Board of Trustees
Executive Council
Office of the President
Academic Affairs
Athletics
Business Services
Institutional Advancement and Admissions
Institutional Effectiveness
Student Life
Administrators/Professionals with Faculty Statues 2025-26
Faculty (Full-time) 2025-26
Faculty Emeriti
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Michael R. Wiley, PhD, Chair (2026), Blue Springs, MO
LouAnn Muir-Hutchinson, MPH, Vice Chair (2026), Groton, MA
Jay Cook, MBA, Treasurer (2027), Henrico, VA
Mike Seagraves, PhD, Secretary (2026), Granite Bay, CA
Steven E. Graffeo, MA, (2026), Independence, MO
Ronald D. (Ron) Harmon Jr., MAR, (2025), Independence, MO
Gwendolyn Hawks-Blue, (2026), Kansas City, MO
Emily Hughes, JD, (2028), Iowa City, IA
Vincent E. Lewis, EdD, (2026), West Des Moines, IA
Jim Lysinger, MBA, (2026), Scottsdale, AZ
Aleksander (Aleks) Memca, (2027), San Diego, CA
Randall E. Pratt, JD, (2028), Lees Summit, MO
Melissa Sherer, MBA, (2026), New York, NY
Samuel G. (Sam) Smalldon, MBA, (2025), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Julia Snethen, PhD, (2026), Kenosha, WI
John R. Whitehurst, (2027), Goleta, CA
Stephanie Winters McConnell, MS, (2027), Overland Park, KS
Toyia K. Younger, PhD, (2025), Ames, IA
(Terms expire at midnight the day before the summer meeting of the year indicated.)
Joel D. Shrock, PhD, President
Shane Adams, BA, Chief Marketing Officer
Talia Brown, MEd, Chief Information and Data Officer
Jill M. Fort, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
John Godfrey, MA, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
Kristi Hettrick, BA, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Admissions
Beth Higdon, MA, Executive Director for Planning and Effectiveness
Jennifer Matney, MA, Vice President for Business and Finance, and Chief Financial Officer
Brady McKillip, MS, Athletic Director
Jodi L. Seymour, Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Joel D. Shrock, PhD, President
Jodi L. Seymour, Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Jill M. Fort, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
Paul Binnicker, MBA, Director, Center for Graduate and Continuing Studies
Kevin Brunner, PhD, Director, Ackerley Computer Science and Technology Scholars Program
Gabriel Chrisman, MLIS, Director, University Libraries
Tanya Coffelt, EdD, Chair, Gleazer School of Education
Robert Davidson, PhD, Director, Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance Program
Jared Doty, MBA, Director, Center for the Study of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Director of Esports
Iqra Shagufta Cheema, PhD, Chair, Department of Humanities
Steven Glazer, PhD, Chair, Department of Social Sciences
Arup Ghosh, PhD, Chair, Department of Math, Computer Science, and Data Science
Zac Harmon-McLaughlin, DMin, Dean, Community of Christ Seminary, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
Elise Hector, PhD, Associate Dean, Undergraduate School of Nursing
Melanie Hijaz, MSN, Associate Dean, Graduate School of Nursing
Nancy King, PhD, Director, Life and Leadership Program
Sharon Little-Stoetzel, PhD, Dean, School of Nursing
Kimberly Manuel, MFA, Chair, Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Madison Martin, BA, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
Melanie Mason, DAT, Chair, Department of Health and Movement Science
Jeffery McElroy, EdD, Chair, C.H. Sandage School of Business
Sean McMannamy, PhD, Director, Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics Program
Peggy Mothershead, BA, Registrar
Leigh Murray, PhD, Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Julie Neas, MEd, Director, TRIO Programs, TRIO Talent Search, TRIO Student Support Services
James Redmond, PhD, Director of Academic Support Labs and Tutoring
Mary Shawgo, PhD, Chair, Department of Natural and Physical Sciences
Brian J. White, PhD, Director, Honors Program
Brady McKillip, MS, Athletic Director
Mari Chandler, Athletic Operations
Erin Lundy, MS, Senior Women’s Administrator and Head Athletic Trainer Certified
Stewart L. McDole, ReD, Associate Athletic Director and Head Women’s Volleyball Coach
Jennifer Matney, MA, Vice President for Business and Finance
Janice K. Tiffany, JD, Executive Director of Business Services
Sherri Brenizer, BS, Director of Accounting Services
Talia Brown, MEd, Chief Information and Data Officer
Miriam Dozier, PhD, Director of Human Resources
Susan Reed Illg, Associate Treasurer
Kevin Rushing, MA, Director of Facilities Operations and Risk Management
Stephanie Shields, AA, Institutional Research and Reporting Coordinator
Kristi Hettrick, BA, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Admissions
Advancement
Paula Anderson, MBA, Senior Director for Advancement Services
Rick Isham, MBA, Senior Director for Major Gifts
Heather Porter, BA, Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Ginelle Sakima Roberts, DDS MS, Director of Development
Angela Slosarski, BS, Associate Director for Annual Giving and Campaign Relations
Georgia Seagraves, MA, Associate Director for Advocacy and Alumni Engagement
Heather Porter, BA, Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Admissions
Zack Mullins, MA, Executive Director for Admissions
Barbie Bell, BA, Director of Graduate and Adult Admissions
Reta George, BA, Director of Student Financial Services
Marketing
Shane Adams, BA, Chief Marketing Officer
(Table of Contents)
John Godfrey, MA, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
Jolene Frost, BA, Administrative Assistant to Vice President
Peyton Anderson, GSG President
Morgan Bradford, PhD, Director of Residence Life
Mindy Graham, MS LOD, Director of Student Activities and Conferences and Events
Mike Hoffman, MAR, Campus Ministries Director
Nancy Hoffman, BS, Disability Services Coordinator
Patricia A. Hoffman, Student Support Specialist
Diana J. Jones, BA, DSO, Director of Intercultural Office
Lisa Prosser-Dodds,BA, Personal Counselor
Mary Pat Tiernan, General Manager, Sodexo Food Services
Year in parentheses designates date of appointment.
Gabriel Chrisman (2023), Director, University Libraries
BA, MLIS, University of Washington
Christopher Doering (2024), Independence Site Director, Gleazer School of Education
BS, Northwest Missouri State University; BS, Park University; MEd, William Woods University
Jill M. Fort (2025), Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
BS, Wichita State University; MA, Wichita State University; MBA, Newman University; PhD, University of Nebraska – Omaha
Zac Harmon-McLaughlin (2019), Dean of the Community of Christ Seminary, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
BA, MAR, Graceland University; DMin, San Francisco Theological Seminary
Sharon Little-Stoetzel (2025), Dean, School of Nursing
BSN, Truman State University; MSN, University of Missouri-Columbia; PhD, University of Phoenix
Peggy Mothershead (2019), Registrar
BA, Graceland University
Joel D. Shrock (2022), President
BS, MA, Ball State University; PhD, Miami University
Year in parentheses designates date of appointment.
Justin Akers (2025), Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business
BS, Iowa State University; MS, Iowa State University; MBA Northwest Missouri State University
Reem Bedier (2025), Assistant Professor of Accounting
BS, Cairo University; MS, Cairo University; PhD, Cairo University
Wendy Berdych (2022), Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, University of Missouri-Kansas City; MSN, Walden University
Robert Buszek/strong> (2025), Assistant Professor of Chemistry
BA, Albion College; PhD, Purdue University
Samantha Byrnes (2019), Associate Professor of Nursing
BSN, University of Missouri; MSN, University of Central Missouri
Anthony Chvala-Smith (2015), Associate Professor of Religion
BA, Central Michigan University; PhD, Marquette University
Tanya Coffelt (2006), Professor of Education
BS, Iowa State University; MA, Ed Specialist, University of Missouri – Kansas City; EdD, Drake University
Allison Dudley (2009), Professor of Education
BSE, MA, Truman State University; EdD, University of Missouri-Columbia
Eric Elliott (2021), Instructor of History
BA, Graceland University; MA, Southeast Missouri State University
Ioseb (Soso) Gabelaia (2022), Associate Professor of Business
BA, International Black Sea University; BA, MEd, Graceland University; PhD, International Black Sea University; EdD, Drake University
James Geiselman (2017), Associate Professor of Allied Health
BS, Illinois College; BS, MS, DC, Logan University
Karen Gergely (2015), Associate Professor of Art
BFA, Shepherd University; MFA, University of Cincinnati
Arup Ghosh (2023), Assistant Professor of Computer Science
BT, West Bengal University of Technology; MS, University of Trento; PhD, Ajou University
Steven A. Glazer (1996), Professor of History
BA, Union College; MA, PhD, Georgetown University
Natasha Gourley (2025), Instructor of Health and Movement Sciences
BS, Iowa State University; MS, Fresno Pacific University
Austin Harrington (2023), Assistant Professor of Humanities
BA, Grand View University; MFA, Lesley University; PhD, Iowa State University
Elise Hector (2018), Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, MSN, Missouri Western State University; PhD, University of Kansas
Shawnna Jackson (2018), Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, Graceland University; MSN, University of Missouri; DNP, Graceland University
Stephanie Jacques (2023), Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, Chamberlain College of Nursing; MSN, University of Central Missouri
Melissa Jonas (2021), Assistant Professor of Nursing
BSN, University of Missouri; MSN, University of Kansas
Machel Kazungu (2023), Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
BFA, Memphis College of Art; MFA, University of Memphis
Evan Kennedy (2021), Assistant Professor of Psychology
BS, University of Alabama; MS, University of Alabama; PhD, University of Alabama
Sehwan Kim (2022), Assistant Professor of Sport Management
BA, Kyung-Sung University; M.Ed., University of Georgia; PhD-ABD, University of Georgia
Nancy King (2022), Associate Professor of Psychology
BS, Central Missouri State University; MS, University of Kansas; PhD, University of Kansas
Alexia LairsonSharon Little-Stoetzel (2012), Professor of Nursing
BS, Truman State University; MSN, University of Missouri-Columbia; PhD, University of Phoenix
Kimberly Manuel (2018), Assistant Professor of Theatre and Scene Design
BA, Graceland University; MFA, California Institute of the Arts
Melanie Mason (2020), Associate Professor of Health and Movement Science
BA, Northwestern College; MS, Kansas State University; DAT, Temple University
Stewart L. McDole (1982), Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
BA, Graceland College; MS, ReD, Indiana University-Bloomington
Jeffery McElroy (2008), Professor of Business Administration
BA, Graceland University, MBA, Drake University; EdD, Drake University
Jake McGinnis (2023), Assistant Professor of Humanities
BA, Northland College; MA, University of Idaho; PhD, University of Notre Dame
Breann McMannamy (2022), Assistant Professor of Mathematics
BS, Saginaw Valley State University; MA, Central Michigan University
Sean McMannamy (2022), Assistant Professor of Data Science
BA, University of North Carolina at Asheville; MS, North Carolina A&T State University; PhD, Central Michigan University
La’Chelle Moore (2025), Assistant Clinical Professor
BS, University of Central Missouri; MSN, Maryville University; DNP, Maryville University
Layne Nowlin (2023), Instructor of Health and Movement Science
BA, Graceland University; MS, University of Wisconsin La Crosse
Nicole Ortiz (2022), Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education
BA, Graceland University; MEd, Western Governors University
Keagan Perkins (2024), Instructor of Natural and Physical Sciences
BS, Graceland University; MS, Graceland University
Cara Phipps (2023), Assistant Professor of Theatre
BA, University of Portland; MFA, The University of Texas at Austin
Shaen Polasky (2023), Assistant Professor of Education
BA, Simpson College; MS, Walden University; EdD-ABD, Drake University
Jennifer L. Poulton (2001), Professor of Biology
BA, Wittenberg University; PhD, Pennsylvania State University
Robert A. Poulton (2003), Professor of Economics
BA, Wittenberg University; PhD, Pennsylvania State University
Rebecca Reddell (2024), Assistant Professor of Education
MEd, University of Missouri- Columbia
James Redmond (2023), Director of Academic Support Labs and Tutoring
BA, Western Michigan University; MFA, University of Michigan; PhD, University of North Texas
Sirajum Sarwar (2025), Assistant Professor of Finance
MBA, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh; PhD, Bayes Business School
Matt Schneider (2022), Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
BS, Lindenwood University; MS, Lindenwood University
Iqra Shagufta Cheema (2023), Assistant Professor of Humanities
BA, University of Central Punjab; MA, MPhil, Government College University; PhD, University of North Texas
Mary Shawgo (2011), Professor of Biology
BS, Northern Michigan University; PhD, Kansas University Medical Center
Jenna Seagraves (2024), Assistant Clinical Professor of DPT
BS, University of Texas; MS, University of Delaware; PhD, Liberty University
Jeri A. Sindt (2009), Professor of Nursing
BSN, Graceland University; MSN, Research College of Nursing-Kansas City
Jason Smith (2012), Professor of Mathematics
BA, University of Minnesota; MS, University of North Dakota; PhD, Iowa State University
Dana Taylor (2024), Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing
BS, MS, Mid-America Nazarene University; MSN, Graceland University
Barbara A. Voshall (1999), Professor of Nursing
BS, Graceland College; MN, University of Kansas/Lawrence; DNP, Oakland University
Yong Wang (2022), Assistant Professor of Sport Management
BA, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China); MEd, Springfield College; PhD, University of New Mexico
Brian J. White (2004), Professor of English
BA, Graceland University; MS, Utah State University; PhD, University of North Dakota
Mallory Willeke (2024), Assistant Professor of Nursing
BS, Rockhurst University; MSN, Western Governors University
Parker Worden (2023), Director of University Bands
BSEd, BA, BS, Northwest Missouri State University
Leigh Wyman (2025), Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choirs
BM, Manhattan School of Music; MM University of Washington; DMA, University of Missouri-Kansas Conservatory
Steven L. Anders (1978-2023)/Economics
BA, Graceland University; MA, PhD, Kansas State University
Catherine M. Anthony (1971-1991)/Nursing
BSN, University of Kansas; MSN, The Catholic University of America
William L. Armstrong (1991-2010)/Education
BA, Graceland College; MA, University of West Florida; EdD, University of Kansas
Paul M. Beck (1992-2018)/Economics
BA, DePauw University; MA, University of Missouri-Kansas City; PhD, University of Missouri-Columbia
Howard J. Booth (1969-2000)/Religion
BA, Graceland College; MA, University of Missouri-Kansas City; PhD, University of Iowa
Kevin D. Brunner (1998 – 2025)/ Computer Science
BS, Nova Southeastern University; MS, Nova Southeastern University; PhD, Nova Southeastern University
Richard I. Clothier (1960-77;1980-2000)/Music
BA, Pittsburg State University; MA, University of Iowa; EdD, University of Northern Colorado
Jerome D. DeNuccio (1987-2012)/English
BS, MST, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; MA, PhD, University of Minnesota
David C. Devonis (1997-2021)/Psychology
BA, Temple University; MA, PhD, University of New Hampshire
Michele Dickey-Kotz (2000-2023)/Education
BA, MA, University of Northern Iowa; EdD, University of Missouri-Columbia
Jack R. Ergo (2002 – 2025)/ Music
BM, Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University; MM, Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University
Teri Foster (2005-2021)/Biology
BA, BS, PharmD, University of Kansas
Tom S. Freeman (1960-1997)/Psychology and Education
BSEd, Northwest Missouri State University; MS, Colorado State University; EdD, University of Northern Colorado
Carolyn J. Green (2006-2018)/Nursing
BSN, MN, PhD, University of Kansas
Nancy Halferty (1997-2017)/Education
BA, University of Missouri; MEd, Truman University; EdD, Nova Southeastern
Gerald E. Hampton (1960-2010)/Physical Education
BS, William Jewell College; MS, Northwest Missouri State University; EdD, Columbia University Teachers College
Thomas J. Hart (1986-2010)/Music
BA, Olivet College; MM, DMA, Michigan State University
Barbara Hiles Mesle (1987-2016)/English
BA, Graceland College; MA, University of Chicago; PhD, University of Kansas
Claudia D. Horton (1994-2018)/Nursing
BSN, Graceland College; MSN, University of Missouri; PhD, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Lin Howell (2007-2018)/Nursing
BS, MSN, Webster University
James S. Jones (1983, 2002-2014)/Computer Science
BS, University of Missouri-Rolla; MA, DePaul University; PhD, University of Iowa
William E. Juhnke (1974-2009)/History
BA, Bethel College; PhD, University of Kansas
Cristina S. Karmas (1999-2019)/English
BA, University of Nevada; MA, PhD, Ohio State University
Sharon M. Kirkpatrick (1980-2010)/Nursing
BSN, California State University; MN, PhD, University of Kansas
Deborah Nalani Leialoha (2001-2020)/Education
BS, Southern Illinois University; MAT, Webster University; PhD, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Shelly Leialoha-Hartsack (2004-2020)/Education
BS, Northwest Missouri State University; MEd, Graceland University; PhD, Walden University
Dennis McElroy (2000-2020)/Education
BS, MS, PhD, Iowa State University
Bradley D. Mercer (2003-2019)/Chemistry
BS, Graceland College; PhD, Texas Christian University
C. Robert Mesle (1980-2016)/Philosophy
BA, Graceland College; MA, University of Chicago Divinity School; PhD, Northwestern University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Stephen K. Murdock (1984-2012)/Mathematics
BA, Graceland College; MA, Northwest Missouri State University; PhD, University of Iowa
William H. Norman (1984-2010)/Sociology
BA, MA, University of Northern Iowa; PhD, University of Iowa
Phyllis O’Daniels (1987-2010)/Education/Physical Education
BA, Graceland College; MS, HSD, Indiana University
Brenda S. Parkes (1978-1998)/Nursing
BSN, MPH, University of Michigan; PhD, University of Texas-Austin
Max Pitt (1999-2023)/Business
BS, Graceland University; MBA, University of Texas
Dan V. Pratt (1999 – 2025)/ Chemistry
BS, Graceland College; MS, University of Washington; PhD, University of Washington
Jan Rice (2007-2018)/Nursing
BSN, Avila College; MSN-ACNS, University of Missouri-Kansas City; PhD, University of Kansas
William D. Russell (1966-2007)/Political Science and History
BA, Graceland College; MDiv, St. Paul School of Theology; JD, University of Iowa
Brian C. Smith (1999-2020)/Psychology
BA, Rice University; JD, University of Texas-Austin; PhD, University of Minnesota
Ronald K. Smith (1978-2017)/Mathematics
BA, Graceland College; MS, PhD, Iowa State University
Thelma Sword (2002-2018)/Nursing
BSN, Graceland College; MSN, Drake University; EdD, University of Phoenix
