24 full-time faculty members join Upper
Iowa University
Malcolm Graeme Armstrong, assistant professor of education and MHEA program coordinator at Upper Iowa University, was on hand during the UIU new faculty reception this week to welcome Jill Buchan, assistant professor of education, who is one of 24 new faculty members starting this semester.
FAYETTE, Iowa (August 19, 2010) — Freshmen and transfer students won’t be the only new faces at Upper Iowa University when the new semester begins on Monday, August 23, there are also 24 new full-time faculty members teaching at the Fayette campus, at UIU centers in the United States and abroad, as well as online.
“As Upper Iowa University continues to grow in Fayette and across all our locations, we are committed to having excellent faculty to meet student expectations and ensure that they receive a high quality education,” said UIU President Alan G. Walker. “This year we are especially pleased that our new faculty members enhance our diversity and bring a depth of experience and educational background that will benefit all UIU students.”
“We are very fortunate at Upper Iowa University to have the facilities and academic scope that attracts strong faculty members,” added David Chown, chief academic officer. “As a result, we are able to secure an exceptional group of faculty to help strengthen and lead the university on its mission of continuous improvement of academic quality.”
The new faculty members at UIU include:
- Maria Baykina, Assistant Professor of Psychology, formerly at Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio. Dr. Baykina earned bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in psychology from San José State University, and a doctorate in educational psychology from Texas Tech University.
- Lori Bell, Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance, formerly at the University of Oklahoma, Norman. Dr. Bell has a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s degree in library and informational studies, and a doctorate in economics from the University of Oklahoma.
- Cherif Boumaza, Assistant Professor of Finance, formerly at Mount Marty College, Yankton, S.D. Dr. Boumaza earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Constantine, a master’s degree in economics from Central Michigan University, and a doctorate in economics from the University of South Carolina.
- Jill Buchan, Assistant Professor of Education, UIU Des Moines Center, is also a full-time special education teacher in Woodward, Iowa. Professor Buchan has a master’s degree in secondary education/instructional strategist II (BD/LD K-12) from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UIU.
- Jennifer Case, Assistant Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, formerly at Kansas State University, Manhattan. Dr. Case earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Washburn University, as well as a master’s degree in sports studies and a doctorate in nutrition from Kansas State University.
- Becky DeGreeff, Assistant Professor of Communications, formerly at North Dakota State University, Fargo. Dr. DeGreeff has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Southwest Minnesota State University, a master’s degree in communication studies and journalism from South Dakota State University and a doctorate in communications from North Dakota State University.
- Barbara Ehlers, Assistant Professor of Education, formerly at Oelwein Community Schools. Professor Ehlers holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wartburg College and a master’s degree in school library media studies from the University of Northern Iowa.
- Katrina McNeely Farren, Assistant Professor of English, formerly at Michigan Technological University, Houghton. Dr. Farren has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in rhetoric and technical communications, and a doctorate in rhetoric and technical communications, all from Michigan Technological University.
- Karla Gavin, Assistant Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, has been a UIU staff member for nearly 20 years. Professor Gavin has a bachelor’s degree in German from Moorhead State University and a master’s degree in sports administration from Mankato State University.
- Lisa Guinn, Assistant Professor of History, formerly at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich. Dr. Guinn holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in American history from Pittsburgh State University and a doctorate in history from Oklahoma State University.
- Dr. Stephan Harvey, Associate Professor of Business Administration formerly at Lander University, Greenwood, S.C. Dr. Harvey has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from Indiana University at South Bend and a doctor of science degree in information systems and communications from the Robert Morris University.
- Jeff Helms, Assistant Professor of Biology, formerly at Illinois State University, Normal. Dr. Helms holds an associate of science degree in biology from Illinois Central College, and a bachelor’s of science degree in biology and a doctorate in biology from Illinois State University.
- Demetrios Ioannides, MIS instructor, formerly at Bemidji State University. Dr. Ioannides earned his master’s degree in information science from Columbia University and his doctorate in information science from the University of Pittsburgh.
- Thomas Jorsch, Assistant Professor of History, formerly at Ferris State University. Dr. Jorsch has a bachelor’s degree in history and mathematics from Carroll College and a master’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin as well as a doctorate in history from Oklahoma State University.
- Christopher Kragnes, Sr., JD, Assistant Professor of Business, for the Center for Distance Education on the Fayette campus formerly was with the UIU Center in West Des Moines. He earned his law degree and his MBA at Drake University and his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Baker University.
- Xiangyang Liu, Assistant Professor of Information Technology, who will teach both in Fayette and at the international centers, was formerly at the University of Texas, Austin. Dr. Liu has a master’s degree in computer science from Hefei University of Technology in China and a doctorate in computer science from the University of Texas.
- John Brian McQueen, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology, formerly at Washington State University, Pullman. Dr. McQueen holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Emporia State University, a master’s degree in sociology from Pittsburg State University and a doctorate in sociology from Washington State University.
- Eric Njabon, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, formerly at Chadron State College, Chadron, Neb. Dr. Njabon earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Buea, Cameroon, as well as a master’s degree in physical chemistry and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
- Sarahh Scher, Assistant Professor of Art, formerly at Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Scher has a bachelor of fine arts degree in communication arts from Washington University, a master’s of fine arts degree in printmaking and a master’s degree in art history from New Mexico State University, as well as a doctorate in art history from Emory University.
- Debra Schott, Assistant Professor of Business, who will teach at both UIU’s Waterloo and Cedar Rapids Centers, formerly at Mercycare Service Corporation, Cedar Rapids. Professor Schott earned her bachelor’s degree in management and accounting and her MBA from Upper Iowa University.
- Sara Sheeley, Assistant Professor of Biology, formerly at the University of Iowa. Dr. Sheeley has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Northern Iowa and a doctorate in biology from the University of Iowa.
- Latisha Smith, Assistant Professor of Education, formerly at the UIU Waterloo Center. Professor Smith has a master’s of education degree in instructional/classroom leadership from UIU and a bachelor’s degree in elementary/early childhood education from the University of Northern Iowa.
- Mary Staniger, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, formerly at Cedar Falls High School. Professor Staniger has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in computer applications in education, and is currently completing her doctorate in education in curriculum and instructional, with a mathematics emphasis, at the University of Northern Iowa.
- Dr. Summer Zwanziger Elsinger, Assistant Professor of Management and Marketing, formerly at Columbia College, Columbia, Mo. Dr. Zwanziger Elsinger holds a bachelor’s degree in insurance and general business from Drake University, an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, a master’s degree in business research from Glasgow Caledonian University, and a doctorate in organization and management from Capella University.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,600 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.