E-Colleague

Editor’s Note: Below are bios of several of the faculty members who have joined George Fox in recent weeks. Other arrivals will be featured in future issues of What’s Bruin, a new employee newsletter, as photos and biographical information are made available.

Nkem Azike joins the university’s chemistry department as a visiting associate professor of chemistry this fall. She arrives as an accomplished analytical chemistry professor with more than 20 years of experience in research and broader leadership roles. After earning a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, she served for more than 33 years at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos as both a professor and researcher, between 1986 and 2019. More recently, Nkem served as an associate professor of chemistry at Corban University in Salem (2020-21), teaching general chemistry, organic chemistry and quantitative analysis. Her research has focused on the isolation and characterization of essential oils from spices, cation exchange capacity of soils, heavy metal risks from edible plants, soils, and water, and pesticide residues in cow peas, among other topics. In addition to her PhD, Nkem holds a master’s degree in analytical chemistry from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Lagos in Nigeria. She lives in Portland and has three grown children. She attends Mannahouse Church in Portland.

The university welcomes Aaron Barnhart as an assistant professor of worship arts and music industry. He has worked as the worship pastor at Monmouth Christian Church for the past six years, leading and supervising all aspects of worship and responsible for discipleship, scheduling and technical training. He also owns and operates Reverent Recording Studios, where he works with local and national Christian artists. In addition, for the past three years, Aaron has taught music technology, recording techniques, and mixing and mastering as an adjunct professor at Oregon State University. He’s also taught on an adjunct basis in the recording arts program at Western Oregon University since 2015. Previously, Aaron was a worship leader at Oneonta Congregational Church in Pasadena, California, from 2012 to 2015. In all, he has more than 20 years of industry experience, beginning as a sound designer for Mary J. Blige’s “Mary Tour” in 2001. He has since worked with several prominent names in the music industry, including Fleetwood Mac and Herbie Hancock. Aaron earned a master’s degree in intermedia music technology (2006) from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in music production and engineering from Berklee College of Music in Boston (1998). He lives in Salem with his wife, Jillian, and their daughter, Ara, and attends West Salem Foursquare Church.

Alumnus Jade Becker has joined the university as a visiting assistant professor of English. For the past two years he has worked as a writing instructor at George Fox, teaching lessons on rhetoric and critical analysis in an interdisciplinary first-year experience course. In addition, over the past year, he’s taught online and face-to-face courses on reading and composing academic research essays for Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. Jade also gained teaching experience while a graduate student at Oregon State University, serving as a graduate teaching assistant (2017-19), and during the summer of 2018 he was a graduate teaching and curriculum assistant for students from Beijing Normal University visiting from China. He earned a master’s degree in English from Oregon State in 2019 and a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline from George Fox in 2017. Jade lives in Newberg with his wife Breanna. They attend North Valley Friends Church in town.

The College of Business welcomes Kevin Brewer as a visiting assistant professor of math and business. He has worked the past 16 years as a GED instructor and adjunct mathematics instructor at Chemeketa Community College in McMinnville, and from 2013 to 2016 he served in the same capacity at Portland Community College. Kevin’s teaching experience also includes stints as a secondary mathematics teacher and curriculum designer for Oregon Virtual Education (2013 to present), Yamhill-Carlton High School in Yamhill (2010-13), at Newberg High School (2003-10), and at Chief Sealth High School in Seattle (2002-03). Kevin earned a master’s degree in teaching from Antioch University in Seattle (2003) and double-majored at Southern Oregon University, earning bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and business administration in 1994. He lives in Yamhill with his wife of 24 years, Amy, and their three boys: Wesley, Luke and James. The family attends Yamhill Christian Church, where Kevin is an elder.

Alumna Chandler Brutscher joins George Fox this fall as an assistant professor of art and design. Since graduating from the university with dual bachelor’s degrees in visual arts and Spanish in 2016, she has taught extensively as an assistant and guest lecturer at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio; Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania; and Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Chandler has also worked as a studio manager for the Hazelmade Stationery Company of Kent, Ohio (2019-21), as a graduate teaching assistant at Kent State (2017-19), and as a printmaking studio technician at both George Fox (2016-17) and Kent State (2017-19). She has also exhibited her printmaking work in numerous venues, including at galleries in North Carolina, New York and Ohio, between 2019 and 2021, and has been honored for her work, winning four awards at various competitions. In addition to her degrees from George Fox, Chandler holds a master of fine arts degree from Kent State University (2019). She lives in Salem with her cat, Boo.

Freeman M. Chakara joins the Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology to teach both in person and remotely as a professor of clinical psychology. For the past 24 years he has worked as the CEO and clinical director of Providence Behavioral Health Services in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, specializing in the neuropsychological evaluation of individuals (3- to 105-year-olds) and in forensic examinations. He has also taught biopsychology, personality development, ethics and professional issues, and other courses as a professor of psychology at Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary during that time frame. In the early 2000s, Freeman served as a postdoctoral fellow in clinical neuropsychology at Penn State University’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (2000-02). His postdoctoral internships were at the University of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster General Hospital (1999-2000) and the Samaritan Counseling Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (1999). He holds a doctor of psychology degree, with specializations in neuropsychology and school psychology, from Widener University (2000), and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Toccoa Falls College (1992). Freeman lives in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with his wife of 29 years, Beth. They are the parents of two children, son Preston and daughter MacKenzie, a law student at Duke University who married Hunter Freeman in August of this year. Beth and Freeman attend Calvary Church in Lancaster.

A filmmaker with nearly 20 years of industry experience, Alex Chung, joins George Fox as an assistant professor of cinematic arts this fall. An alumnus of the Sundance Film Festival, Alex has written, directed and produced numerous projects, optioned several screenplays, and has crewed on dozens of features and short films in varying capacities. In addition, he taught on an adjunct basis at Biola University’s School of Cinema and Media Arts during the 2020-21 academic year, and was an adjunct professor of communications at California State University Dominguez Hills the past three years. Alex earned his MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts (2007) and holds a bachelor’s degree in film studies from Columbia University. He recently moved from Los Angeles to Beaverton with his wife, Kathy, and their two boys, Lucas and Evan, and is excited to find a new church home.

Alumnus Ryan Dearinger has joined the history and politics department as an associate professor of history. He brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience, the last seven of which he worked as an associate professor in the Department of History at Eastern Oregon University. He also served as chair of the department from 2014 to 2019. Previously, Ryan was an assistant professor at Eastern Oregon (2009-13), an instructor of history at the University of Utah (2006-09), a graduate teaching fellow at Utah (2004-06), and a graduate teaching assistant in Purdue University’s Department of History (2002-04). His areas of expertise are in the American West and Pacific Northwest, immigration history, labor and working-class history, environmental history, and violence in American history. Ryan holds a PhD in history from the University of Utah (2009), a master’s degree in the discipline from Purdue University (2004), and a bachelor’s degree in history from George Fox (2002). He lives in Sherwood with his family, which includes his wife Jessica, a George Fox alumna, daughter Taylor (13), and son Ryder (10).

The university welcomes Marvin Eans as an assistant professor of graphic design this fall. For the past five years he has taught graphic design as an online adjunct professor for Southern New Hampshire University and Liberty University. During those same five years he also taught face-to-face classes for Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, and since 2007 he has worked as the art director for marketing at Calvary Christian Center in Ormond Beach, Florida. Marvin previously gained industry experience as a graphic designer for Charisma House Media of Lake Mary, Florida (2005-07), and as a creative director and graphic designer with Direct Marketing Express of Daytona Beach, Florida (2003-08). He earned a master of fine arts degree in graphic design from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2014 and a bachelor’s degree in the discipline from Ball State University in 2003. Marvin lives in Newberg with his wife, Christa, and their children, Miles and Anya.

The university has hired Kim Eppen as a part-time associate professor of physical therapy. She has worked for the university on an adjunct basis since 2013 while also serving as an adjunct clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa’s Physical Therapy and Rehab Science Program and adjunct faculty at St. Ambrose University’s DPT program in Davenport, Iowa (since 2018). Kim has also worked as a physical therapist clinical specialist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for the past 26 years, and has routinely been involved with serving as a clinical educator for and preceptor for pulmonary medicine fellows, undergraduate, and graduate students in clinical exercise physiology at the University of Iowa. She holds a PhD in physical therapy and rehabilitation science – cardiopulmonary therapeutics (2007), a master’s degree in physical therapy (1993), a master’s degree in exercise physiology (1991), and a bachelor’s degree in health and human physiology (1990), all from the University of Iowa. She is also an active member and fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and routinely presents at state and national meetings. Kim lives in Iowa City, Iowa, with her husband Brian. They love and lead very active lifestyles, including cycling, hiking, traveling, backpacking, and anything that gets them outside together in nature.

Wendy Flint, former director of the IDEA Center, is transitioning to serve as an assistant professor of management and director of undergraduate business programs. She arrived at George Fox in 2017 to oversee the IDEA Center, for which she managed operations through vision casting, strategic programming, planning, and delivery and quality assessment of multiple functions. She’s also taught business and college-to-career courses on an adjunct basis at the university since her arrival. In all, she has 15 years of teaching experience as an adjunct professor, including at Biola University, and seven years as a tenured faculty member. Prior to George Fox, she was the chief learning officer for The Learning Oasis, a Napa, California-based nonprofit organization that provides supportive training services for universities, community colleges and adult education centers throughout California. In the six years prior (2007-13), she was senior vice president of marketing and sales for Boston Reed College in Napa. Wendy also worked as director of professional and continuing education and workforce training at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California, from 1999 to 2007. She holds both a PhD in education (2004) and an MBA (2008) from Capella University in Minneapolis, as well as a Master of Public Administration degree from Washington State University (1998). Wendy lives in Sherwood with her husband Terry, and they have three children and six grandchildren. Wendy and Terry are members of the Global Methodist Church.

An instructor and coach familiar to the George Fox community, Gabe Haberly, has been hired as an assistant professor of physical therapy. For the past eight years he has worked on campus as an instructor in the health and human performance, mathematics, and education programs, while also serving as an assistant coach for the football and track and field teams. Gabe has also taught as a graduate teaching assistant in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University the past four years – a position he also held while a student at Oregon State in 2012-13. He also gained teaching experience as a mathematics teacher at Sheridan High School from 2009 to 2011. Gabe recently completed a doctor of philosophy in biophysical kinesiology at Oregon State, and holds a master’s degree in exercise and sport science from OSU (2013), as well as a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Linfield College (2009). He lives in Newberg and attends Chehalem Christian Fellowship.

George Fox welcomes Lindsey Hankins as an assistant professor of theology this fall. She completed her PhD in theology, with a concentration in the history of doctrine, from Princeton Theological Seminary last year, and since the fall of 2020 has worked as a visiting assistant professor of theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Her previous teaching assignments came at Princeton Theological Seminary, where she was an instructor of record, a teaching fellow, a teaching assistant, and a digital course designer between 2013 and 2020. She also lectured at the undergraduate level at Princeton University in the fall of 2018. Lindsey has traveled extensively to present at events nationwide, has frequently been invited to speak at Young Life conferences, and has served on a number of councils and committees, including on the advisory council for the Center for Theology, Women, and Gender at Princeton Theological Seminary (2019-20). In addition to her PhD, Lindsey holds a master’s degree in the history of Christianity (2012) and a master’s degree in historical and systematic theology (2009), both from Wheaton College, and a bachelor’s degree in biblical and theological studies from Bethel University in Minnesota (2004). She comes from Lambertville, New Jersey, and is married to Rob, a regional director with Young Life. Together they have two children, Rosemary (6) and Jack (4).

The College of Education welcomes Sarah Hanthorn as an assistant professor of science education. For the past 23 years she has worked as a science educator at Inza R. Wood Middle School in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, participating in curriculum development and instruction at the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade levels. Her research interests include the regular use of academic conversations in the science classroom and the effect on student efficacy, language development and academic success, and the impact of involvement in long-term place-based investigations and field study on student attendance, engagement, learning and long-term STEM interest. Sarah has also been active in her community, serving as a volunteer and adventure guide with Youth Dynamics Adventures, as a Sunday school teacher, and as a coach of youth soccer in Canby. She earned a master’s degree in teaching (1998) and bachelor’s degree in biology (1997), both from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Sarah lives in Canby with her husband, Dave, and children Elizabeth, Claire, and Andrew.

After teaching as an adjunct in the social work program the past three years, Daphne Huffman joins the university as a visiting assistant professor of social work this fall. She has taught a wide range of courses in the discipline, including Contemporary Social Dynamics and Public Safety, Stress Management, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Previously, from 2013 to 2020, Daphne was a mental health consultant with LifeWorks NW in Portland, providing consultation for Head Start teachers and families regarding social and emotional issues, and collaborating with multiple agencies to provide mental health services to children and families in high-risk situations. She was also a strengthening families facilitator with LifeWorks from 2014 to 2018. In all, Daphne has 20 years of experience in the social work profession, previously working in the areas of foster care and adoption. She holds a master’s degree in social work from California State University, Long Beach (2001) and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Davis (1995). Daphne lives in Southwest Portland with her husband, David, and children Naomi (14) and Eben (12), and attends Cascade Vineyard Church.

Joe Jones joins the College of Business as an assistant professor of accounting this fall. He arrives from Yuba City, California, where he has worked as an assistant auditor-controller for the County of Sutter for the past three years. Prior to that, he was an assistant professor of business and accounting at Simpson University in Redding, California (2017-18); a financial analyst for the city of Rocklin, California (2013-16); an auditor with the California State Auditor’s office of Sacramento, California (2006-09); and an adjunct faculty member at Yuba City Community College, where he taught in the business department (2008-13). Joe has been a Certified Public Accountant in California since 2008 and a Certified Internal Auditor with the Institute of Internal Auditors since 2007. He holds a master’s degree in accountancy (2006) from California State University, Chico and a bachelor’s degree in accountancy (2002) from California State University, Sacramento. He recently moved to Oregon and lives in Sherwood.

The university has hired Jiroo Kuroda to serve as a professor of Spanish. He arrives from Northwest Theological Institute, where he’s worked as an adjunct professor online the past year, and Talent Elementary School in Talent, Oregon, where he’s taught Spanish this year, with a focus on students who are consistently performing below grade level. Prior to his recent teaching assignments, Jiroo was in school, earning a master’s degree in Spanish education from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, this past spring, and a doctor of ministry in Hispanic leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2018. He also holds an MDiv in intercultural studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2012), a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty University (2012), and a bachelor’s degree in Christian education from Rio Grande Bible Institute (2001). Jiroo lives in Talent with his wife Yohana and their children Hannah, Caleb and Victoria, and the family attends the First Baptist Church of Medford.

Kayly Lembke joins the university as an assistant professor of biology. For the past three years she worked as a postdoctoral research scholar in the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa. Her research focus was on neurotransmission and synaptic homeostatic potentiation using fruit flies as a model system. She’s also taught as an adjunct professor in the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at Mt. Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the past two years, and since 2019 she has served as president of the University of Iowa Postdoctoral Association. Previously, Kayly was at Oregon Health & Science University for six years, where she earned her PhD in the School of Medicine’s Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, completing her degree in 2017. Her graduate research focused on understanding defective motor neuron physiology in a Drosophila model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. She began her educational journey by earning a bachelor of arts degree in biochemistry from Scripps College in Claremont, California, in 2010. Kayly currently lives in Sherwood with her two cats, Blaine and George. She is in the process of settling on her new church home in the valley, but has been attending St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

The university’s art and design department welcomes Casey Martin as an instructor of interior design. For the past year she has worked as an adjunct instructor in the department, teaching Materials and Resources, Interior Foundations, and courses on building codes and building systems. She also taught several interior design courses at Portland Community College this past year, and since 2011 she has practiced commercial interior design through her own company, Reverie Design Studio, specializing in school and commercial office design. Also, since 2009, Casey has worked as a designer and LEED project manager for projects in Hawaii and South Korea as an interior designer at Mitsunaga & Associates. Previously, she was an interior design instructor at the Art Institute of Portland (2015-18), from which she also earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in interior design (2009). She lives in Portland with her husband, Nick.

Portland Seminary alumnus Joel Mayward joins the university this fall as an assistant professor of Christian ministries, theology and the arts. He arrives from the Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts (ITIA) in the School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he earned a PhD in divinity (theology, philosophy and film studies) earlier this year. He’s currently the theology editor for The Other Journal, an interdisciplinary journal produced by the Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, and for the past six years has been a professional freelance film critic as a member of the Online Film Critics Society and a “Tomatometer-approved critic” for Rotten Tomatoes. The author of three church ministry books, Joel has published articles in refereed academic journals such as Pro Ecclesia, Horizons, Theology, ARTS, Journal of Youth and Theology, Journal of Religion and Film, and Journal for Religion, Film and Media. While at St Andrews, he was a postgraduate tutor (2018-20), and he also served as chaplain and faculty at George Fox’s Theologia summer institute in 2017 and 2019, as well as an adjunct professor for Portland Seminary in 2019. Previously, Joel served as director of high school ministry at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church in Lake Oswego (2015-17), pastor of youth and young adult ministries at North Langley Community Church in Langley, British Columbia (2012-14), and as a junior high and high school pastor at Red Mountain Community Church in Mesa, Arizona (2007-12). In addition to his PhD, Joel holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Portland Seminary (2017) and a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and youth ministry from Multnomah University (2006).

After working at the university as an adjunct faculty member and dissertation committee member, Kathy Milhauser has joined the College of Business as an associate professor of management. She has worked at George Fox since 2013, teaching a wide range of business courses. Before joining the College of Business, Kathy spent 10 years at Concordia University in Portland as professor of management and chair of the MBA program. Kathy’s teaching experience also includes stints with the University of Oregon’s sports product management program (2016-18), Portland State University (2003-17), and City University of Seattle (2008-10). Prior to embarking on her teaching career, Kathy spent 20 years at Nike, working in a variety of IT and HR management roles. She earned a doctor of management from George Fox in 2011, a master’s degree in educational technology from Pepperdine University in 2003, and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Marylhurst University in 2001. She makes her home just outside of Canby, where she and her husband raised their three children, and currently attends Canby United Methodist Church.

The College of Business welcomed Charlena Miller as a visiting assistant professor of business in 2021. Her experience includes brand, marketing, and training leadership and consulting with a number of businesses in the high tech and foodservice industries. Charlena continues to focus on supporting organizations with authentic commitments to caring for people and operating with sustainable business practices. In recent years she has taught in George Fox’s MBA program, including the courses Marketing Management, Marketing Research, Web Search & Analytics, Sales Management & Marketing Automation, and Social Media Marketing. She also has conducted extensive course design and development at the university and for corporate clients in sales, marketing and management. Her work included leading agency development teams in producing award-winning interactive economics curriculum. She is currently completing a doctorate in business administration with a dual concentration in management and marketing. Charlena holds a master’s degree in spiritual formation focused on business leadership from Portland Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Alumna Bethany Nguyen joins the university this fall as an assistant professor of physical therapy. Since graduating with a doctorate from George Fox’s PT program in 2016, she has worked in numerous capacities in the profession, most recently for the past year as a home health physical therapist with Connected Home Health & Hospice and as an injury prevention specialist with WorkRight NW, both of Portland. Previously, Bethany was a home health travel physical therapist with Advanced Medical in Portland (2017-20), an acute care/outpatient physical therapist with St. Clare’s Hospital in Lakewood, Washington (2017-20), and an outpatient physical therapist at North Harbor Physical Therapy of Steilacoom, Washington (2016-17). In addition to her doctorate, Bethany earned a bachelor’s degree in allied health from George Fox in 2013. She lives in Beaverton with husband Austin Smith, whom she met at George Fox, and attends Table Community Church.

The university welcomes Travis Pickell as an assistant professor of theology and ethics. He worked the past two years as the associate director of university engagement and as a tutor at Anselm House, a center for Christian study at the University of Minnesota. In the two years prior to that, Travis was a lecturer and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia, where he taught numerous courses, including Mortality and Morality, Engineering Humanity: The Ethics of Biotechnology, and Business, Ethics & Society. He also taught extensively at Anselm House and has contributed several journal articles, book reviews, and digital teaching resources. Travis has also traveled extensively to make conference presentations and invited lectures, specializing in ethics, theology, spirituality, economics and technology. He earned a PhD in theology, ethics and culture from the University of Virginia in 2017 and also holds a master’s degree in ethics from the same institution (2015), an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary (2011), and a bachelor’s degree from The College of William and Mary (2006). Travis recently moved to Newberg with his wife Sarah, daughters Ruby Grace, Ryann, and Emily, and their Pyrenees-poodle puppy, Lucy.

After teaching at George Fox as an adjunct professor the past eight years, Amanda Robert is now working full time as an assistant professor of biology. In addition to teaching human anatomy and physiology, foundations of biology, environmental science, and general biology lab at the university, she also taught online for Florida State College of Jacksonville for the past six years, and before that taught as an adjunct professor at Mt. Hood Community College (2013) and College of Western Idaho (2012). Her areas of expertise include human function, biology concepts, and environmental science. Amanda earned a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2011 and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Oregon University in 2008. She lives in Woodburn with her husband and their children Lilo, Maya and Obadiah (Obi). The family attends Grace Chapel in Wilsonville, where both Amanda and her husband help in youth ministry. The Roberts enjoy hiking, camping, boating and being outdoors, and Amanda is a big fan of science fiction shows and movies.

After working at the university on an adjunct basis, Dana Robinson joins the institution as an assistant professor of history and theology in the George Fox University Honors Program. She worked previously as a postdoctoral teaching fellow in the honors program at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska (2016-19), where she taught interdisciplinary courses on the ancient world and the Christian tradition. Her previous experience also includes teaching Greek, Latin, and writing at several seminaries and colleges in the Washington, D.C. area. Dana holds a PhD in early Christian studies (2016) and a master’s degree in Classics (2009), both from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., as well as a bachelor’s degree in history from Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia. Her first book, Food, Virtue, and the Shaping of Early Christianity, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2020. She continues to research, write, and speak on food, work, and everyday religious practices in the late Roman Empire. She lives in Newberg with her husband, George Fox professor Brooks Lampe, and her new goldendoodle puppy Lotti. She attends the Eastern Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie.

The Doctor of Psychology program welcomes Danny Rodriguez as an assistant professor of clinical psychology. An alumnus of George Fox, from which he earned both a doctorate in psychology (2019) and a bachelor’s degree in the discipline (2013), he has worked the past year as a behavioral health provider for the Providence Medical Group in Sherwood, serving as a licensed psychologist for patients confronting depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and other issues. In the year prior, he was a postdoctoral fellow (2019-20) and psychology intern (2018-19) with I Ola Lãhui Rural Hawaii Behavioral Health in Hawaii. Previously, Daniel was on George Fox’s Behavioral Health Crisis Consultation Team (2016-18) and served his second practicum with Providence Medical Group in Newberg during that same time frame. In addition, for the past year, he has served as a Yamhill County Service Advisory Council Member, collaborating with other caregivers and administrators to provide community-oriented support to Yamhill County and Sherwood residents. He lives in Wilsonville with his wife Rebecca, a George Fox alumna, and they are expecting their first child in October. They attend Portland Covenant Church.

Thomas Shifley joins George Fox this fall as an assistant professor of mathematics. He’s worked the past six years teaching various math disciplines – including calculus, differential equations, abstract algebra, and linear algebra – as an instructor of record (2019-20), head teaching assistant (2016-17) and teaching assistant (2015-20) at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He also taught one semester as an adjunct professor at Westmont College in 2018. For his efforts, he earned the Department of Mathematics’ Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award at UC Santa Barbara in 2020. Tom has also been active with youth in his community, volunteering as a Young Life leader for the past 11 years, as a youth coordinator at his church, and as a mentor with the Malibu Boys and Girls Club. He’s also worked as an assistant wrestling coach at Dos Pueblos High School the past four years. This fall he will receive conferral of a PhD in mathematics from UC Santa Barbara, following his earning of a master’s degree in mathematics from the same university (2017) and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Pepperdine University (2014). He lives in Newberg with his wife, Kimberly, and their 1-year old son, Josiah, and are expecting another boy in November. They attend Northwest Christian Church in Newberg.

The College of Business welcomes back Jim Simmons as an assistant professor of marketing. For the past four years he has worked as an undergraduate instructor in marketing and advertising at Washington State University’s Vancouver, Washington, campus, teaching a wide range of business and communication courses in both the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences. Previously, from 2015 to 2019, Jim taught both graduate and undergraduate marketing courses as an adjunct professor at George Fox. He also taught marketing, advertising and business ethics courses at Portland State University from 2014 to 2019. Prior to his career in higher education, he was a senior director of brand marketing with Papa Murphy’s International from 2005 to 2012. In all, he has nearly 25 years of advertising and marketing experience. Jim holds an MBA from Portland State University (2015) and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma (1986). He lives in Stevenson, Washington, with his wife, Lisa, dog Kona, and cats Lewis and Clark. Jim and Lisa attend Hood River Alliance Church in Hood River.

The university welcomes Amanda Staggenborg as an assistant professor of public relations. She brings 13 years of higher education experience, working most recently as the associate division chair for communications (2019-present), an assistant professor of public relations (2014-present), an undergraduate communications instructional coordinator (2017-19), and as an instructor in public relations (2011-14), all at Missouri Baptist University. She also taught on an adjunct basis as an online course designer for the School of Communications in the Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University from 2008 to 2020. Amanda has also done extensive public relations consulting for numerous clients over the past 13 years, and has traveled extensively to present on topics ranging from social media and public relations to sexual harassment in the media. She earned a doctor of education degree from Missouri Baptist University (2018) and holds a master’s degree in public relations (2008) and bachelor’s degree in political science (2003), both from Webster University in St. Louis. Amanda is currently enrolled in the master of legal studies program at the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. She lives in Newberg with her husband, Rob, and their children, Adam (7) and Nick (5). The family attends St. Peter Catholic Church in town.

Tess Swake joins the university as an assistant professor of physical therapy. She is a familiar face at George Fox, having worked as a human anatomy laboratory course coordinator and as a teaching assistant in the institution’s physical therapy program the past three years. She has also worked as a staff physical therapist at the Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville during that same time frame. Prior to that, she worked as a traveling physical therapist from 2012 to 2018 with Therapists Unlimited and Jackson Therapy Partners. Tess is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and has a Manual Therapy Certification (MTC). She earned a doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine (2011) and holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from Oregon State University (2008). Tess lives in Newberg with her husband, Josh, and attends Our Lady of the Lake.

An adjunct professor in the university’s biology department in 2020-21, Bill Swinehart, joins George Fox as a visiting assistant professor of biology this fall. He taught General Biology and Foundation of Biology the past two years and previously gained teaching experience as an adjunct instructor of biochemistry at Portland State University in 2019. As a student at Ohio State University, he served as a graduate teaching assistant for biochemistry and molecular biology between 2010 and 2015, as well as a grad teaching assistant for numerous classes and labs in disciplines that included human biology, biological chemistry, and molecular biology. Bill earned a PhD in biochemistry from Ohio State in 2015 and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Georgia Southwestern State University (2008). He lives in Lake Oswego with his wife, Amanda, and their children Ava, Wyatt and Campbell. The family attends Westside: A Jesus Church.

After working as an adjunct professor since 2018 and as a visiting assistant professor of practice at the university in 2020-21, Seth Van Der Eems has joined George Fox as a visiting assistant professor of art and design this fall. As an interdisciplinary studio artist, his practice centers on conversations about ritual and placemaking through the expanded field of drawing. Seth has taught across the department and developed curriculum for the department’s foundations courses while serving as faculty advisor to the campus community garden. He has also worked as a freelance designer and illustrator for a variety of universities, businesses, and private clients. He holds a master of fine arts degree from Tufts University and The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (2016) and a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Asbury University (2014). Seth lives on the hills east of Hagg Lake, near Gaston, with wife Kristina and their two girls, Etta and Finley. The family attends Church of the Vine in Newberg.

Kaye Wilson-Anderson joins the nursing department as an associate professor of nursing. A Certified Nurse  Educator since 2016, she has worked the past 14 years as an associate professor of nursing at the University of Portland School of Nursing. Previously, she was director of the Mercy Delta Express Program Mobile Clinic through the University of Mississippi School of Nursing (2002-06). Kaye began her nursing education career as an instructor at the Mississippi College School of Nursing in 1985 and worked as an assistant and associate professor at the University of Mississippi School of Nursing in the early 2000s. She has also done extensive practice experience in her 40-year nursing career and has traveled domestically and internationally to present on healthcare-related topics over the past 25 years. Kaye earned a doctor of nursing science degree from Louisiana State University Health Center in 2003 and holds a master of science in nursing degree (1985) from the University of Mississippi, as well as a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Delta State University (1981). She lives in Newberg with her husband, Glenn. They have five grown children and four grandchildren, and attend Garden Church in Portland.

The university welcomes Rosh Abernathy as the associate director of advancement this month. For the past three years she has served several regional organizations as an independent business consultant and strategist through her own consulting business, Mad Love. Prior to that, she held a number of roles – including assistant director of adult degree programs, senior admissions counselor, and marketing and senior financial aid counselor – at Warner Pacific University. Rosh also has 13 years of consumer lending and banking experience from her time at JP Morgan, Wells Fargo and KeyBank. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Oregon School of Journalism (2003) and lives in Beaverton with her fun-loving family, who attend Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.

Rudy Briones has joined the university’s IT department as a computer support specialist. He arrives with an extensive background in complete systems builds, hardware and software testing and repairs, and network, desktop and laptop technical support. Since November he has worked as an IT administrator at Beaverton Foods in Hillsboro. Before that, Rudy did network system analyst work, help desk support, and desktop/laptop support at Henningsen Cold Storage in Hillsboro for 22 years. He holds an associate’s degree in both computer information systems-network administration and in cyber security, both of which he earned at Portland Community College in 2020. Rudy lives in Cornelius with his wife, Florinda, and their four children: Cristina, Rudy Jr., Ricardo and Daniel. The family attends St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro.

The university’s admissions department welcomes Joy Brown as the senior associate director of admissions. She arrives with five and a half years of college admissions experience, working most recently as the senior assistant dean of admissions at Lewis & Clark College in Portland (2020-21). Previously, Joy worked in a number of roles at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, as associate director of admission (2020), assistant director of admission (2019-20), senior admission counselor (2017-19) and admission counselor (2016-17). Currently enrolled in Azusa Pacific University’s doctor of philosophy program, her research interests include the intersection of gender, leadership, and faith-based institutions. Joy holds a master’s degree in social entrepreneurship (2019) and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political science (2016), both from Pepperdine. She lives in Newberg and has been a lifelong member of the Churches of Christ.

Leo Cruz joins the student life staff this fall to serve as an area coordinator in Le Shana and Gulley halls. He arrives from Biola University, where for the past two years he supervised four resident advisors in a graduate assistantship position with the university’s residence life and housing department. In the year prior to that, he held a similar position at Azusa Pacific University, leading and organizing a group of four undergraduate interns to plan and put on monthly events as a graduate assistant in the Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity. This marks a return to George Fox for Leo, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the university in 2018 and who served as a front desk associate in the IDEA Center, as well as a Bridge Scholars intern, his senior year. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he holds a master’s degree in college counseling and student development from Azusa Pacific University. Leo lives in Le Shana Hall and is originally from Woodburn, Oregon.

Miles Dean, an account executive for LeagueSpot, an esports tournament engine, has been hired to coach the university’s newly launched esports program. An at-large board member of the Esports Trade Association, he brings 18 years of experience in sales, marketing, business development and customer service, primarily in the tech industry. Dean began working toward a career in esports in 2017. Since then, he has specialized in developing the in-arena experience and the technical side of the business with streaming as well. He helped work on the TBS Esports series, ΞLEAGUE, and also played a role in building out the technology used to film productions like Disney’s The Mandalorian. He has also helped provide guidance for esports tech specs at universities around the U.S. prior to accepting the position at George Fox. Beyond esports, Miles’ interests include technology, music, investments, fitness, the outdoors and history. He attended Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, Iowa, where he studied business management (2005-07). He lives in Hillsboro with his wife, TraciAnn, and their son, Dax. They attend Trinity Lutheran Church.

The human resources department welcomes AJ DeBacker as an HR business partner, responsible for collaborating with the academic affairs office on HR-related functions. In 2020, he founded the Kahawa Roasting Company, a coffee-roasting business that supports refugees in local communities. Before that, AJ worked as a licensed counselor and AVID coordinator at Early College High School in Salem, for which he planned, organized and managed a team of 10 leaders to create, implement, track and report yearly goals (2010-19). Under his guidance, the institution became a nationally recognized school of distinction across a six-year period and managed to place 90 percent of its students in four-year universities. AJ earned a master’s degree in educational counseling from Oregon State University in 2008 and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2004. He lives in Salem with his wife, Maryanne, son Porter, and daughter Maggie, and attends Salem Alliance Church.

The Department of Biological and Molecular Sciences has hired alumna Tennille Hostetler as a science lab coordinator. Certified in lab safety and chemical hazard communication, she worked most recently as an adjunct faculty member in George Fox’s biology department, teaching general biology and environmental science labs. Also, between 2017 and 2020, she was a teacher and science department head at Southwest Christian School in Beaverton. Prior to that, Tennille was head of the science department at Alliance Charter Academy in Oregon City (2014-17) and the cofounder/manager of the Teaching and Learning Community Homeschool Co-op in Canby (2007-17). Her career in the sciences began at George Fox in the late 1990s, when she was a researcher and Science Outreach biology teacher (1997-98). Tennille holds a master’s degree in education from Portland State University (2002) and a bachelor’s degree in biology from George Fox (1998). She lives in Beaverton with her husband, Gabe, and their two sons, Kanoa and Kalana. Tennille attends Southwest Bible Church, and she recently published a devotional Bible study on the 23rd Psalm, A Guide to Greener Pastures.

After working as an adjunct professor at George Fox the past two years, alumna Hannah Jackson is joining the university full time this fall as coordinator of the Academic Resource Center. She has taught LIBA and writing courses the past two years, while also developing curriculum to support students with ADHD and other learning difficulties. In addition, she assisted in the management and training of tutors for the Advanced Writing Fellows Program associated with the fall 2020 LIBA 100 class. Hannah was also an ARC consultant in 2018-19. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from George Fox in 2019 and recently completed Southern New Hampshire University’s masters program in English and creative writing. She lives in Newberg with her husband.

The university welcomes Guadalupe Lopez Montesinos as a financial aid counselor. She’s worked the past year as an insurance coordinator with Castilla Orthodontics in Salem, and prior to that worked at Warner Pacific University, where she was a resident advisor (2018-20), student affairs office assistant (2017-20), and student financial services assistant (2017). Outside of work, Guadalupe served as an activities leader for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington from 2018 to 2020. She also volunteers at her local church as a catechist for middle school students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health and wellness, with a minor in psychology, from Warner Pacific University in 2020. She lives in Gervais with her family, has four cats and one dog, and attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gervais. She does not have any children but has a 7-month-old nephew, Benjamin, whom she adores.

The university’s marketing communications department has hired Tom Morlan as director of marketing content for the university’s graduate and Adult Degree Programs. He brings 20 years of higher education marketing experience, working most recently as a marketing communications specialist at Willamette University in Salem for the past two and a half years. Previously, he served as director of marketing and communications at Multnomah University in Portland (2013-18) and at Colorado State University (2007-13), after launching his career in higher education at Willamette University as manager of enrollment communications (2001-07). Tom refined his writing and editing skills as editor of the Canby Herald and Wilsonville Spokesman newspapers (1994-2001), and previously worked as a sports and outdoor reporter at The News Guard in Lincoln City (1989-94). He holds a master’s degree in mass communications from San Jose State University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. Tom and his wife Jane live in Aurora near their children Josh and Eleasah, both of whom are George Fox graduates, and their families.

An executive with more than 20 years of corporate and higher education experience, Dan Moye, joins the university as strategic partnerships director. He’s worked most recently at Southern Utah University, where he was executive senior associate athletics director (2016-20), the duties of which included overseeing promotion and education of the school’s brand identity guidelines; event, equipment and facilities management; and chairing the budget committee. Previously, he worked for Adidas from 1998 to 2015, serving as a licensed marketing manager for the company at the University of Wisconsin (2013-15), the University of Michigan (2010-13), the University of Tennessee (2005-10), UCLA (2003-05), and Arizona State University (2001-03). Dan’s career with Adidas began with stints as a coordinator for college and NBA partnerships (1998-2001). He holds a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University (2020), a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and minority studies from Oregon State University (1997), and a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University (2020). Dan lives in Sherwood.

Jewell Sparks joins the admissions office to work as an undergraduate admissions counselor. For the past three years she has worked as an admissions associate at Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco, where she planned and executed all admissions-related outreach programs, including high school fairs, partner organization events, middle school visits, and matriculating student events. Previously, Jewell was an admissions ambassador at Willamette University (2015-18), for whom she conducted tours, served as a college fair representative, and managed front-desk operations. She is a first-generation college graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Willamette University in 2018. Jewell lives in Beaverton and is set to marry her fiance, Joseph, later this month.

The theology department welcomes Sarah Taylor as an administrative assistant. This marks a return to George Fox for Sarah, who worked as the associate director of residence life (2014-17) and as an area coordinator (2013-17) at the university. More recently, she has worked at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, as an interim resident director (2020) and as a student success assistant (2018-19). Sarah also worked in residence life at Wheaton College (2004-10) and Gordon College (2002-04). This past winter marked the conclusion of 18 years spent living on campus in residence life roles. She earned a master’s degree in Christian formation and ministry from Wheaton College Graduate School (2006) and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Gordon College (2001). Sarah lives in Newberg with her husband, Dan, and their four daughters: Maggie, Lucie, Grace, and Kathryn.

The plant services department welcomes Marc Umfleet as a groundskeeper. He worked most recently as a technician for Devious Powersports, assembling new Polaris vehicles and servicing older ones. Before that, he worked for five and a half years as a lube tech at Tyler’s Automotive in Newberg. Marc holds an exercise science degree, with a concentration in pre-education (PE teaching), from Western Oregon University. He lives in Newberg with his wife, Andrea, and attends Journey Church in Sherwood.

Biniam Afenegus (Men’s Soccer Coach) and Justine Haigh (College of Business) are no longer with George Fox University.

Andrea Byerley is now the assistant director of Disability & Accessibility Services (DAS) and has primary responsibility for working with students and faculty around accommodation needs. She is also leading initiatives to increase engagement on disability-related topics.

Stephanie Lopez is working in a new capacity in the Office for Spiritual Life. As of July 1, she is serving the university as the pastor for operations and digital communication.

Sherri Moore is transitioning from student accounts to the IDEA Center, where she will be a career and academic planning (CAP) coach.

Kelly Ward has transitioned to the position of director of undergraduate content in the marketing communications department.

Gary Tandy (Professor of English and Chair of Language and Literature Department) recently presented his research on C.S. Lewis’s rhetoric and style in Mere Christianity at a meeting of the Inkling Folk Fellowship (IFF). Gary’s presentation argued that Lewis’s distinctive rhetorical theories and prose style were largely responsible for the success of the book and its ongoing influence as a classic work of popular Christian apologetics. The IFF is an online group of scholars and fans of the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers and their circle of friends.

Don Powers (Biology) teamed with five colleagues to publish an article, “Domestic egg-laying hens, Gallus gallus domesticus, do not modulate flapping flight performance in response to wing condition,” in Royal Society Open Science, an open journal committed to publishing high-quality research across all of science, engineering and mathematics. This study is a product of Don’s collaboration with the Harlander lab at Guelph University in Ontario, Canada.

Rhett Luedtke (Theatre) directed Merchant of Stratford by Maury Zeff at Theatre 33 in Salem this July and August. Theatre 33 is a professional new play development company that helps Oregon/Northwest playwrights develop their new scripts from an initial workshop performance (lights, sound, props, set, costumes, and fully blocked with scripts in hand) to a world-premiere full production.

Paul Anderson (Christian Studies) was the keynote speaker for Indiana Yearly Meeting in July, and he preached at Reedwood and Spokane Friends churches earlier this summer. He presented a paper, “John: The Mundane Gospel,” at the international Society of New Testament Studies conference in Leuven, Belgium (virtually), and his essay, “Balderdash! A Dozen Critically Flawed Biblical Scholarship Views Destined Deservedly for the Dustbin – Part II,” was published in The Bible and Interpretation (April 2021). In addition, his essays, “The Light of the World – The Witness of Jesus and His Followers” and “Answering ‘That of God’ in Everyone,” were published in Quaker Life recently, and he presented the following academic papers nationally and internationally: “John: The Mundane Gospel” (SNTS, Catholic University of Leuven, July 2021); “Quakers and the Nobel Peace Prize – Antecedents and Continuing Peace Work” (FAHE, Earlham College, June 2021); and “The Dialogical Autonomy of the Fourth Gospel – An Overall Johannine Theory,” Glasgow University Postgraduate New Testament Seminar (May 2021). Finally, his interview by the Creative Society on “The Way of Jesus as the Christ” was televised in 45 languages, drawing over 1 million viewers (March 2021).

Jesse Cetz joins the Office of Student Life to serve as the first generation student success coordinator and Liberation Scholars project manager. A recipient of the Act Six Scholarship (Cadre 9), he graduated from George Fox in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Between the fall of 2019 and the spring of 2020, he worked as a digital marketing coordinator for Adpearance, a digital marketing company based in Portland. Previously, Jesse worked as a project manager intern for Thesis Agency in Portland during the summer of 2019. As a student, he was executive vice president of the Associated Student Community from 2018 to 2019. More recently, he has spent the last year volunteering as a Young Life Leader at McKay High School in Salem, and served as the program coordinator for the Intercultural Resource Center since February 2021. Jesse grew up in Southeast Portland and currently lives in Salem with his wife Marnasha.

The undergraduate admissions office welcomes Miranda Davidson as a visit coordinator this month. A 2020 alumna of George Fox, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication, she has spent the past year as the social media director for Family Life Church in Newberg, developing the church’s media strategy for Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. During her time as a student, Miranda was an admissions counseling intern (2017-20) and a visit and events intern (summer of 2018) for the undergraduate admissions office. Miranda lives in Newberg and attends Family Life Church.

The Office of Student Life welcomes Katrina Johnson as the new dean of student belonging and equity/Title IX coordinator. During the past year she has worked as the iMap program coordinator for iUrban Teen in Portland, creating and implementing training in GIS mapping, Power BI and data science for an organization dedicated to engaging inner city youth and communities underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and manufacturing. In the two years prior to that, she was a substitute teacher in Portland Public Schools. Katrina also gained teaching experience as an English language arts teacher (2016-18), as a mentor teacher for Reynolds Online Academy (2015-16), and as a substitute science teacher for recent immigrants (2008-15), all in the Reynolds School District in Fairview, Oregon. Her higher education teaching background includes developing curriculum for and teaching English and philosophy courses at the University of Illinois at Chicago (1999-00) and University of Memphis (2004-06). A licensed teacher in Oregon since 2007 and in Illinois since 1997, she arrives with more than 20 years of teaching experience. Katrina holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Memphis (2006), a master’s degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2001), and a bachelor’s degree in The Teaching of English, also from the University of Illinois at Chicago (1997). She lives in Portland with her dog True, and attends Bridgetown Church.

Brenna McGuire joins the university this month as an admissions specialist in the George Fox University Honors Program. A 2021 alumna of George Fox, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she was a member of the honors program she now serves. She has worked the past year as a server at the Thai the Knot Asian Kitchen in Newberg and previously worked as an associate trainer for Panera Bread in Sherwood (2020). As a student, she was a peer advisor in the falls of 2019 and 2020, and she volunteered with Foster Parents’ Night Out during her junior year. Brenna lives in Newberg with a couple of roommates and attends Living Savior Lutheran Church in Tualatin.

The Campus Public Safety office welcomes Josh Young as a part-time security officer. He graduated from George Fox in the spring, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in cyber security. During his senior year, he was the lead machine learning programmer with a senior design team that worked with Hampton Lumber to develop a machine-learning, computer-vision model for the company. He also worked for the public safety office all four years he attended the university. Josh lives in Newberg and attends Family Life Church.

Paul Becker (Campus Public Safety), Sarita Edwards (Theology), Keisha Gordon (Admissions), Kayin Griffith (Student Life), Alex Horn (Campus Public Safety), Victoria Holland (PA), Kelly Hughton (Admissions), Kathy Rosenbohm (Admissions), Colleen Sump (IDEA Center) and Heidi Thomason (Student Accounts) are no longer with George Fox University.

Jamie Johnson (Spiritual Life) has been promoted to associate dean for worship programs.

Wayne Adams (Professor Emeritus of Psychology) received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the School Neuropsychology Institute at the organization’s April 2021 meeting in Texas. The honor was given, in part, for Wayne’s role in creating the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning test, the third edition of which was released in late June by Pearson, the leading psychological test publisher in the U.S. The validated test was carefully normed on nearly 2,000 individuals and is intended for use in evaluating memory in clients 5 to 90-plus years of age.

Ed Higgins (Professor Emeritus of English/Writer in Residence) has published a number of poems in recent weeks. His piece “Another Dead Chicken” was featured in the Summer 2021 issue of Farmer-ish, an online journal dedicated to love of the arts and farming. He also published “O’Hare International Peoplewalk Tunnel” in the literary journal Sledgehammer Lit (June 12, 2021); “What I Learned About Death While Eating Dark Chocolate” in The Pointed Circle (Issue 37, June 2021); “Reversal” in Fare Forward, a publication dedicated to an ecumenical review of Christian ideas (Issue 11, June 2021); and “Faith Story” in The Poet Magazine: Faith (Vol. 1-USA, Spring 2021).

Eloise Hockett (Education) recently published a paper in the SN Social Sciences Journal, a multi- and interdisciplinary peer-reviewed academic research journal serving the broad social sciences community. The article, “Women in Leadership: A Study of Five Kenyan Principals and Their Challenges as Leaders,” continues to build on the education work Eloise has been doing in Kenya since 2009.

The physician assistant program welcomes Dr. Erika Barber as an assistant professor. For the past eight years she has worked as a float physician for the Providence Medical Group in Portland, providing in-person visits at family practice and internal medicine clinics, telemedicine visits for its Virtual Sick Clinic, and home and nursing home visits with Providence’s Elder At Home program. Previously, Erika was medical director and primary care provider with Immanuel Pathways in Omaha, Nebraska, where she helped start a program for all-inclusive care of the elderly. She earned an MD from Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (2007) and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas (2003). She holds board certification in internal medicine and geriatrics. Erika lives in Dundee with her husband Nick and their children Nolan (11), Niels (9), Emilie (7) and Nate (6). The family attends St. Peter Catholic Church in Newberg, where Erika leads a Montessori class for children.

Kerry Ford joins the university this month as an international student affairs administrator. For the past four years she has worked as the associate director of housing (chief housing officer) at the University of Portland. In addition, during the past two years she taught leadership courses at the institution as an adjunct faculty member. Prior to her employment at the University of Portland, Kerry worked for three years as the assistant director for residence life at Southern Oregon University (2014-17). She also gained higher education experience as a resident hall director at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (2008-12). Kerry earned a master’s degree in education from Grand Valley State University (2005) and holds a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts from State University of New York, Purchase College (2002). She lives in Salem with her husband, Aaron, and 13-year-old son Jack, along with two French bulldogs, a cat, and eighth-grade-science-teacher reptiles. Aaron and Kerry lead the Willamette Valley Christian Church in Salem.

D’Metri Mattocks joined the university this spring to serve as director of intercultural life. For the past year he has worked as an area coordinator at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he served as chair for a departmental committee focused on campus collaborative education, training, programming, diversity efforts and intercultural care. Before that, he was a resident director at the same university for three years. D’Metri also gained higher education experience as a projects assistant at Lee, for which he collaborated with residential life and housing to implement and develop various projects (2016-17). He earned a master’s degree in holistic child development (2018) and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music (2016), both at Lee University. He recently moved to Sherwood and is seeking out a church home.

The physician assistant program welcomes Erika McCarthy as an assistant professor this spring. She started working as a physician assistant for Willamette Urology in Salem eight years ago, and transitioned to part time since joining George Fox. She also works at Salem Hospital, as a first assistant in the operating room and taking care of hospitalized urology patients. Erika holds a Master of Science in Medicine degree from Trevecca Nazarene University (2012) and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Northwest Nazarene University (2009), with additional master’s study in missional leadership at Northwest Nazarene. Outside of her work, she has served as a track and field coach at McNary High School since 2016. Erika lives in Keizer with her husband Sean and their children Everette, Justus and Elsie. The family attends Salem Alliance Church.

The marketing communications office welcomes Sierra Ratcliff, a 2020 George Fox alumna, as a web designer. Since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in illustration, she’s spent the past year doing freelance work for a number of clients, which included designing media content, blog pages, brand identities and brand collateral for independent businesses. Previously, she worked as a contract web designer for the University of Portland (2020) and as a graphic design intern for The Bible Project (2019). She also gained experience as an artist for the university’s Interprofessional Primary Care Institute (2019-20) and as a web designer in George Fox’s marketing communications office (2018-20). Sierra lives in Lake Oswego and attends Bridgetown Church in Portland.

The admissions office welcomes Satoshi Seth as an undergraduate admissions counselor this month. A spring graduate of George Fox with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, he’s worked at the university as an intern in the marketing communications office the past three years. He was also an assistant area coordinator (2019-21), a teacher’s assistant in the sociology department, and a volunteer as a design intern in George Fox’s Intercultural Resource Center (2020-21) during his time as a student. Satoshi is currently enrolled in the University of Southern California’s Master of Social Work program. He lives in Newberg.

Anaraquel Aguilera (Admissions), Jim Bray (Athletics), Lexie Criscola (Honors Program), Bob Dexter (Plant Services), Dominic Done (Theology), Jenny Elsey (Intercultural Life), Astralena Sharp (Advancement), Marla Sweningson (Financial Aid), Patty Vanier (Library) and Gaby Viesca (Seminary) are no longer with George Fox University.

Janelle Freitag has transitioned to the position of administrative assistant in the Graduate School of Counseling.

Don Powers (Biology) teamed with four colleagues to publish two research articles this spring in the Journal of Experimental Biology: “Physiological adjustments to high foraging effort negatively affect fecundity but not final reproductive output in captive zebra finches” and “Sex-specific energy management strategies in response to training for increased foraging effort prior to reproduction in captive zebra finches.”

Deb Worden (Business), an employee at George Fox for 27 years, was awarded emeritus status upon her retirement from the university.

Alice Ai joins the IDEA Center as a career and academic planning coach this month. A 2021 graduate of the university’s doctor of education program, she has served as an advisor for international students at the university for the past year. She’s also served as a graduate assistant in the College of Education the past three years, specializing in coordinating relationships with Chinese universities, assisting with the application process to recruit international students, and supporting international students’ transition to George Fox’s MAT program. Alice brings 23 years of teaching experience and 11 years of program leadership experience to her new role, including eight years as a director of English teaching programs at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications in China (2010-2018). In addition to her doctoral degree from George Fox, Alice holds a master’s degree in education – curriculum and instruction in English (TESOL) from Southwest University in Chongqing, China. She lives in Newberg with her husband Chris Jorgensen, their daughter Yaya, and two cats, Zu and Buddy.  The family attends North Valley Friends Church in Newberg.


The IT department welcomes Ginni Frazier as a systems administrator this month. Newly graduated from George Fox, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science this spring, she has worked for IT as an infrastructure intern the past two years, providing tech support and technical troubleshooting while also contributing to developmental projects and ideas. Ginni also gained experience in the field as a web developer for Next Tech Consultants (2019-20), as a service desk assistant in the university’s IT department (2019), and as a PC tech assistant at George Fox (2018-19). She lives in Newberg and has not yet found a church home.


The College of Business welcomes Wendi Upjohn as coordinator of its undergraduate program. For the past nine years, she has worked at Bay Club of Tigard (formerly Club Sport) in various roles, including marketing coordinator, graphic designer, and pro shop manager. Among her duties were marketing development and collaboration, designing sales and marketing tools, sales and team development, and customer service with its wide member base. Prior to that, Wendi worked for four and a half years as an administrative assistant for AXA Advisors of Portland (2008-12), preceded by a nine-year tenure at Boyd Coffee Company working in marketing and customer service (1996-05). She is a George Fox alumna, earning a bachelor’s degree in writing/literature in 1994. Wendi lives in Tualatin with her two children, Ethan and Julia, and will be getting married this August. She attends Southlake Church in West Linn.

Sarah Reid (Marketing Communications), Brett Meyers (Student Life), Kristina Van Der Eems (Residence Life) and Brandon Rempel (IT) are no longer with George Fox University.

The following faculty members will not be returning to George Fox University in the fall: Greg Allen (ADP), Courtney Anderegg (Communication), Glena Andrews (PsyD), Steve Bearden (Counseling), Keleigh Blount (Counseling), Marcia Bogert (Nursing), Kleiber Burkhardt (Art & Design), Paul Choi (Economics), Marie-Christine Goodworth (PsyD), Elizabeth Hamilton (PsyD), David Hansen (Computer Science), Jeff Houck (Physical Therapy), Terry Huffman (Education), John Johnson (Mathematics), Taj Kachaamy (Art & Design), Marcey Keefer Hutchison (Physical Therapy), Kristie Knows His Gun (PsyD), Jennifer Lehman (Financial Planning), Ashley Lippard (Art & Design), Carl Lloyd (ADP), Jay Mathisen (Education), Matt Meyer (Cinematic Arts), Cristi Miles (Theatre),  Dan Morrison (Theology), Brenda Morton (Education), DJ Rew (Marketing), Linda Samek (Education), David Shaw (Physician Assistant Program), Sean St. Jean (Social Work), Seth Van Der Eems (Art & Design), Jeff Walters (Engineering), Linda Warberg (Education), Donna Webb (Education), Mark Weinert (History), Kathy Weiss (Biology), Kenn Willson (Music), Deb Worden (Economics) and Gibran Zogbi (Accounting).

The university wishes to express its condolences to the families and friends of Laurie Bloomquist (Counseling) and Andrew Moses (Business), who passed away in recent weeks.

The university recently announced its faculty achievement awards for the 2020-21 academic year. Recipients were Associate Professor of Nursing Lorretta Krautscheid (Undergraduate Research and Scholarship); Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies Melissa Ramos (Graduate Research and Scholarship); Professor of Economics Nate Peach (Undergraduate Teaching); and Associate Professor of Education Keelan LoFaro (Graduate/SPS Teaching). 

The following faculty members have been awarded emeritus honors as they leave the university: Greg Allen (ADP), David Hansen (Computer Science), John Johnson (Mathematics), Carl Lloyd (ADP), Matt Meyer (Cinematic Arts), Mark Weinert (History), Kathy Weiss (Biology) and Kenn Willson (Music).

Danielle Pappas (Counseling) has been appointed to the editorial board of the Psychology in the Schools journal, a flagship peer-reviewed publication for the school psychology profession. 

Jenny Bruxvoort and Kate Wimer (Library), with Amanda Matthysse of Calvin University, presented a breakout session, “Escape Reality: Reaching Your Students with Virtual Instruction and Fun,” at the LOEX 49th National Conference in May. In addition to discussing ways that librarians can transition their training in instructional design to building online and hybrid programming that is fun and educational, their presentation also offered a practical overview of the Mysteries of Murdock virtual program they ran last fall with ARC Coordinator Julia James.

Ed Higgins (English Faculty Emeritus/Writer in Residence) published his piece “Genesis Serpent’s Skin Found” in the May 20 issue of the United Kingdom’s Fudoki Magazine, an online magazine of myths, legends, fables, fantasy, folklore and fairytales.

Nate McIntyre has transitioned to the position of director of undergraduate admissions.

Ryan Forbes has transitioned to the position of assistant director for undergraduate admissions.

Nathanael Ankeny and Dwayne Corbin (Music) premiered Dwayne’s five-movement composition Duettino for Alto and Vibes at the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 1 Conference in April. The piece, written for alto saxophone, crotales and vibraphone, was featured along with other new compositions for saxophone. NASA Region 1 encompasses the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Nathanael has also performed recently with Grammy-nominated pianist Randy Porter, joining Porter’s trio for an ongoing streaming concert series in March. On April 21, he was part of the Randy Porter Quartet that performed at the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts in Eugene, Oregon. The concert featured the works of jazz composer Dave Brubeck, in celebration of his 100th birthday in 2020.

Young-IL Kim (Social Work) published a book chapter (with Sung Joon Jang and Brenda Oyer) in New Research on Parenting Programs for Low-Income Fathers, edited by Jay Fagan and Jessica Pearson. The chapter, entitled “Factors Associated with Fatherhood Program Effectiveness: A Randomized Controlled Trial of TYRO Dads,” describes results of a research study funded by the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network.

Eloise Hockett (Education), Stephanie Matthew (Nursing) and Elizabeth Roark Yarbrough (former nursing faculty member) recently published an article in the Journal of Service-Learning in Higher Education, entitled “Navigating Mismatched Expectations and Dissonance on International Nursing Service-Learning Trips.” The article draws from their experiences leading George Fox students on service-learning trips to Kenya.

Paige Parry (Biology) received a $2,000 Natural History Research Grant, to be paid over two years, from Western North American Naturalist for research on the contribution of natural enemies to forest recruitment limitation along a climate gradient. It will fund a field-based experiment at the long-term forest plot that her lab works at to quantify the extent to which seed predators and herbivores limit seed production and seedling recruitment, and how these effects vary with climate.

A longtime leader in education, Wade Witherspoon, joins the IDEA Center office this month as the employer relations manager. An alumnus of George Fox at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, he has worked in local schools since 1997, when he began as principal of C.S. Lewis Academy in Newberg – a position he served until 2011. More recently, Wade worked as assistant principal at Dayton High School on an interim basis (2019-20), as director of education and training with the TranStrategy Partners company (2015-19), and as academic dean at Concorde Career College (2011-15). He has created and managed 79 online training courses in a learning management system, founded two schools, and worked as a trained mediator and certified business coach. Wade has also taught at George Fox and Warner Pacific College. He formerly served on the city councils in both the city of Lafayette (2017-21) and the city of Newberg (2009-13). He holds a doctorate of education (2007) and bachelor’s degree in teaching physical education (1983) from George Fox, as well as a master’s degree in human resource leadership (1993) from Azusa Pacific University. Wade is married to Jere, student care and student life operations specialist at the university. The Witherspoons have three children – Brenna, Kalie and Jesse, who all graduated from George Fox. Wade and Jere live in Lafayette and attend the Wayside Friends Church in Newberg.

Makenna Wimmer (Marketing Communications) and Carol Parker Walsh (IDEA Center) are no longer at George Fox.

Joseph Harrison has transitioned to the position of assistant director of university housing and operations.

Jere Witherspoon has transitioned to the position of student care and student life operations specialist.

Ed Higgins (Writer in Residence/English Faculty Emeritus) published three poems this spring. His “Night’s Quiet Light” appeared in the April 8 issue of the online publication The Pangolin Review; his piece “For the children of Dunblane, Scotland” was published in the April 2021 issue of Months To Years; and his “too rapidly” appeared in the March 1 issue of Failed Haiku: A Journal of English Senryu (Vol. 6, Issue 63).

Advised by Corban Harwood (Mathematics), 2020 Richter scholar Ethan Jensen (Mathematics & Computer Science double major) won first prize for his presentation of their paper, “Existence and Shape of Numerical Oscillations in Solving Parabolic PDEs” at the Northwest Undergraduate Mathematics Symposium on April 10. Together, Corban and Ethan settled an open question on why certain solutions could be relied upon in practice when they were theoretically untrustworthy due to the creation of noise in the signal. The article is under review.

At its March meeting, the George Fox Board of Trustees awarded tenure and promotions, effective for the 2021-22 academic year, to the following professors.

Tenure candidates: Nicole Enzinger (Education), Ryan Jacobson (Physical Therapy), Dane Joseph (Education), Jeongah Kim (Social Work), Leah Payne (Theology) and Danielle Warner (Music)

Promoted from associate to full professor: Brian Doak (Biblical Studies), Abigail Favale (English), David Hansen (Computer Science)

Promoted from assistant to associate professor: Andrea Abernathy (Library), Javier Garcia (Religious Studies), Ben Giudice (Engineering), Brooks Lampe (English), Paige Parry (Biology), Michelle Shelton (ADP), Brian Snider (Computer Science), John Spencer (Education), Debby Thomas (Business) and Yongqiang Zheng (Social Work)

Lorretta Krautscheid (Nursing) published online, ahead of print, an education innovation article, “Untethered Lecture Capture: Stimulating Education Affordances through Technology Enhanced Teaching,” in the Jan. 19 issue of Nursing Education Perspectives.

Kathy Heininge (English Faculty Emeritus) published an article, “The Way Out of Paralysis: Joyce and the Habitual Present Tense,” in the spring issue of The James Joyce Quarterly. In it, she looks at an Irish grammatical structure used by Joyce in his book Dubliners in order to overturn received interpretations of Joyce’s stories. She also recently published a book review on Kevin Barry’s novel Night Train to Tangier in the latest Irish Literary Supplement.

Victoria Holland has transitioned to a new position as a clinical coordinator in the physician assistant program.