The Faculty and Administration

2025 - 2026

Robert C. Pepper (2025- )
President of the University
BA, 1992, Messiah College; MS, 1994, Shippensburg University; PhD, 2009, Regent University.

Tanner A. Babb (2010-  )
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor of Psychology
BA, 2004, Huntington University; MS Ed, 2007, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne; PhD, 2012, University of Toledo.

Jessica O. Baggerman (2017-  )
Associate Professor of Agriculture
BS, 2012, Oklahoma State University; MS, 2014 and PhD, 2017, Texas Tech University.

Tyanne N. Bailey (2005-  )
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Teacher Education Program (Undergraduate and Graduate)
BS, 2004, Huntington University; MA, 2006, Ball State University; EdD, 2020, Southeastern University.

Aaron J. Baker (2018-  )
Associate Professor of Chemistry
BS, 2011, Ohio Northern University; PhD, 2016, Michigan State University.

Rebekah A. Benjamin (2015-  )
Professor of Psychology; Chair of the Division of Social Sciences and Education 
BA, 2004 and Secondary Education Graduate Certificate, 2005, Indiana Wesleyan University; MA, 2009 and PhD, 2012, University of Georgia.

Laurie Berghoff (2023-  )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BS, 1994, Purdue University; MSN, 2009, Ball State University.

Thomas E. Bergler (2000-  )
Professor of Christian Thought and Practice
BS, 1986, University of Michigan; MA, 1995, Wheaton College; PhD, 2001, University of Notre Dame.

Jeffrey C. Berggren (1993-  )
Director of Marketing and Communications
B.S., 1984, 1984, and 1989, John Brown University.

William H. Bordeaux (1987-2012)
Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
BA, 1968, Houghton College; DA, 1976, University of Miami; graduate study, North Carolina State University.

Dwight D. Brautigam (1987-2024 )
Professor Emeritus of History
BA, 1979, Houghton College; MA, 1982, University of Kentucky; PhD, 1987, University of Rochester.

Heidi A. Carpenter (2021-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
BS, 2009, Northern Arizona University; OTD, 2014, Creighton University.

Susie Carr (2023-  )
Assistant Vice President Enrollment Strategy and Undergraduate Admissions
BA, 2015, Indiana Wesleyan University; MA, 2019, Indiana Wesleyan University.

Michelle L. Caulk (2021-  )
Assistant Professor of Clinical and Mental Health Counseling and Director of Clinical Experiences
BA, 1997, Southern Illinois University; MLIS, 1998, University of Illinois; MA, 2012, Argosy University; PhD, 2021, Regent University.

Maria Charland (2025- )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, 2010, Purdue University; MSN, 2023, Western Governor's University. 

Lance D. Clark (1993- )
Dean of the Arts, Professor of Digital Media Arts Film and Communication, Chair of the Division of School of the Arts
BA, 1989, Huntington University; MA, 1991 and PhD, 2001, Regent University.

Keirsh A. Cochran (2022-  )
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
BA, 2013, Huntington University; MPA, 2019, Indiana Wesleyan.

Ronald L. Coffey (1986-  )
Vice President for Student Life
BS, 1981, Huntington University; MA, 1993, Ball State University; PhD, 2007, Indiana State University.

Kristen D. Council (2021-  )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, 2005, Indiana Wesleyan University; MSN, 2018, St. Xavier University; DNP, 2022, University of Indianapolis.

Sharon L. Custer (1973-2009)
Assistant Professor Emerita of Business
BS, 1966, Huntington University; MS, 1975, University of Saint Francis; graduate study, Ball State University.

Jeremiah H. Davis (2023- )
Assistant Professor of English
BA, 2014, University of Saint Cloud; MA, 2017, University of Saint Thomas; PhD, 2023, University of South Dakota.

Jerry E. Davis (1980-1994; 2007-2017; 2019-2021)
Professor Emeritus of Counseling
BS, 1977, Lancaster Bible College; MEd, 1979, Millersville University; PhD, 1992, Purdue University.

Jayme R. Dee (2016-  )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BS, 2005, University of Saint Francis; MSN, 2018, Jacksonville University.

Russell J. Degitz (2019-  )
Chief Operating Officer
BS, 2002, Huntington University; MAE, 2007, EdS, 2016, and EdD, 2018, Ball State University.

Jeffrey D. Del Nero (2020-  )
Associate Professor of Graphic Design
BA, 1989, California State University, Fullerton; MFA, 2017, Azusa Pacific University.

Cynthia A. DiGenova (2025- )
Assistant Professor of Business
BS, 1994, Indiana University; MS, 2017, and doctoral studies, Indiana Wesleyan University.

Kevin L. S. Drury (2016-  )
Associate Professor of Mathematics
BS, 1996, Virginia Tech; MFS, 1998; Yale University; PhD, 2004, University of Chicago.

Beth Ann Dubois (2022-  )
Registrar
BS, 1992, Huntington University.

Jodi D. Eckert (2014-  )
Assistant Professor of Nursing, Director of Nursing
ADN, 1998, Indiana-Purdue University, Fort Wayne; BSN, 2014 and MSN, 2016, Western Governors University.

Chelsey Edwards (2024-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
MOT, 2012, University of North Dakota; OTD, 2020, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Kent D. Eilers (2009-  )
Professor of Theology, Chair of the Division of Humanities and Christian Thought
BS, 1998, Calvin College; MA, 2004, Denver Seminary; PhD, 2009, University of Aberdeen.

Sherilyn R. Emberton (2013-  )
President Emeritus of the University
BS, 1979, Stephen F. Austin State University; MA, 1981, Stephen F. Austin State University; EdD, 1999, Texas A & M University - Commerce.

Bruce D. Evans (1991-2024 )
Professor Emeritus of Biology
BS, 1985, University of Charleston; PhD, 1991, Emory University.

Luke S. Fetters (1999-  )
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty
BA, 1982 and MCM, 1984, Huntington University; MA, 1992, Wheaton College Graduate School; EdD, 2005, Ball State University.

Deborah S. Fitzcharles (2018-  )
Instructor of Occupational Therapy Assistance
AA, 1996, Florida State College; AS, 2000, University of Saint Francis; BS, 2008, Harrison College; MS, 2015, Argosy University.

A. Norris Friesen (1985-2020)
Vice President Emeritus for Student Development
BA, 1972, Tabor College; MS, 1980, Kansas State University; PhD, 1991, Purdue University.

Michelle A. Fulkerson (2020-  )
Associate Professor of Nursing
AS, 2002, Northwest State Community College; BS, 2012, Indiana Wesleyan University; DNP, 2020, Indiana Wesleyan University.

Kelly L. Grant (2024-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
BS, 2017, Huntington University; OTD, 2020, Huntington University.

Aimee Graves (2024-  )
Instructor of Agriculture and Animal Health and Veterinary Technology Advisor
BS, 2000, Indiana Wesleyan University; MA, 2004, Indiana Wesleyan University.

Sarah J. Harvey (1981-2022)
Registrar Emerita
BA, 1978, Huntington University; MA, 1981 and graduate study, Ball State University.

R. William Hasker (1966-2000)
Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
AB, 1956, Wheaton College; BD, 1959, American Baptist Seminary of the West; PhD, 1961, University of Edinburgh; LHD (hon.), 2001, Huntington University; graduate study, Fuller Theological Seminary, University of California at Berkeley.

Christine Harber (2024-  )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, 2022, Huntington University.

Patricia A. Henton (2017-  )
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
BS, 1989, University of Western Ontario; OTD, 2015, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Shoshannah L. Hernandez (2019-  )
Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Institute for TESOL Studies
BS, 2003, Huntington University; MA, 2008, Azusa Pacific University; EdD, 2020, Anaheim University.

F. Collin Hobbs (2013-  )
Associate Professor of Biology
BS, 2004, University of Wisconsin; PhD, 2013, Indiana University.

Andrew J. Hoffman (2017-  )
Associate Professor of Mathematics
BA, 2010, Wabash College; MS, 2013 and PhD, 2017, Purdue University.

Troy D. Irick (2002-  )
Assistant Professor of Business and Economics
BS, 1985, Huntington University; MA, 2008, Crown College; Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, 2011, Regent University; Certified Public Accountant.

Chassidy Johnson (2024-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
OTA-A, 2000, University of St. Francis; BS, 2010, University of Findlay; MS, 2012, University of Findlay.

Khadijah Johnson (2024-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
BA, 2009, Seton Hall University; MS, 2012, Kent University; OTD, 2023, Towson University.

Francis L. Jones (1971-2011)
Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences
BA, 1966, Huntington University; MS, 1967 and PhD, 1971, Michigan State University; graduate study, Ball State University.

Karen E. Jones (1997-  )
Professor of Christian Thought and Practice
BS, 1978 and MS, 1982, Southwest Missouri State University; MA, 1993 and PhD, 1998 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Robert E. Kaehr (1976-2010)
Director of Library Services and Associate Professor Emeritus
BA, 1965, Huntington University; MA, 1972, Northern Arizona University; MLS, 1976, George Peabody College; graduate study, Indiana University.

Noelle C. Keller (2021-  )
Associate Professor of Library Science, Director of Library Services
BA, 1993, and MEd, 1995, The George Washington University; MLS, 1991, Kent State University.

Kristen D. Kennedy (2023- )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BS, 2017, Huntington University; MSN, 2023, Indiana Wesleyan University.

George W. Killian, Jr. (2001-  )
Associate Professor of Music
BA, 1988, Anderson University; MM, 1991, Ball State University; DMA, 2000, Arizona State University.

Amanda Kramer (2024-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
BA, 2006, Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne; AAS, 2017, Brown Mackie College.

John D. LeBlanc (2018-  )
Instructor of Worship Leadership and Outreach Coordinator
BA, 1994, Cedarville University; MA, 2013, Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary.

Elijah Lee (2021-  )
Associate Professor, Program Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
BA, 2009, University of Maryland; MA, 2017, MidAmerica Nazarene University; PhD, 2020, Regent University.

Jeffrey L. Lehman (1998-  )
Professor of Computer Science, Associate Dean of the Sciences
BA, 1991, Bluffton College; MS, 1993, Illinois State University; PhD, 2004, Nova Southeastern University.

Jill R. Linder (2021-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
BS, 1997, Eastern Michigan University; MHS, 2010 and OTD, 2020, University of Indianapolis.

Ryan L. Long (2019-  )
Associate Professor of Theatre
BA, 2004, Mount Vernon Nazarene University; MFA, 2013, Savannah College of Art and Design.

W. Todd Martin (1999-  )
Professor of English
BA, 1989, William Jewell College; MA, 1991, Wake Forest University; PhD, 1998, Baylor University.

Carla J. MacDonald (2005-  )
Professor Emerita of Social Work
BSW, 1979, Manchester College; MSW, 1981, Indiana University; MBA, 1991, University of Saint Francis; EdD, 2012, Indiana Wesleyan University.

David W. McEowen (1997-2014)
Associate Professor Emeritus in Business
BS, 1970, Purdue University; MBA, 1984, University of Saint Francis; graduate study, Rochester Institute of Technology.

Chase C. McKinney (2022-  )
Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
BA, 2010, University of Michigan; MA, 2016, Dallas Theological Seminary; 2022, PhD, Regent University.

Ann C. McPherren (1981-  )
Assistant to the President for Program Development, Professor of Business and Economics
BA, 1978, Huntington University; MS, 1982 and EdD, 1992, Ball State University; graduate study, Indiana University.

Barbara Michel (2008- )
Professor of Art
BA, 1989 and 1992, Purdue University; MA, 1997, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; graduate study, Purdue University; EdD, 2021, Capella University.

Jordan K. Monson (2023-  )
Assistant Professor of Christian Thought and Practice
BA, 2009, University of Minnesota; MA, 2015, Wheaton College; MDiv, 2018, Gordon-Conwell University.

Paul E. Michelson (1974-2015)
Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus of History
AB, 1967, Emporia State University; AM, 1969 and PhD, 1975, Indiana University.

Fred L. Miller, III (2016-  )
Professor of Exercise Science
BS, 2000, Huntington University; MA, 2003, Eastern New Mexico University; PhD, 2008, University of Houston.

Kevin D. Miller (2002-  )
Professor of Communication
BA, 1987, Eastern Mennonite University; MA, 1992, Ohio State University; PhD, 2002, University of Kentucky.

Wayne R. Moore (2025- )
Vice President of Finance and Operations
BS, 1992, and BS, 1993, University of Maryland; MBA, 2000, University of Baltimore; Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant.

Corie R. Mueller (2023-  )
Assistant Professor of  Nursing
BS, 2005 and MSN, 2008, The University of Toledo.

Ruth E. Nalliah (1995-  )
Professor of Chemistry, Chair of the Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
BA, 1989, Bluffton College; PhD, 1995, University of Toledo.

Randy L. Neuman (1982-  )
Director of Library Services and Assistant Professor of Library Science Emeritus
AB, 1980, Huntington University; MLS, 1981, University of Michigan; graduate study, Ball State University.

James M. O’Donnell (1993-2012)
Associate Professor Emeritus of Business and Economics and Executive-in-Residence
AB, 1970, Brown University; MEd, 1973, Rhode Island College; MBA, 1979, Columbia University.

Terrell M. Peace (1998- )
Professor Emeritus of Education
BS, 1973, Clemson University; MRE, 1980; PhD, 1984, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Raymond A. Porter (2014-  )
Director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies, Associate Professor of Agriculture
BS, 1981, Wheaton College; PhD, 1988, Cornell University; MA, 2013, Biola University.

Evelyn J. Priddy (1990-2016)
Professor Emerita of Education
BS, 1972, Huntington University; MS, 1976, Indiana University; EdD, 1989, Ball State University.

Robert Rankin (2025- )
Assistant Professor of Library Science, Associate Director of Library Services and Electronic Resources Librarian
BS, 2015, Liberty University; MS, 2019, Indiana University. 

Nancy L. Richison (2013-  )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BS, 1992, Huntington University; BSN, 2004, Indiana Wesleyan University; MSN, 2009, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.

Andrew Rivera (2019-  )
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
BS, 2013, Seton Hall University; OTD, 2017, Huntington University.

Michael W. Rowley (1998-  )
Associate Professor of Speech Communication
BA, 1991 and MA, 1992, University of Central Florida; PhD, 1997, Florida State University.

Mary E. Ruthi (1978-80; 1983-  )
Professor Emerita of Sociology
BA, 1972, Sterling College; MA, 1975 and PhD, 1978, University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Jamie Hoag Sanfilippo (2023-  )
Dean of Huntington University, Arizona
BA, 2012, Greenville University; MA, 2015, Saint Louis University; PhD, 2023, Azusa Pacific University.

Tina M. Sauber (2023-  )
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
BS, 1993, University of North Dakota Grand Forks; OTD, 2014, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals.

Gerald D. Smith (1967-2009)
Professor Emeritus of Physics and Chemistry and Vice President and Dean Emeritus of the University
BS, 1964, Huntington University; PhD, 1972, Purdue University; LHD (hon.), 1998, Huntington University; graduate study, University of Washington, Michigan State University, Ball State University, Louisiana State University.

Timothy O. Smith (2007-  )
Professor of History, Director of the Center for Non-Western Studies
BA (Hons), 1996, University of Leicester; MA, 1997, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; PhD, 2005, University of East Anglia; FRHistS, 2008, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Patricia R. Spedden (1983-2010)
Professor Emerita of Music
BMus, 1973, Centenary College; MM, 1975, University of Maine; DA, 1982, Ball State University.

Cynthia L. Steury (1980-82; 1986-2016)
Professor Emerita of Education
BS, 1971, Huntington University; MA, 1974, Bowling Green State University; EdD, 1997, Ball State University.

Samantha J. Sutorius (2016-  )
Assistant Professor of Social Work
BSW, 2010, Huntington University; MSW, 2012, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis; DSW, 2021, University of St. Thomas.

Constance L. Updike (1988-2013)
Associate Professor Emerita of Recreation Management
BS, 1971, Manchester College; MS, 1977, Indiana University; graduate study, University of Saint Francis, Indiana University, Ball State University.

Joseph H. Urschel (2025- )
Assistant Professor of Education
BS, 2003, Huntington University; MEd, 2014, Western Governors University; graduate study, Indiana University. 

Linda K. Urschel (1984-2018)
Professor Emerita of English
BS, 1980 and MAT, 1984, Indiana University; PhD, 1992, Ball State University.

Samuel Varghese (2025- )
Assistant Professor of Film Production
BS, 2008, Southwestern College; MA, 2013, Pheonix Seminary; BA, 2015, Grand Canyon University. 

Jonathan T. Vinson (2023-  )
Associate Professor of Digital Media Arts
BA, 2011, Crown College; MATS, 2015, Bethel Seminary; MFA, 2020, Asbury University.

Yue Wang (2023-  )
Assistant of Graphic Design 
BA, 2018, Anhui Polytechnic University; BFA, 2019, University of Bridgeport; MFA, 2022, Purdue University.

Christian J. Washington (2019-  )
Associate Professor of Animation
BS, 2013, Huntington University; MFA, 2016, Ball State University.

Joshua K. Watson (2019-  )
Associate Professor of Exercise Science
BS, 2013, Huntington University; MA, 2015, Ball State University.

Jeffrey B. Webb (1999-  )
Professor of History 
BA, 1987, Baldwin-Wallace College; MA, 1989, Cleveland State University; PhD, 2001, University of Chicago.

Matthew S. Webb (2016-  )
Associate Professor of Digital Media Arts, Film Production
BA, 1998, Huntington University; MAT, 2008, Fuller Theological Seminary; MFA, 2021, Asbury University.

Tyler C. Welker (2023-  )
Associate Professor of Digital Media Arts
BA, 2009, Huntington University; MFA, 2014, Academy of Art University.

Winfield B. Wetherbee (1977-2011)
Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences
BS, 1967, Wheaton College; MS, 1969 and PhD, 1973, Clarkson University.

Anita J. Wickersham (1983-  )
Professor Emerita of Accounting and Business
BA, 1980, Huntington University; MBA, 1988 and graduate study, Ball State University; Certified Public Accountant.

Adam J. Widener (2015-  )
Associate Professor of Digital Media Arts/Broadcast Media
BA, 2009, Huntington University; MFA, 2019, Asbury University.

Tamra R. Williams (2025- )
Assistant Professor of Agriculture Education
BS, 2006, University of Idaho; MEd, 2009, University of Nevada; MEd, 2018, Sierra Nevada College; graduate studies, Trevecca Nazarene University. 

Heather M. Wilson (2025- )
Assistant Professor of Education
BGS, 2012, Indiana University; MS, 2023, Indiana Wesleyan University.

Curtis Wood (2021-  )
Assistant Professor of Digital Media Arts
BS, 2011, Huntington University.

Caitlyn E. Wright (2019-  )
Assistant Professor of Nursing
BS, 2008, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame; MSNED, 2018, Indiana University.

Brock A. Zehr (2014-  )
Associate Professor of Business
BA, 1986, Anderson University; MBA, 2009, Indiana Wesleyan University; DBA, 2016, Walden University.

Faculty Named Chairs
2025 - 2026

Special Appointments
2025 - 2026

Undergraduate Adjunct Faculty - Huntington
2025 - 2026

Undergraduate Adjunct Faculty in Music - Huntington
2025 - 2026

Undergraduate Adjunct Faculty - Peoria
2025 - 2026

Online Programs Adjunct Faculty
2025 - 2026

Graduate School Adjunct Faculty
2025 - 2026