa was named the Elementary Music Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Music Educator Association. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Butler University and a Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University. She published her first teacher resource during the summer of 2014, titled “Playing with Improvisation: Technology with Integrity in the Orff Classroom.” Lisa served three years as the Region VI representative for the American Orff Schulwerk Association and has presented at multiple National Association for Music Education, American Orff Schulwerk Association, and Indiana Music Educator Association conferences. Lisa teaches Orff Schulwerk Levels, Orff Curriculum, and Orff Technology at Anderson University in Anderson, Ind., and Orff Schulwerk Levels at DePaul University in Chicago. Lisa serves as course director for Orff Schulwerk at Anderson University.
Yoonhae K. Swanson, cellist, completed her Bachelor and Master of Music Degree in cello performance at Indiana University, studying under Janos Starker, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi and Emilio Colon. Earlier studies were with Bong Kim (Yae-Won Arts School in Seoul, Korea), Lee Duckies (principal cellist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), and Eric Wilson (Professor of Cello at University of British Columbia and a former member of Emerson Quartet). Other notable musicians she has had coached with or played in master classes of include Richard Aaron, Glenn Dicterow, Sadao Harada, Evelyne Brancart, Shigeo Neriki, William Preucil, IK-Whan Bae, and Luba-Edlina Dubinsky.
She was the recipient of the 2000 Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Undergraduate String Award, The Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition and first prizes in the Kiwanis Musical Festivals. She has also been recognized for high scholastic achievement at Indiana University. Orchestras she has played concertos with include the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, an Indiana University Orchestra, and the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra.
Furthermore, Yoonhae is an active performer, including the Richmond Symphony Orchestra as an assistant principal cellist and a founding member of the 3 beats piano trio.
M.M., Indiana University
Dr. Ray Sylvester is associate professor of marketing and personal branding. He was a senior lecturer and leader of two music business programs at Buckinghamshire New University. He co-wrote the first music business program in Europe in 1996. Ray has presented across both Europe and the US on the topic of personal branding. He is also published through academic books, in both the US and the UK. He is a Chartered Marketer and holds an MSc in Behavioral Science and an MA in Management. As a personal branding coach, Ray works with executives, professional athletes, and chart-topping artists/musicians. Ray's doctoral research was in personal brand management.
Associate Professor of Marketing and Personal Branding
Director of Personal Brand Management
Director of Music Business (Entertainment Business)
B.A (Hons)., Business (Marketing), Middlesex University
M.Sc., Behavioural Science, City University (London)
M.A., Management (Community Cohesion), Coventry University
Ph.D., Brand Management, Brunel University London
Michael Tatom serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Field Experiences in the Anderson University Department of Teacher Education. He teaches courses in educational assessment, middle school curriculum, and secondary school curriculum. He also works with teacher candidates through the seminar for student teachers.
Michael earned a B.S. from Purdue University and an M.S. from Indiana University. He holds a Lifetime Teaching License from the State of Indiana in mathematics and science. After completing the Master's degree, he earned an administrative license through coursework at Indiana University.
Michael has a total of thirty-two years of teaching experience in public schools. He completed his student teaching at Doe Creek Middle School in New Palestine, Indiana. His first teaching position was with Morristown Junior/Senior High School in Morristown, Indiana. After one year at Morristown Junior/Senior High School, he returned to Doe Creek Middle School where he taught for the next thirty-one years. Besides his teaching experience, he has served as math department chairman and assistant principal. He retired from public education in May 2016. Michael began his university career as an adjunct instructor at Anderson University in the fall of 2017. He began working in his current position in August 2018.
His professional interests lie in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. He is a Lay Servant in his local church and is active in the men’s prayer group. He enjoys woodworking and fishing in his spare time. He lives in Greenfield with his wife Karen, and they have two adult children.
Contact Michael:
Phone: (765) 6413686
mwtatom@anderson.edu
B.S., Purdue University
M.S., Indiana University
Dr. Taylor was an undergraduate student at Anderson University and returning to join the faculty in the fall of 2011 was very much like coming home. He has taught nearly every course in the undergraduate mathematics curriculum, and especially enjoys teaching Abstract Algebra and Problem Seminar. He serves as chair of the department.
His research interests fall in the areas of algebraic topology and algebra, particularly the unstable modules over the Steenrod algebra, and he is also interested in how mathematics can inform our understanding of the humanities. He has written an open access e-book on abstract algebra, which may be freely downloaded from bookboon.com.
Dr. Taylor, along with Dr. Lambright and Dr. Van Groningen, has led Anderson University's Research Experiences in Mathematics, in which a group of students actively work on original research. These students have had opportunities to present their results at other area colleges, as well as at conferences across the country. He is also an advisor for Mathematics honor society Kappa Mu Epsilon and for the men’s service and social club Dativus. He is active at East Side Church of God, where he and his wife teach the college-age fellowship class.
Dr. Taylor enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife and their four children, traveling on epic road trips, and eating barbecue.
Dr. Taylor has served at Anderson University since 2011.
Contact Dr. Taylor:
cktaylor@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 334
(765) 641-4410
Professor of Mathematics
Chair, Department of Mathematics
B.A., Anderson University
M.S., Ph. D., Purdue University
Juanita is the Diversity Retention Coordinator and Office Manager for the CRC. She has enjoyed working in the Division of Student Life since joining the AU family in 2016. Prior to moving into this role in the Cultural Resouce Center, Juanita served as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Provost & Dean of Students and also as the point of contact in the Office of Chapel Attendance. Juanita received her B.S. in Christian Ministries from Mid America Christian University.
Christine Colquitt Thacker is an Assistant Professor of Dance. She was a dancer with Gregory Hancock Dance Theater from 1998-2007, debuting in Out of Darkness. In 2000, Christine received an Individual Artist Fellowship from the Indiana Arts Commission. In 2003, she received a Creative Renewal Fellowship from the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Lilly Endowment. She was also awarded the prestigious Center for Leadership Development Award for Excellent Achievement in the Arts and Theatre.
She was a regular performer in National City’s Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Christine was the assistant director of GHDT from May 2003 through Aug. 2007. She was involved with the Student Dance Ensemble (now G2) and helped advise and direct The Nutcracker. As assistant director, Colquitt Thacker was company spokesperson and represented GHDT in all media events domestically and internationally. As a dancer with GHDT, Christine performed more than 73 repertoire pieces, originating several roles including Mary Magdalene, Esmerelda, The Cheshire Cat, and Chandramuhki. She is the only dancer in company history to perform all three Joans in Joan of Arc.
Before coming to Indiana, she performed and studied with Dayton Contemporary Dance Theatre, Toledo Ballet Association, and Ballet Met. She has served as community outreach teaching artist in residence for Clowes Memorial Hall and worked with Martha Graham Company’s artistic director on Educational Outreach for the company’s residency. She has also taught modern dance workshops at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She has taught Vaganova ballet for a number of years, beginning in Northwest Ohio in 1990 and has also taught modern and jazz.
She began teaching Dance at Anderson University in 2014.
Hear a podcast featuring Christine
[soundcloud id='594286350' comments='false' mini='true' height='false']
Contact Christine:
kcthacker@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Dance
Composition, ballet, jazz
B.A., Butler University
Michael Thigpen is the Director of the Cultural Resource Center, International and Multicultural Student Services. He was also appointed Chief Diversity Officer by Cabinet in 2020. He is passionate for serving and resourcing a very diverse population of multicultural and international students from around the world. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Madison County Youth Center. A visionary and a leader, he has served communities for nearly thirty years. He has worked in a variety of organizations, both nationally and internationally.
Mike is an alum of Anderson University, having completed both a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Masters in Business Administration. From children to the most mature individuals, Mike has the unique ability to capture and connect with all types of audiences.
Michael has a great passion for the lost and those who have been disenfranchised or otherwise disconnected from their local expression of the body of Christ. He seeks to disciple a generation of servant leaders, enabling them to make a greater impact on the world by sharing the authentic love of God. He also seeks to teach believers to develop and sustain a strong growing relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ. Under the anointing of God, he operates in a dynamic teaching gift in addition to several other spiritual gifts and vocations. He is a preacher who rightly divides the Word of truth with a fresh revelation from God. Mike seeks to encourage, empower, and motivate audiences to become passionate servant leaders, creating spaces for development and authentic transformation. Michael’s greatest joys are being a husband, father of four daughters, and a servant leader in areas where there is a need.
I am excited to have the privilege and honor of being the Resident Director of Dunn Hall and to serve and walk alongside the men who call Dunn home. Having graduated from Anderson University, I have a love both for the community on campus in general and specifically in Dunn Hall.
I have a passion for the growth of others and believe that God created community for that purpose. I grew so much as a man and a Christian in Dunn Hall and think there is so much opportunity for others to do the same. There are many unique and fun traditions that take place in Dunn Hall that make it a great place to live. I am blessed to be able to say that I currently have my dream job and I look forward to another awesome year!
I live in Dunn with my wonderful and weird wife, Rachel, and our puppy, Milo. I have a love for the outdoors and during my free time I can be found outside either backpacking, camping, hunting, hiking, playing sports, or learning something new. It is while being outside that I am most able to experience God’s peace and presence. I also enjoy striving for holistic wellness in mind, body, and spirit.
I received my Bachelor's degree from Anderson University in 2016 and my Master's degree in Counseling from Huntington University in 2019.
I truly believe that Dunn Hall is the greatest place to live and I am blessed to be a part of a wonderful community, I know you will learn to love Dunn too!
B.A. Anderson University
M.A. Huntington University
Denna Thompson is a full-time instructor of nursing in the BSN pre-licensure program. Denna earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ball State University and is currently working on a Master’s in Nursing Education. Her professional experience includes emergency nurse for 16 years at Saint Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital where she served as mentor for new staff and instructor for department education days. Teaching and mentoring future nurses has become her passion.
Denna currently works in the Emergency Department at Community Hospital Anderson. She has worked for Anderson University as an adjunct faculty member teaching junior and senior clinical during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years. Denna is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association and holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Trauma Nursing Core Course.
Denna and her husband Tony live in Anderson with their four daughters Tadessa, Danna, Shaelyn, and Alana. She enjoys hunting, outdoor activities, crafts and spending time with family.
Denna Thompson has been at Anderson University since 2015.
B.S.N., Ball State University
M.S.N., Anderson University
Stephanie Tretick joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra viola section in 1980.
A native of Boulder, Colorado, Ms. Tretick began her instrumental studies with the piano, and later took up the violin at the Interlochen Arts Academy. She attended Vassar College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts cum laude, and earned a Master of Music summa cum laude at Indiana University, where she was a fellowship student of Josef Gingold.
Before coming to Pittsburgh, Stephanie Tretick was a member of the Baltimore Symphony for five years, serving there as a violinist and violist. She also has performed on both instruments in Pittsburgh, substituting on short notice as a first violinist during a PSO Far East tour and appearing as violin soloist with the Orchestra in a performance of the Concerto in D by her father, the late Sidney Tretick.
Ms. Tretick has been associated with the Aspen and Casals festivals and the Bach Aria Group, the latter with which she collaborated in a recording of Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos. Solo engagements have included a performance of Brahm’s Double Concerto with the Phoenix Symphony and an appearance in Indiana playing the Tretick Concerto.
Leanne Torres is the Director of the Center for Career and Calling. Leanne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry and Adolescent Studies from Judson University and a Master of Arts in Student Development, Counseling, and Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is also a Lark’s Song Certified Coach, and certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and The Strong Interest Inventory.
Leanne served as the Early Connections Coordinator in the Office of Admissions from 2008-2012. Prior to returning to AU, Leanne started her own Life Coaching practice, assisting students and adults through College, Career, and Life Purpose coaching.
As the Director of the Center for Career and Calling, Leanne assists undecided students in career/major exploration, leads workshops relating to resume building, networking, the job search, and interviewing. Leanne works with a team of Graduate Assistants and Career Peers in assisting students connect their time here at AU to successful and satisfying work. The CCC Office also helps connect students to internships through out their time at AU. Leanne is passionate about helping students identify calling and how it relates to their career life.
Leanne is married to Jose Torres and has two children, Eleana and Jose Jr.
Dr. Jeffrey Scott Trotter is an Associate Professor of the Department of Teacher Education (DTE) and has taught at Anderson University since 2003. Initially he served as an adjunct instructor but was invited to join the SOE faculty full time in 2009. He earned degrees from Olivet Nazarene University, Wheaton College, and Ball State University. Dr. Trotter’s fields of specialty include clinical and school psychology; psychological assessment of children, youth, and adults; the identification and treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders of school aged children; development of multi-tiered instructional models; learning disabilities; finger agnosia; and suicide prevention. He has presented at conferences and is published in School Psychology as well as neuropsychological publications. Current areas of research include the compliance of public schools with federal and state education law, the practices of special education teachers and school psychologists when identifying and treating children with emotional disabilities, and the ethical beliefs and practices of classroom teachers.
Dr. Trotter currently belongs to the National Association of School Psychologists, the American Psychological Association, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education. On campus, he serves on multiple councils and committees and is a faculty advisor for the Student Council for Exceptional Children and Adelphi.
Dr. Trotter is married to Christine Sunberg-Trotter and they have three adult children. He enjoys traveling, jazz, backpacking, and coffee.
Dr. Jeff Trotter has been at Anderson University since 2009.
Contact Jeff:
Phone: (765) 641-4401
jstrotter@anderson.edu
Associate Professor of Education
B.A., Olivet Nazarene University
M.A., Wheaton College
M.A., Ball State University
Ph.D., Ball State University
https://youtu.be/vP6id7f-dBw
Prior to arriving at Anderson University, Dr. Troy was working on his Ph.D. at Baylor University. His dissertation focused on the measurement and classification of human motion in open space and foliaged environments using radar.
Dr. Troy’s primary research interest remains centered on the application of radar. Currently, Dr. Troy is investigating human gait parameters with Ball State’s School of Kinesiology. However, Dr. Troy is also interested in other areas of applied electromagnetics such as electric motors.
Dr. Troy is married to Xiuli ‘Hope’ Troy who he met during graduate school. They have a two-year-old that keeps them very busy. During the summer of 2018, they lived for two months in China with Hope’s family. Dr. Troy had the opportunity to explore mountains and experience a very different way of life than that to which he is accustomed. They all look forward to returning, and he hopes he can learn enough Mandarin to communicate in the future.
Dr. Troy came to Anderson University because he wants to be a part of the unique facilities and resources offered to the students. Dr. Troy has served at Anderson University since 2017.
Dr. Troy is a member of the following professional organizations
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
Contact Dr. Troy:
wstroy@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
B.S.E.C.E., Baylor University
M.S.E.C.E., Baylor University
Ph.D., Baylor University
Dr. Van Groningen enjoys the appeal of teaching a wide variety of mathematics classes from Finite Mathematics to the Calculus sequence to Differential Equations.
Dr. Van Groningen considers himself a pure applied mathematician whose main research interest lies within numerical analysis. His primary work is with numerical solvers of differential equations including the method of lines transpose and defect correction methods. However, with the opportunities present at Anderson University, he prefers research projects that can help introduce students to original mathematical research.
Dr. Van Groningen married his beautiful wife Lindsey in July of 2016. Together they actively travel and seek adventure. Dr. Van Groningen is also an avid hiker, runner, and reader. He is always willing to join in for most sports and board games. Further, he also donates his time to the local food pantry.
Dr. Lee Van Groningen has served at Anderson University since 2012.
Contact Dr. Van Groningen:
glvangroningen@anderson.edu
Decker Hall 332
(765) 641-4412
Associate Professor of Mathematics
B.A. Mathematics, Chemistry, Trinity Christian College
Ph. D., Mathematics, Michigan State University
Dr. Jason Varner serves as an Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity at the Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministries.
After earning bachelor's and master's degrees (History and Bible & Religion; Master of Theological Studies) from Anderson University, Varner moved to Scotland where he studied early modern history at the University of St Andrews. Upon completion of his MLitt. and Ph.D. degrees, Jason returned 'home' to Anderson University, where he enjoys teaching courses in the History of Christianity, Intellectual and American History, and Biblical Studies.
Dr. Varner's research interests include European encounters with 'the Other' in seventeenth-century America, the changing notion of the 'Self' in modernity, and the early years of the Church of God movement.
Varner joined the School of Theology and Christian Ministry faculty in 2016.
Hear an Andersonian interview with Dr. Varner
Contact Dr. Varner:
jrvarner@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4522
Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity
M.Div., Anderson University
Ph.D., St. Andrews University
Dr. Vaughters is an alum of Anderson University and the Falls School of Business and brings with him over a decade of practical business experience. After graduating with a BA in Finance 2003, he worked for the Department of Defense doing numerous financial and accounting functions in Indianapolis. Professor Vaughters has also worked for various small businesses in the construction, real estate, and hard goods distribution industries. He has held the title of sales manager, area manager, corporate pricing manager, and vice president of operations. During that time Professor Vaughters completed his Masters of Business Administration from Ball State University. Prior to joining the faculty of Anderson University, Professor Vaughters spent over 6 years with Monster World Wide, the online job service, working exclusively with global executive recruiting and staffing companies. His list of clients included some of the largest staffing organizations in the country. He and his wife Angie (also an AU grad ‘03) have a daughter Mia and a son Drake and reside in the Indianapolis area.
Brock Vaughters has served at Anderson University since 2014.
D.B.A., Liberty University
M.B.A., Ball State University
B.A., Anderson University
Dr. Wallace was an undergraduate student at Anderson University. He loved AU so much; he returned to join the faculty in the fall of 2000. Because of his background in organometallic chemistry, he teaches organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and several other advanced chemistry courses.
His research at Anderson University has been mostly in the area of chemical synthesis. He has investigated the synthesis and efficacy of chemotherapy drugs to fight lymphoma cancer cells. His most recent work involves the synthesis of 3D organometallic frameworks and pyrene-based fluorescent sensors.
In addition to his research and teaching, Dr. Wallace has spent the last several years developing a small organic chemistry textbook to simplify the sometimes difficult-to-understand concepts in that subject.
Dr. Wallace has a heart for the gospel. He invests well in the lives of his AU students. For example, he has taken several trips with AU students to rural Honduras to do medical missions. The worked with doctors (some who were AU alumni) to provide health care in remote mountain villages.
Dr. Wallace is married to his wonderful wife Amy, with whom he has three ridiculously cute children; a daughter, Ally, and two sons, Carson and Mason. He loves Jesus, his family, and his friends. He enjoys basketball, camping, and driving around the U.S. with his family over summer breaks.
Dr. Chad Wallace has served at Anderson University since 2000.
Contact Dr. Wallace:
cewallace@anderson.edu
Professor of Chemistry
Dean, School of Science and Engineering
B.A. Chemistry, Anderson University
Ph.D. Chemistry/Organometallics, University of Kentucky
Adam Waller is the Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education at Anderson University. Prior to his appointment at Anderson, he was the Wind Ensemble Director at the Johns Hopkins University and Assistant Conductor of the Wind Ensemble and Modern Orchestra at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Recent performances of the Peabody Wind Ensemble under his baton have earned the conductor “Honorable Mention: Finalist” designation in the 2017 American Prize in Conducting - College Wind Ensemble category, and “Semi-finalist” in the American Music category. Mr. Waller also served on the music faculty of the Peabody Conservatory and Towson University where he taught undergraduate level conducting courses.
From 2005-2015 Waller was the Director of Bands at Tabb High School in Yorktown, VA. Under his direction ensembles at Tabb consistently received Superior Ratings and were awarded the Virginia Honor Band and Blue Ribbon Awards. In addition to public school teaching commitments, he served as Music Director of the North Riverside Baptist Church Choir and Orchestra Director at the Liberty Academy of the Arts. He was a regular adjudicator and clinician for instrumental and choral ensembles in Music Showcase Festivals: Busch Gardens competitions in Williamsburg, Virginia was frequently called on to adjudicate state and local assessments in Virginia and Maryland.
Waller is a current Doctoral Candidate and holds an Undergraduate Degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in Wind Conducting both from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Additional studies in advanced conducting include workshops at the Eastman School of Music, Michigan State University, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Hart School of Music and the Inaugural United States Army Band’s “Pershing’s Own” conducting workshop.
Adam Waller has been at Anderson University since 2018.
Contact Adam:
anwaller@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Music
BM, MM, DMA candidate, Peabody Conservatory
Andy Watkins serves as Academic Success Coach.
Andy is from Yorktown, Indiana. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Leadership from Crossroads Bible College and is now pursuing a Master of Divinity at the Anderson University's School of Theology & Christian Ministry. Before coming to Anderson, Andy served as a program manager at Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis, advocating for and developing the homeless population he had the pleasure of serving. Andy is a big-picture thinker with skills in teaching, development, and counseling.
His son, Maddex attends Daleville Elementary School. Together they enjoy playing music, swimming, and reading.
Jennifer is a former principal dancer with and current associate director of Anderson Young Ballet Theatre with extended studies at National Ballet of Canada, where she trained intensely in the Cecctietti Syllabus. She has performed with Walt Disney Productions and Indianapolis Ballet Theatre and was a principal dancer with Lexington Ballet. During her dance career, she performed the leads in such ballets as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Raymonda, and Romeo and Juliet. Her musical theatre productions include, West Side Story, Sugar, Bye Bye Birdie, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, and productions with American Cabaret Theatre. She was the winner of the Margaret Sear Rosenblith and Carey Rose Winski scholarship awards, and was accepted to Interlochen Music camp.
Jennifer's teaching credentials include Anderson Young Ballet Theatre Academy, School of Lexington Ballet, School for the Performing Arts of Kentucky, and National Academy.
She has been a part of the Anderson University dance faculty since 2014.
Canada's National Ballet School
Ballet, pointe, variations
Joyce Duty Wehneman is an Assistant Professor of Education and Licensing Advisor for the Department of Teacher Education at Anderson University. In this capacity, she teaches Foundations of Teaching, Elementary Methods in Social Studies and Language Arts and facilitates the student teaching seminar. In addition, she works with the Indiana Department of Education to license Anderson University graduates who meet the requirements for Indiana teaching licensing.
As an Anderson (College) University 1976 alum, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and spent her teaching career teaching grades 2, 4, 5, and 6 at Union School in Modoc, Ind. from 1977-2010. She received her Master of Arts in Education in 1980 from Ball State University. She became a National Board Certified Teacher in 1999 as a Middle Childhood Generalist. She has also served on the Governor's Education Roundtable, the Indiana Professional Standards Board, and was selected as an Armstrong Educator at Indiana University and a Fulbright Memorial Social Studies teacher to Japan in 1999. She was presented the Anderson University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005.
Joyce enjoys traveling, reading, all genres of music, and spending time with her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great- nephews. She calls Ohio home and will always consider herself a Buckeye. Her father served as a Church of God Pastor for 50 years and both of her parents, brother, and niece attended and graduated from Anderson College and Anderson University. Her extended family hails from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
Joyce Duty Wehneman has been at Anderson University as an adjunct instructor since 2003 and previously served the School of Education as the Coordinator of Clinical Placements and Licensing from 2010-2016.
Contact Joyce:
Phone: (765) 641-4054
jdwehneman@anderson.edu
B.A., Anderson University
M.A., Ball State University
Tanya Whiteman is an assistant professor in kinesiology. Whiteman earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Taylor University. She went on to attend California University of Pennsylvania, where she received her Master of Science in exercise science with an emphasis in rehabilitation sciences. Currently, she is continuing her education by working toward a doctorate in athletic training from A.T. Still University.
Whiteman brings extensive experience in athletic training to AU, along with holding the position of clinical education coordinator for the university’s athletic training program. With this position, she ensures that students are able to gain valuable practice and clinical experience in the field.
“This is the best collegiate athletic training room that I have ever been able to work in,” said Whiteman. “I am extremely happy to be working here. This position has given me the opportunity to teach more and work with the future generation of athletic trainers.”
Contact Tanya Whiteman:
tmwhiteman@anderson.edu
Kardatzke Wellness Center 146
(765) 641-4490
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Clinical Education Coordinator
M.S., California University of Pennsylvania
As assistant professor of theology and ethics, Dr. Nathan Willowby teaches courses for both undergraduate and seminary students at Anderson University in the areas of ethics and theology as well as introduction to the Bible.
After earning a bachelor's degree in Bible and religion and business administration at AU, he spent one year studying at the School of Theology before eventually earning a master of divinity degree from Duke Divinity School and a Ph.D. in theology and ethics at Marquette University, where he wrote on the intersection of holiness, scripture, and political theology. Prior to coming to AU, Willowby served as pastor of Crossroads Church of God in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for seven years. He was active in statewide unity services and was the president of the Wisconsin Assembly of the Church of God from 2013-2016.
In his courses, Willowby seeks to enable students to consider the essential doctrinal and ethical texts and doctrines, but also invites students to consider the ways that the Christian claim that Jesus is Lord has sweeping implications for all aspects of personal and corporate life. A child of the church, Willowby has served Church of God congregations as janitor, youth counselor, sound technician, Sunday School teacher, camp meeting groundskeeper, pastoral intern, softball ringer, and is pleased now to serve in the ministry of higher education.
Willowby has served at Anderson University since 2016.
Contact Dr. Willowby:
njwillowby@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4529
Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics
B.A., Anderson University
M.Div., Duke University Divinity School
Ph.D., Marquette University
I am the office manager for the Office of Admissions at Anderson University. I help keep the office running smoothly and I enjoy seeing our current students and prospective students in our Welcome Center.
Fun Fact: I met my husband to be on a blind date!
Hometown: Canaan, IN
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a Photojournalism Option from Ball State University
Jeffrey Wright is Dean of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Anderson University. Dr. Wright is an active music educator and church musician. As a researcher, writer and conference speaker, he examines the intersection of aesthetics, worship traditions, and cultural beliefs and expectations. Since coming to Anderson University in 1995, the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance has expanded significantly and now includes a vibrant summer studies program for music educators, a Master's Degree in Music Education, three undergraduate degree programs in dance, and a variety of summer experiences for high school music students. In 2007, he was named the Outstanding University Administrator of the Year by the Indiana Music Educators Association. Prior to coming to Anderson University, Dr. Wright was an administrator and faculty member in the School of Music at Northwestern University. He is co-editor of and contributor to the book On the Nature of Musical Experience published by the University Press of Colorado.
Jeffrey Wright has been at Anderson University since 1995.
Contact Jeffrey:
jewright@anderson.edu
Dean, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Professor of Music
Teaches: Music education, church music
B.M., Georgia State University
M.M., Ph.D., Northwestern University
Erich Yetter discovered dance after a Texas high school football injury. He began studying with former Berlin Opera Ballet ballerina Ingeborg Heuser and continued his training with Fernando Schaffenburg in Ft. Worth, Texas; Ben Stevenson at the Houston Ballet Academy; and David Howard and Maggie Black in New York City.
Yetter danced with Ballet Met in Ohio before traveling to England and Ireland, where he danced a year in London and two years as principal dancer of the Irish National Ballet. Returning to the United States, Yetter graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Texas at El Paso before moving to Tennessee to dance with Ballet Memphis, where he was a principal dancer for twelve years. While still dancing, he received the Tennessee Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship Award and choreographed many pieces for Ballet Memphis, including a sparkling, full-length Cinderella. His professional experience includes dancing a wide variety of choreographic styles—from Petipa to George Balanchine to Trey McIntyre.
After leaving Memphis, Yetter worked for a decade as Artistic Director of Peoria Ballet where he brought a heightened sense of professionalism and community participation to the company. His service also included ten years on various grant panels of the Illinois Arts Council in Chicago, and in 2006 he received the ArtsPartners of Central Illinois Gem of the Arts Award. Yetter has staged and choreographed over 75 works for ballet, theater, and opera companies. In 2010, he received a Master’s of Science in Higher Education from Kaplan University in Chicago and was awarded a ten thousand dollar “Arts Works” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to subsidize his production of Romeo and Juliet.
Yetter went on to teach graduate and undergraduate ballet technique at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio for six years. He also served on the dance faculty of the Cleveland School of the Arts, Wayne Center for the Arts, Ballet Excel Ohio and was on the Board of Directors of OhioDance. He freelanced as a choreographer and teacher throughout Northeast Ohio giving workshops at events such as the OhioDance Festival, American College Dance Festival Association, Youngstown State Dance Festival, The International Black Dance Conference and multiple summer intensive programs. Yetter has choreographed ballets for Canton Ballet, Ballet Excel Ohio, Ballet Theatre of Ohio, Ohio Northern University, Ashland Regional Ballet, The University of Akron and the Akron Symphony Orchestra. His works have been performed internationally and across the United States including Ireland, Guatemala, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, and Ohio. In 2018, he choreographed and designed another full-length ballet, The Magic Flute, for Ballet Excel Ohio which was premiered at the historic Civic Theatre in downtown Akron. Currently, he is Assistant Professor of Dance at Anderson University in Indiana, where his wife, Mary Ragna Yetter, serves as the University Organist.
Yetter joined the faculty in 2018.
Contact Erich:
edyetter@anderson.edu
Assistant Professor of Dance
BMus, University of Texas
MHE, Kaplan University
Karri York, soprano, obtained her Doctor of Music in voice from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She is currently adjunct professor of voice at Anderson University, voice instructor for Pre-College and Adult Music Program at University of Indianapolis, and is director of music at Southport Christian Church. Dr. York formerly held the position assistant professor of voice in the School of Music at Ball State University, and served as Adjunct Voice Instructor at Butler University Jordan College of Fine Arts.
Dr. York's performance experiences include recitals, oratorio, opera, and musical theatre. She has performed as guest vocal soloist with Fishers Chamber Orchestra, Masterworks Chorale, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, and Butler Symphony Orchestra, and has performed many solo and chamber recitals both locally and nationally. Her oratorio performances include soprano soloist for each of the following works: Handel's Messiah, Haydn's The Creation, Mozart's Mass in C Minor and Mozart's Requiem. Her favorite operatic roles, which she has performed, include Susanna in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, Laurie Moss in Copland's The Tenderiand, Gretel in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, and Nerone in Handel's Aggripina.
Dr. York regularly adjudicates for collegiate level NATS and for ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Contests, for which she served as a member of the revision committee in 2014. Additional solo vocal adjudications include concerto competitions, Indiana Federation of Music Clubs, Young Artist Awards, Shelbyville High School Singing Sensational, and Preludes. She has served as guest vocal masterclass clinician for Indiana Wesleyan University, Southport High School, and Whiteland High School.
Dr. York is a professional recording artist at Ajre Born Studios, a premier recording studio in Central Indiana. She has recorded vocals for Requiem by Mark Hayes and for the independent film The War Within (2014). She has sung for such current composers as Pepper Choplin, Keith Christopher, Craig Courtney, Dan Forrest, Mark Hayes, Lloyd Larson and Ruth Elaine Schram. Publishers include Beckenhorst Press, Hal Leonard Corporation, Lorenz, and Soundforth.
Agnieszka Zick is a Polish-born pianist and educator. She performs as a soloist, chamber, and orchestra musician. Recently she has been a featured soloist with The Florida Wind Band in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. She performs regularly with a chamber group Amici Musicali in Tampa Bay area, and in 2017 she toured her native Poland (Poznań, Łódź, and Warsaw). Zick also enjoys collaborating as an orchestra pianist (Chautauqua Music Festival Symphony Orchestra, USF Symphony Orchestra, Life Sciences Orchestra, and The Florida Wind Band). Festival appearances include the Chautauqua Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Wiener Meisterkurse, Zakopane Academy of Art, Summer Music Academy in Kraków, and International Master Courses in Zamość and Białystok in Poland.
Zick maintains a keen interest in contemporary repertoire. She has worked with composers Louis Andriessen, David del Tredici, Augusta Read Thomas, and David Liptak. She commissioned works by Tyler Kline and Roger Zare and will perform and record them this coming year.
In addition to performing, Zick is passionate about piano pedagogy. She was active in the Music Teachers National Association in Florida and Michigan (president of the University of Michigan MTNA Collegiate Chapter). Zick adjudicated several regional competitions and presented for the Oakland Teachers Piano Guild, Michigan. Conferences presentation include Michigan Music Teachers Association State Conference, Piano Pedagogy Symposium in Ohio, and Ann Arbor Teachers Guild.
Agnieszka Zick holds degrees from the F. Chopin Academy of Music, Warsaw, Poland, the University of South Florida (Piano Performance; Chamber Music), and a DMA in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Michigan. Zick was on a faculty at Eckerd College, Schoolcraft College Piano Academy, and as a sabbatical replacement at the University of South Florida. Currently, she is a Piano Instructor at Berkley Preparatory School - Music Conservatory, and a pianist at Bayshore Baptist Church. Zick is a recipient of the 2018 Hillsborough County Professional Development Artist Grant.
DMA, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI — Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Performance
MM, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL — Master of Music in Piano Performance Double Major: Master of Music in Chamber Music
BM, Frederic Chopin Academy of Music, Warsaw, Poland — Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance; Certification in Piano Pedagogy Studies