鈥淭he last few years in Student Life have been instructive in how we think about creating authentic learning communities. I鈥檝e had the opportunity to lead and learn in ways that enhance how we shape community at 91短视频. I am honored to broaden my leadership as we continue to support meaningful student experiences in the classroom and across all of our learning spaces,鈥� said Dycus.

In her new position, Dycus will be the primary champion for the 91短视频 student community and chief student affairs officer at 91短视频. She is responsible for fostering a strengthened commitment to academic success, holistic well-being and student accountability, representing the needs of undergraduate, graduate and professional students to all constituencies including faculty and other administrators, parents, trustees and the community, says President Susan Schultz Huxman.

鈥淪hannon is exceptionally well-equipped for this enhanced leadership role,鈥� shared Huxman. 鈥淚 look forward to working with her to truly 鈥楲ead Together鈥� to advance our noble mission of preparing students to serve and lead in a global context and to live into our inclusive vision of opening pathways of access and achievement for all students who aspire to be unifying leaders.鈥�

Dycus will report to Huxman for consultation on and approval of divisional and strategic objectives and shaping a campus-wide culture of student engagement and success. As dean of students, Dycus will report to the provost for consultation on and approval of personnel, budget, policies, and operational matters.

Dycus鈥� new role and its dual reporting structure has been endorsed by Provost Fred Kniss, Provost-elect Tynisha Willingham (who begins July 3, 2023), and 91短视频鈥檚 Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Dycus will join Willingham as co-champion of the Pathway of Achievement pillar of 91短视频鈥檚 new strategic plan, Pathways of Promise 2023鈥�2028, which gives enhanced attention to student retention and well-being.

Prior to her time at 91短视频, Dycus held leadership roles in both classroom and congregational settings. She brings skills as a pastor and educator to the 91短视频 Student Life areas of Campus Life, Student Accountability, Faith and Spiritual Life, Health Services, Counseling Services, Safer Together, International Student Services, Multicultural Student Services, and Student Engagement.

Dycus holds a Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She earned her BA degree in middle and secondary education from Butler University.

The following new faculty were welcomed to 91短视频, as announced by , provost, and deans David Brubaker, School of Social Sciences and Professions: Daniel Ott, School of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts; and Tara Kishbaugh, School of Sciences, Engineering, Art and Nursing.

Tenure

The following were part of a cohort hire anticipating a cohort hire focused on recruiting scholars who work collaboratively across different disciplines with research agendas and pedagogical commitments that address social justice, racial equity, peacebuilding, restorative justice, non-Western thought, and other areas of study advancing equity and inclusion.

School of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts

Daniel Ott, Dean and Professor of Theology and Religious Studies. B.M., West Virginia University; M.Div., Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University.

Timothy Reardon, Assistant Professor of New Testament. B.A., Houghton College; M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary; Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary.

School of Social Sciences and Professions

Gaurav J. Pathania, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Peacebuilding. M.A., Kurukshetra University; M.A., Jawaharlal Nehru University; M.Phil., Jawaharlal Nehru University; Ph.D., Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Paula Facci, Assistant Professor of Peacebuilding. B.A., S茫o Paulo State University; M.A., University of Innsbruck; Ph.D., University Jaume I.

Non-tenure

Lindy Backues, Associate Professor of Business and Leadership. B.Ed.S., University of Missouri; M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary; M.Sc., Eastern University; Ph.D., Leeds University.

Johanna Burkholder, Instructor of Accounting. B.A., Easterm Mennonite University; M.P. Acc., Eastern Washington University.

Debbi DiGennaro, Instructor of Social Work. B.A., 91短视频; M.S.W., Ohio State University.

Hannah Ferguson, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Nursing. B.S., 91短视频; M.S.N., University of Virginia.

Bonnie Fisher, Instructor of Psychology. B.S., 91短视频; M.Ed., James Madison University.

Kim Hall, Instructor of Psychology. B.A., State University of New York College at Geneseo; M.A., Ed.S., James Madison University.

Christopher Harris, Instructor of Speech. B.A., Bridgewater College; M.A., Spring Arbor University; M.A., George Washington University.

Heike Peckruhn, Associate Professor of Religious Studies. B.Th. Bienenberg Theological Seminary; M.A. 91短视频; Ph.D., University of Denver/ Iliff School of Theology.

91短视频 presented three Royal Awards for Staff Performance during May and June 2021.  The awardees are selected from nominations of staff or administrators who have shown exceptional performance, and/or gone above and beyond the regular focus of their work to improve 91短视频.

The awardees were (below, from left) Amy Springer Hartsell, executive advisor, President鈥檚 Office; Ronda Rittenhouse, executive assistant, Provost鈥檚 Office; and Marcy Root, executive administrative assistant & testing center coordinator, Lancaster.

Each of these 91短视频 staff members led with vigor, imagination and distinction in advance-planning, facilitating teams, and executing our numerous COVID-safe commencement ceremonies this spring, according to the announcement. 

The duo of Hartsell and Rittenhouse co-led the Harrisonburg campus鈥檚 events. Here are words from two nominations: 

Amy and Ronda exercised heroic co-leadership of the commencement committee. What a never before undertaking for 91短视频, six commencements in 14 days. These two directed planning for five of them–the three “walking ceremonies” and the two all-university virtual ceremonies for the class of 2020 and 2021 鈥� 91短视频 is indebted to their exemplary service in this most important day in the life of the university. Finish Together, indeed!

All year, we have been pivoting here and pivoting there, but Ronda and Amy did the ultimate pivot when we decided to have an in person walking ceremony for our 2020 and 2021 graduates. To plan and execute not ONE, but THREE ceremonies with such a short notice was nothing but super-heroic. Of course, they had a team of support, but they went way above and beyond!

Marcy Root鈥檚 nominations pointed out the quick adaptations she made to changing logistics for the Lancaster Commencement and the way in which she worked diligently and tirelessly to ensure all the details and communications were accounted for and attended to with grace, efficiency and excellence. One example: 

Marcy went above and beyond to lead the charge in planning Lancaster鈥檚 Commencement. While she is quick to say it 鈥渨as a group effort,鈥� it would not have been possible without her leadership.

Marcy coordinated through changing COVID guidelines, assembled team members both in person and virtually, communicated patiently to graduates who were coming, then weren鈥檛 coming, then were coming (again – COVID). In the end, a VERY special commencement is a memory our grads will have forever. Thank you, Marcy Root!

Congratulations to the winners. And also to those on the Royal Award committee for their work in appreciation of staff: Stephen Farrar, Lori Gant, Sarah Gant, Ericka Gingerich, Bill Goldberg, Marcia Myers, Jon Styer.

The Royal Awards take a summer hiatus and begin again with the fall semester. Look for round-up coverage for the fall semester awardees in January.

Portraits by Rachel Holderman and Catherine Stover

Not a week after beginning in her new role as 91短视频鈥檚 first executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Jacqueline N. Font-Guzm谩n made her first public appearance during a Facebook Live interview for Lov91短视频 Day. Her time slot coincided with the launching of a special DEI Initiative Fund. 

In that interview,  Font-Guzm谩n gave a hint of the vision she had for 91短视频 as 鈥渢he most welcoming university in the world.鈥� 

91短视频鈥檚 draw, she said,  was its 鈥渋nstitutional values and mission rooted in Christian faith, selflessness, compassion, empathy, solidarity, social justice, and community.鈥� She also noted the university鈥檚 strong commitment to advancing DEI initiatives and its missional focus on educating students in their development of 鈥渁 moral compass that is essential in today鈥檚 globalized world and the critical historical moment the nation faces.鈥�

Within the day, more than $82,750 had been raised in support of both her new leadership and the importance of this collective work at 91短视频. The ongoing total is $111,263 in current and pledged donor support. One of Font-Guzm谩n鈥檚 tasks in the coming weeks and months is to determine the best focus for this fund — and for the excitement and commitment symbolized in the investment.

In a March announcement, President Susan Schultz Huxman identified Font-Guzm谩n鈥檚 new role as providing 鈥済uidance to our campus community to live more fully into its identity as a faith-informed peace and justice university 鈥� [she will be ]a dynamic ambassador, catalyst and facilitator in mobilizing our campus community around DEI goals.鈥� 

Formerly professor of law and conflict studies and director of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Program at Creighton University, Font-Guzm谩n came to the 91短视频 role with experience developing and implementing DEI and social justice curricula into graduate degree programs, as well as collaborating with a colleague on a  popular dialogue series that explored experiences and built relationships across diverse groups at the university.  

An accomplished teacher, scholar and administrator, she holds a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University; a law degree summa cum laude from the Interamericana University of Puerto Rico; a Masters in Health Care Administration degree from Saint Louis University; and a BA degree from Coe College.  An active practitioner in conflict studies, she has led trainings, workshops and seminars in mediation and facilitation in the United States and international settings. 

Since arriving at 91短视频 April 1, Font-Guzm谩n has met with various groups, including leaders of 14 student organizations and faculty, staff, and administrators across disciplines and campuses and within various centers. Listening to and gathering those perspectives, she says, has affirmed 鈥渢hat 91短视频 is an extraordinary student-centered community, wanting and willing to do the hard work to advance DEI.鈥�

Among the main themes, she has heard 鈥渁 passion for making 91短视频 a campus where everyone feels that they belong and can be their authentic selves; an unwavering commitment to bringing our vision to life and opening new pathways of access and achievement for all students; the challenges that many members of our community face, especially those belonging to a minoritized or underrepresented group; and some big ideas on how we can make changes to move forward together.鈥�

As she continues to gather information through the summer and fall, Font-Guzm谩n says relationship-building is the core action through which learning, healing, and growth can happen. 

鈥淲e must dream big and act small, and one way of doing this is by nurturing quality relationships with each other and expanding our networks within and beyond campus. Relationship building is at the core of my vision because it can disrupt unhealthy patterns of interactions, neutralize relationships of exploitation and exclusion, and create a healthier 91短视频 community that moves us all towards a welcoming campus.鈥�

This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Crossroads magazine.

The award comes with a golden 91短视频 [insert fist pump here] and a gift certificate of one’s choice. There’s also a giant trophy. But you know we all work a little harder in hopes of that golden 91短视频 (see how happy Tim is below).

The awardees for January/February were Beth Good, director of intercultural programs, and Tim Stutzman, vice president for finance and operations.

Beth鈥檚 nominations noted the important role she has played this year as lead COVID contact tracer, while still serving as director of intercultural programs and teaching in the nursing program. 

Beth has been amazing in her willingness to step into the role of contact tracer, which has quickly evolved into an adviser/leader to 91短视频 on most things COVID related. This includes answering calls and advising those who show symptoms on their daily tracker, and working directly with students who require isolation or quarantine. 91短视频 would be less prepared if not for Beth.

Tim鈥檚 nominations highlighted his strong leadership of the university鈥檚 finances and operations, and his leadership of the university鈥檚 Crisis Management Preparedness Team.

Tim is on top of things 24/7 in regards to 91短视频 finances and operations. In these heightened COVID crisis times, he is in charge of securing our federal stimulus dollars and doling them out appropriately, securing quarantine and isolation spaces for our students, appointing risk assessment auditors to examine our cyber-security threats 鈥� and that鈥檚 just before noon!

Awardees for April/May were Tyler Goss (left), assistant director of student programs in Student Life and Joshua Lyons, web developer and analyst in Marketing and Communications.聽

Joshua鈥檚 nominations highlighted his amazing website talents, video editing and curating, general versatility, and his leadership in morale-building. 

Joshua is an incredible web developer. He can take ideas and brainstorms and turn them into beautiful web pages, like the new Forward Together page for the development campaign. He also created a platform for displaying our ever-expanding video content and curating it for undergraduate recruitment. Joshua has also enthusiastically stepped in to help with video editing.  He brings the same energy and passion to this new task as he does to his regular work of web developing. Finally, he cares for our team morale by sending regular brain teaser puzzles, encouragement notes and planning quarterly staff hikes.

Tyler鈥檚 nominations noted his imaginative abilities to deliver entertaining programming amidst COVID constraints.

Tyler has been amazing. He has shepherded and developed a great team of student leaders and together they have produced consistently creative and engaging programming despite the fact that we can’t really be together. Student Programs have often taken a “bigger-is-better” approach to programming and this year we’ve had to totally revamp to take a “smaller-virtual-distanced-is-safer” approach. This is completely counterintuitive to us as Student Affairs practitioners. Tyler has led the development of programming with wisdom, wit, and winsomeness through multiple events each week: CAC Virtual Trivia; Pinterest Plant Painting Party; Campus-Wide Capture the Flag; Screaming Bingo; Low-key Laser Tag and Lemon Tarts; Choptober Fest; and on and on! Not only that, he writes hilarious emails.

Congratulations to the winners. And also to those on the Royal Award committee for their work in appreciation of staff: Stephen Farrar, Lori Gant, Sarah Gant, Ericka Gingerich, Bill Goldberg, Marcia Myers, Jon Styer.

Who wouldn鈥檛 want to hug a trophy, pose for a commemorative photo, and put a golden emu on proud display in their office? Not that staff at 91短视频, with an already outstanding work ethic, need any extra incentive to do their best鈥�

But you know. Golden glittery emu. Enough said. 

The first Royal Awards for Staff Performance, presented during fall semester 2020. The awardees are selected from nominations of staff or administrators who have shown exceptional performance, and/or gone above and beyond the regular focus of their work to improve 91短视频.

The inaugural awardees for August/September were Shannon Dycus, dean of students, and Lauren Jefferson, director of communications.

Nominators offered these words of appreciation about these employees:

Shannon is innovative, imaginative, caring, and a force to reckon with. She has, among many other things, found ways to maintain safety and community, and encourage our students to commit to health and safety during a time of crisis and a national pandemic.

Lauren has been working intensely since the start of the pandemic, often putting in overtime, to make sure our messaging to the community about plans and changes is quick, accurate, informative, and helpful鈥� AND she still helps keep up humor and morale in our department.

Awardees for November/December were Nancy Heisey, associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and Jon Swartz, director of residence life, student accountability, and restorative justice.

Nominators offered these words of appreciation:

Nancy ushered us through a promising accreditation visit by the Association of Theological Schools in mid-October. ATS’s initial feedback was positive, which is no small cause for celebration during this tenuous time in theological education. I cannot exaggerate the ways Nancy went above and beyond her administrative responsibilities to complete this accreditation process. She has completed a marathon and has done so with competence and contagious enthusiasm. 

Jon works tirelessly to improve the 91短视频 experience for our residential students. Despite his extensive workload, he always engages each person who approaches him with empathy and good humor.

Congratulations to the winners. And also to those on the Royal Award committee for their work in appreciation of staff: Stephen Farrar, Lori Gant, Sarah Gant, Ericka Gingerich, Bill Goldberg, Marcia Myers, Jon Styer.

91短视频 faculty are eligible for the annual Excellence in Teaching Award. Read about 2020 honorees here. 

On August 19, faculty and staff from 91短视频 gathered for a required online session on “Racism, Anti-Racism, and Belonging” hosted by the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. The session was one of several on the agenda for 91短视频鈥檚 annual faculty/staff conference.

“There is the national context right now with Black Lives Matter, a global pandemic, economic distress, and these contexts impact us here. There’s also an 91短视频 context,” said Professor Kathy Evans, who co-chairs the committee with Celeste Thomas, director of Multicultural Student Services. “91短视频 is a predominantly white school. A white space in a society that carries a history and a legacy of white supremacy. This is our context. We can’t avoid that or try to minimize that. We have to confront that.”

While the session was intended for all faculty and staff, Evans said. 鈥渨e realize that 91短视频 is a predominantly white space and that we each show up to this work with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We hoped this session would provide some foundational concepts that would help us have more effective ongoing conversations.鈥�

The 91短视频 community continues to interact with the context of the Black Lives Matter movement as the semester begins. Recently, Jacob Blake joined the many others of Black victims of police violence who were remembered at the March on Washington on Friday. The Black Student Alliance facilitated virtual participation in the march, and some faculty integrated the event into their course curriculum.

Evans encouraged participants in the August 19 training to attend the march, as well as an Aug. 23 鈥淩ace Matters鈥� presentation led by SGA and BSA for students and all community members. CODI also hosted a follow-up discussion session for faculty and staff to delve more into the material presented during their training. CODI will also host more opportunities for ongoing conversations throughout the year. 

One lesson in the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion training was the difference between “inclusion” and “belonging,” and why institutional leaders need to prioritize “belonging” for students of color. 

“Belonging is something qualitatively different. It’s the actual feeling of belonging. It’s the feeling that you’re part of something,” Evans said. In contrast, the act of “inclusion” requires a dominant social group to extend an invitation 鈥� meaning that belonging isn’t intrinsic to that space. 

Other concepts defined in the presentation included individual, institutional, and systemic levels of racism. The training also included video clips created by 91短视频 students of color speaking about their experiences on campus. 

Evans and co-host Professor Tim Seidel told participants that the one-hour session was meant to facilitate discussion, prompt reflection, and pose questions 鈥� not offer trite answers.

“Expect inconvenience. Expect discomfort. Examining assumptions and practices with a racial lens can be really uncomfortable, really time-consuming, conflict-ridden, even,” Seidel said. “This is a journey. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. One that we need to engage with commitment, persistence, and steadfastness.” 

Known less by his official moniker of Herm the Fourth, Herm is completing his 22nd year as the biggest (and most loveable) fan and cheerleader of the 91短视频 Royals.

鈥淚t has been a great honor to serve the 91短视频 community for the past 22 years,鈥� the silent Herm wrote in his resignation letter. 鈥淚 will always cherish my time here, cheering on our Royals athletic teams, supporting this community’s amazing events, and frolicking on this beautiful campus.鈥�

鈥淭here are some talented blue lions out there ready to step in. They are young and have a lot to learn, of course, but the Royal pride and enthusiasm is there. I see a bright future ahead.” 

鈥擧别谤尘

A nationwide search for the next Loyal Lion has already begun, with an anticipated start date of fall 2020. 91短视频 officials plan to extend an invitation to Herm to meet the new member of the Royals pride at a 鈥減assing of the torch鈥� ceremony.

The general public knows Herm from 91短视频 sporting events, but he has also spread cheer and community, spirit and smiles at other 91短视频 events such as Homecoming, Lov91短视频 Day, new student orientation, residence life events, and really anywhere a happy Royal has been needed.

Herm wrote that many things had changed since he started at 91短视频 in 1998, including his ability to keep up with today鈥檚 students.

鈥淢y speed and agility are no longer a match for today鈥檚 athletes, and with my limited tech skills I have fallen behind in my abilities to stay 鈥榟ip鈥� with our student body,鈥� he said with an ironically dated reference to current lingo. 鈥淚 feel the time has come for me to walk away from the Royal throne and pass the torch to the next Loyal Lion in line for 91短视频. Thank you to all of the students, faculty, staff, and administration that have become great friends over the years.鈥�

Herm will continue with his regular duties through June, with his final months also featuring a Virtual Appreciation Tour on 91短视频 social media accounts. After that, Herm doesn鈥檛 have any plans other than to 鈥渢ake a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hopefully enjoy some beach somewhere.鈥� He also didn鈥檛 rule out taking up residence at any retirement communities near 91短视频鈥檚 campus.

“Herm, we will miss you!鈥� said President Susan Schultz Huxman. 鈥淲hat an inspiration you have been for our campus community for kids and kids at heart alike. You gave me a great introduction to 91短视频 in 2017, as we rode around in the golf cart all day and you introduced me to so many. Thanks for all the memories at sporting events, Fall Festival, Lov91短视频 Day and more! We wish you well in retirement as you do … well, whatever blue lions do in retirement!”

91短视频 has named Jason Good, PhD, in a new role for the university as vice president for innovation and student recruitment, effective Jan. 27, 2020. Good comes most recently from a senior sales position at CT Assist, a Harrisonburg-based healthcare staffing company.聽

Good brings expertise and success in recruitment, retention, financial aid, budget management, collaborative decision-making, and entrepreneurial educational programming. He also has a unique range of experiences within higher education that contribute to an unusually holistic perspective: He鈥檚 worked in administration, admissions, athletics, cross-cultural programming, and in a variety of teaching roles.

鈥淛ason鈥檚 unique academic and administrative experience in higher education, coupled with his proven entrepreneurial capabilities, will help us as we strive to live fully into our mission and vision here at 91短视频,鈥� said President Susan Schultz Huxman. 鈥淚 look forward to working with Jason on innovative programs and partnerships that will extend access and opportunity to a new generation of 91短视频 students.鈥�

In his new role, Good will be responsible for working with the president on forging innovative private and public partnerships to enhance student learning and opportunity. In addition, he will collaborate with the provost and VP of advancement to launch and fund new innovative programming at 91短视频. As importantly, he will develop a comprehensive student recruitment model that brings undergraduate, graduate and pre-graduate recruitment under one roof, a model that Huxman says is 鈥渃ritical in today鈥檚 professional student recruitment world.鈥� Good also will provide oversight of the admissions and marketing and communication departments.

As director of the Study Abroad program at James Madison from 2015-19, Good oversaw 90 faculty-led study abroad programs. He established eight new international for-credit internship programs, targeted outreach to incoming transfer students, and developed an incoming first-year study abroad program. 

Good has also held several roles at 91短视频. From 2013-15, he was director of admissions, leading the university to two of the strongest enrollment years in recent history. He has also been director of retention and associate director of admissions, in addition to other involvements as a graduate and undergraduate adjunct faculty member, head soccer coach, and cross-cultural faculty leader.

He holds a PhD and an MA in Hispanic Studies from Universidad de C谩diz in Andaluc铆a, Spain, and a BA in sociology and environmental science from 91短视频. 

Huxman noted Good鈥檚 range of experiences and success in collaborating with multiple constituencies on and off campus to achieve goals, among other valuable skillsets. 鈥淛ason is uniquely equipped to bring special attention to many of our new strategic initiatives as we enter into the university鈥檚 second century,鈥� she said. 

Among those initiatives is a focus on diversity and inclusion. Good brings considerable experience working in intercultural environments and in advocacy for underrepresented students. His dissertation focused on the integration of immigrant students into educational systems, specifically analyzing how to welcome and retain underrepresented groups. He is chair of the board of the Scholars Latino Initiative, which creates college opportunities for first-generation Latinx high school students in the Shenandoah Valley.

鈥淚 am thrilled to rejoin an educational community with a proven legacy of academic excellence, training leaders who unify and who are equipped as change-makers in their communities,鈥� Good said.  鈥淚 am tremendously hopeful for 91短视频鈥檚 second century and inspired to join the leadership team with a commitment to use my role to work innovatively to remove barriers to education and increase access and inclusion for students from all walks of life.鈥�

David Brubaker, Sue Cockley and Tara Kishbaugh now each lead one of three schools as part of 91短视频鈥檚 new academic structure.  The design, developed after a year of study and discussion, will enhance opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and will streamline undergraduate-graduate tracks, among other objectives. It is being phased in and will be fully implemented by the start of the fall 2020 semester.

鈥淚 am so pleased that leaders of this caliber were willing to step up to serve as inaugural deans in our new academic structure. They will help to ensure its success, and I am looking forward to working with them as an academic leadership team,鈥� said Provost Fred Kniss.

Administration of Eastern Mennonite Seminary will be housed within the School of Theology, Humanities and the Performing Arts, and will retain its independent identity and brand, Kniss noted.

The appointment of the three new academic deans coincides with the addition of a new dean of students position, responsible for the co-curricular aspects of learning and living on campus. In July, Shannon W. Dycus, was appointed to this role. Among her responsibilities is supervision of student life operations and various directors.

Long records of 91短视频 service

Brubaker, dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professions, has directed and taught in 91短视频鈥檚 MBA and MA in Organizational Leadership programs. In addition to various other roles since beginning at 91短视频 in 2004, he has been a practicum director, academic director and member of the leadership team for the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, as well as Faculty Senate co-president and vice president and faculty sustainability task force co-chair.

In prior years he served with various community development and conflict transformation organizations, including as associate director of Mennonite Conciliation Service and assistant director of Mennonite Central Committee鈥檚 Brazil program. He has authored numerous books and articles, and has independently trained or consulted with over 100 organizations on six continents. 

Cockley, dean of the School of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts, has served at 91短视频 since 1996. She has directed the adult degree completion and MA in Organizational Leadership programs, and has been dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary and of graduate and professional studies. She will continue as seminary dean.

Previously she was an adult education specialist and director of the adult educator鈥檚 research network for the Virginia Department of Education, designed community education projects in Haiti and Kentucky for Mennonite Central Committee, served as a national trainer for Literacy Volunteers of America, and volunteered in basic adult education in West Virginia with VISTA. 

At 91短视频 since January 2004, Kishbaugh, dean of the School of Sciences, Engineering, Art and Nursing, has chaired 91短视频鈥檚 biology and chemistry departments since 2013. An organic chemist, she has taught  chemistry courses and seminars on ethics, land use and food chemistry. In addition to various committee and council roles at 91短视频, she has served on undergraduate council executive and chaired the pre-professional health services and intellectual life committees. 

She has received multiple honors, awards and grants, and has organized and offered a variety of chemistry symposiums and workshops.

Check out the first staff spotlight on Lynn Veurink.听础苍诲 here’s #3 on Betty Lee.

What was your path to working at 91短视频?

I was employed at JMU for about 10 years in a few different roles, as the first receptionist in health services around 1988, an administrative assistant in the counseling center for a few years, and the office manager at the Child Development Clinic and Human Development Center for a few years.

When our oldest son started middle school, I transitioned to Broadway High School, where I was the registrar in the counseling office. I enjoyed working with students, and this worked well for our family at the time 鈥� the boys could ride the bus to my office and participate in after-school activities, and I could attend their events.

Shortly before Thanksgiving break around 2008, I saw the advertisement for the wellness suite office coordinator position. I was so excited because it was for health services, counseling services and campus ministries 鈥� and I had experience in the college health and counseling settings. After two interviews, I started at 91短视频 that January 1.

My position at 91短视频 has evolved a lot over the last 10 years. As the health information management coordinator in Health Services, I process all of the required health forms and immunizations for first-year and graduate and undergraduate transfer students; assist with insurance billing processes; collect and post co-pays and payments; assist with planning for events (i.e. the employee benefits fair, open house, SpringFest, etc.); and do all of the appointment scheduling. In all that, I provide compassionate support to patients. 聽

Educational and professional highlights:

I graduated from Turner Ashby High School in 1985, and prior to working at 91短视频, attended many trainings and seminars focused around my work in education, health services and counseling, with topics ranging from working with difficult people, customer service and supervisory skills to recognizing gang signs and education about illegal drugs.

What I love about 91短视频:

I believe that as a smaller school, 91短视频 offers a lot of opportunities for students. I鈥檝e been enriched by many relationships with co-workers and students. There are a lot of good folks around, and I encourage everyone to get to know some new employees and students!

My family:

My high school sweetheart Steve and I have been married almost 32 years! He is the shop foreman at Excel Truck in Weyers Cave and has been in the field over 30 years. We have three grown sons: Wesley graduated from JMU and works in HR at a farm-to-table restaurant in Short Pump, Virginia; Mitchell graduated from 91短视频 and works as a store manager of the Lowe鈥檚 in Lexington; and Benjamin is a senior at Broadway High School, and is studying architecture and interior design at Massanutten Technical Center.

Steve and I have taught our guys about hard work, doing their best, going the extra mile and being kind. Like most people, our family has faced difficult times, and I tell them that struggles build strong families. We provided a private, Christian education for all three of them from elementary to middle school.

Life outside of work:

Our family has enjoyed camping at Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke for almost 25 years! Open season is April through October, and we go there most weekends. Our guys have grown up on the water, enjoying water sports, fishing and pleasure boating. Many dear friendships have developed through the years and I can鈥檛 begin to guess how many picnics and potlucks we鈥檝e enjoyed and hosted! I have shared with many friends that this 鈥済etaway time鈥� has saved our marriage more than once.

I always enjoy any time with family and friends, being near water, or just relaxing on the deck at home. Our family has hosted the 91短视频 gospel choir for meals and has prepared a lot of BBQ chicken and pork for BSU meals in the past.

I attended Sandy Bottom Holiness Church over 20 years; my dear pastor passed away about two years ago.

We also enjoy 91短视频 basketball during the winter. We traveled to Guilford College when the men went to the Elite 8 and to CNU to support the ladies in a playoff game, and took several fun trips with co-workers to Salem to cheer them on for ODAC championships. I love our students and enjoy watching them mature as players and young adults.

And finally: Which of the following about Vanessa is a lie?

• I have been on a mission trip to Mexico.
• I have never hit a deer while driving a vehicle.
• An 91短视频 student lived with us for a summer.

The event will serve as 鈥済roundwatering鈥� for upcoming cohort-based racial equity trainings, said CODI chair Melody Pannell, professor of applied social sciences. The pilot program for the racial equity leadership institute initiative will launch on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January.

鈥淭hese trainings will in part give people the same language for speaking about equity,鈥� Pannell said. 鈥淜nowing what is meant by 鈥榳hite privilege鈥� or 鈥榠ntersectionality,鈥� for example, will help us develop shared values relating to expanded diversity.鈥�

Comprised of students, staff and faculty, CODI is tasked with working 鈥渢o develop and sustain a diverse and welcoming community of learning,鈥� according to its mission statement. Through education, training, policy proposals and support of 鈥減ractices that foster respect, equity, restorative justice and dignity for every person,鈥� the committee 鈥渆ncourages the critique of dominant narratives and works to develop a campus culture that listens to and learns from counter-narratives,鈥� among other goals.

Reporting to Provost Fred Kniss, the committee supports 91短视频鈥檚 strategic goal on diversity, which in part directs the university 鈥渢o attract, develop and sustain a thriving team of faculty, staff and administrators whose diversity mirrors our student body, community, and the broader church.鈥� Its five subcommittees are focused on marketing and programs, research and assessment/recruitment, human resources and retention, policies and practice, and curriculum and training.

Progress on initiatives

CODI has already been active on campus. It advocated for the 鈥渄ay-on鈥� designation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day scheduled for January 2019, and last spring it joined Faith in Action and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham branch of the NAACP in hosting a religious leaders summit and racial equity training. It has also provided various trainings, plus provided support and counsel for a variety of events and initiatives.

The committee consults and collaborates with campus departments and other entities, speaks into student life processes and situations, and informs the development of administrative policy and practices. [Read 91短视频’s聽Statement on Diversity and Inclusion.]

鈥淭his body will make it possible to thread conversations about diversity more comprehensively through the fabric of our core curriculum,鈥� said Pannell. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a big vision, but I think that we鈥檙e ready and primed for it.鈥�

CODI members

• Melody Pannell, professor of applied social sciences, chair
• Erick Camodeca, cross country/track associate coach
• Tae Dews, undergraduate student and pastoral assistant, campus ministries
• Deanna Durham, professor of applied social sciences
• Kathy Evans, professor of education
• Scott Eyre, lead residence director, housing and res life
• Emily Forrer, operations coordinator of student life
• Matthew Hunsberger, assistant director of housing and residence life
• Steve Johnson, professor of visual and communication arts
• Oksana Kittrell, residence director of housing and residence life
• Mia Kivlighan, marketing and communications
• Celeste Thomas, director multicultural services
• Marcy Frederick, director of libraries
• Hannah Nichols, undergraduate student, SGA representative
• Emily Powell, undergraduate student – Safe Space
• Rachel Roth Sawatzky, staff, associate dean of students
• Kate Smucker, graduate student

History

The committee has evolved over the last 15 years. From 2003-08, Pannell, then the director of multicultural services and Jon Kratz, then the director of international services, co-chaired of the Diversity Initiatives Committee. In 2013, Susannah Lepley, then the director of multicultural services, became chair of the emerging Diversity Task Force, formed to serve as a clearinghouse for campus-wide initiatives and research. Later, Jane Ellen Reid became co-chair with Lepley. Upon her return to 91短视频, Pannell joined the Diversity Task Force, now renamed CODI, and became chair in 2017.

Jennifer Cline, PhD, LPC, ACS, assistant professor, MA in Counseling

Cline earned a BS in psychology and early childhood education, an MA in community counseling and a PhD in counseling and supervision, all from James Madison University. She worked as a counselor and clinical supervisor in private practice for over 15 years, and is credentialed as a licensed professional counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor. Her clinical, research, and teaching interests include the intersection of technology and relationship, clinical supervision, pedagogy and learning outcomes, and social justice issues.

Stefano Colafranceschi, PhD, assistant professor of computer science and engineering

Originally from Italy, Colafranceschi earned a BS in aerospace engineering, an MS in astronautical engineering, and a PhD in computer science, all from the University of Rome. He spent a highly productive decade working in Geneva, Switzerland, and at the Florida Institute of Technology for CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, prior to beginning at 91短视频.

Greg Czyzszcon, PhD, LPC, assistant professor, MA in Counseling

Czyzszcon earned a BA in history and secondary education, an MEd in special education, an MA in community counseling, and a PhD in counseling and supervision from James Madison University. He brings extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, and families in the fields of education, social work, school counseling, and clinical mental health counseling. His clinical and research interests include parent/child attachment, in-home family counseling, interpersonal neurobiology and trauma-informed care.

Barbara Wheatley, EdD, assistant professor of teacher education聽

Wheatley earned her BS from Mississippi University for Women, an MEd from Wichita State University, an MS from Indiana State University, and her EdD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia. Wheatley has expertise and extensive experience in literacy education, as well as teaching licensure as a reading specialist, elementary teacher and library media specialist.

It is rare for news from a small liberal arts college to make the national wire services. In 1969, positive news from a campus was even more phenomenal. Across the country, campus disruptions protesting President Nixon鈥檚 continued involvement in Vietnam blazed in the headlines. But at EMC, early in December, another kind of 鈥渟tudent power鈥� let loose. A mobilized student body brought in $111,000 in four days to launch a building that is now the Sadie Hartzler Library.

A sense of crisis precipitated a weekend drive. EMC needed a new library. Only a fifth of the students could elbow into the existing one, and the overflow volumes were stashed in eight different centers in five buildings on campus.

But a lack of funds threatened the project. Receiving a $388,500 federal grant hinged on matching it by December 11. A year before, the trustees had wisely stipulated that $400,000 cash be kept on hand to supplement the grant before the $1.4 million contract would be signed.

Bruce A. Yoder ’72, then SGA President, recalls that on the morning of Thursday, December 4, the new library was fast disappearing, but a Spirit-led strategy fell into place when the deep faith of Campus Pastor, Truman Brunk, met the determination of Everett Ressler HS64, ’70, student leader of Campus Church, and fired the commitment of Beth Eby ’71 Weber and the media acumen of Stuart Showalter ’67, public relations director. Late Thursday, after meetings with the administration, faculty and student resident assistants, plans were laid for a last-ditch, all-out drive, climaxing in a Monday night auction.

At the close of a Friday chapel, shared by two firebrands of service, Orie O. Miller and Paul Erb, Pastor Brunk challenged students to continue their dedication by raising as much as they could in three days. 鈥淲e need to put our faith into action. I have the faith to believe that God is going to give us this $111,000 by Monday night.鈥� Bruce Yoder announced that already 2,400 meals were being skipped to redirect meal money to the cause, and that students were being excused from classes to seek funds. This kick-off lit the students鈥� fire.

After chapel, the dozens of ideas presented started crackling into action. Some students headed home for money from family and friends. Many called and asked their pastors to take an offering on Sunday. Others set up baking teams at faculty homes. Every dorm oven baked continuously. Students solicited door to door, and two music groups, 鈥淭he Optimists鈥� and 鈥淩ebirth,鈥� sang downtown for contributions. A Saturday morning article in the local press, written in faith by Showalter when plans were still ideas, alerted the community to the bake sale, an auction and a telethon.

At a receiving station set up in the lobby of the Administration Building, a large crepe paper thermometer tracked donations. Beginning with $9,000 on Friday evening, the red chalk line moved upward with Christmas bulbs lighting up the latest total. One hundred fifty students brought in money during the Saturday work day. After its basketball game, EMHS donated the gate receipts, and a college chorale concert dumped its offering into the coffers.

While students ingeniously raised money, even charging admission to the bathroom, faculty mimicked G. Irvin Lehman鈥檚 HS 33, TY 35 offer to search his attic for treasures to donate to the auction. By 10:10 p.m. Saturday, contributions topped $25,000 with the largest, $5,000, coming from Orie Miller, who had witnessed the initial student enthusiasm in chapel.

Sunday, responses poured in from churches. AP and UPI stories flashed the word as far away as Japan while Ressler and Showalter fed reporters updates. Hundreds of sacrificial decisions slowly raised the Christmas lights to ladder-height. At midnight, students cheered when the thermometer hit the $50,000 mark.

On Monday at 6 p.m., a crowd of 4,000 gathered in the gym to bid on the 2,000 donated items that students had gathered and tagged for a marathon auction. Antiques, guitars, motorcycles and souvenirs from world-wide trips were snapped up by buyers. Students bid competitively for their friends鈥� possessions, often against borrowed funds. Some secretly pooled their money to buy an 1893 cello that had been donated by Professor John Horst ’60. They then surprised the owner by returning it.

A carload of students had brought 200 pounds of Swiss cheese and $200 worth of ham from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where they had also collected $2,700 in less than 18 hours. For more than seven hours, the students bid, dug deeper and cheered. Whenever another $1,000 was added to the fund, they rang a dinner bell that had been brought to be auctioned. The audience rallied in applause.

At close to 2 a.m., President Augsburger excitedly put the bell on the auction block. Bidding for students who had agreed to buy it for the school, Everett Ressler took the price to $800, the needed amount to surpass the $111,000 goal. When the president cried, 鈥淪old!鈥� the walls almost came down with frenzied cheers. Now an international consultant on emergency assistance, Ressler points out that 鈥渘o one orchestrated the weekend. It was a massive movement, a community action that has been added to so many times since by continuous giving.鈥�

When the Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, the total had reached $1,067,000. Checks had arrived from people who first learned of EMC through the weekend news blitz. One person gave five $400 checks, perhaps because five different students asked for a donation. At the signing of the library contract in chapel, Sam Shrum of the Nielsen Construction Company proffered a $1,000 check if someone would wash his dirty car. A student piped up, 鈥淣ot only a wash but a wax job as well.鈥� As events were shared and efforts praised, applause broke out 38 times. Most moving was the standing ovation that the board of trustees on the platform gave the student body.

In the president鈥檚 closing prayer he took the experience beyond fund-raising, asking that it be 鈥渁 symbol to a society caught in tensions, that we can help one another become a better people, that we live unselfishly.鈥� Singing 鈥淧raise God From Whom All Blessings Flow鈥� celebrated God鈥檚 pivotal place in the marathon fund-raiser.

On this one occasion in the college鈥檚 75 years, all America glimpsed the inspiring spirit of Eastern Mennonite. More than a hundred newspapers in 32 states and many TV and radio stations covered the event. Two papers called the weekend phenomenon 鈥渞efreshing campus furor鈥� and 鈥渉appy campus uproar.鈥� The mayor of Harrisonburg awarded the students a citation for 鈥渢heir industry and ingenuity, their creative and constructive conduct and their high spirit and noble purpose 鈥︹�� The event appeared in a subsequent National Geographic article on the valley. Ressler credits the chemistry of those five day to 鈥渢he feeling in the Seventies that things could be done if we put our shoulders to the wheel.鈥�

Alumnus John Weber talks about the fund drive in .

The appointment of the steering committee is the first of four actions implemented by Huxman in response to the Board of Trustee mandates after receiving the D. Stafford and Associates .

In addition to the work of the steering committee, Huxman announced three other actions to address best practices in the education and prevention of sexual misconduct on campus: development of a full-scale Title IX training program for faculty, staff and students; the implementation of a campus climate survey; and a review of the effectiveness of 91短视频鈥檚 Title IX coordinator position, as recommended by DSA.

The DSA report found that 91短视频 has 鈥渆xtensive and detailed policies鈥� addressing sexual discrimination, but these policies are found in disparate places; their recommendation was to create one comprehensive institutional policy.

鈥淲e are eager to move forward,鈥� Huxman said. 鈥淚 was pleased by the focus and commitment at our first meeting. This group of full-time 91短视频 employees collectively has the requisite special expertise in all facets of education around sexual violence and discrimination. I have full confidence that this committee will prepare a report that takes us beyond compliance, one that helps us to live into our mission and our Anabaptist values of peace and reconciliation.”

Board chair Kay Nussbaum expressed appreciation for the ongoing work of Huxman and the administration, as well as for the new steering committee.

鈥淭his work is vital in strengthening 91短视频鈥檚 capacity to prevent sexual violence, effectively respond to allegations, and create a safe environment for our campus community,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e are grateful to move forward on this agenda with intentional action and focused leadership.鈥�

Committee begins work on new Title IX policy

Huxman has named six members to the steering committee. By June 2017, this committee will have proposed a comprehensive new model for 91短视频鈥檚 Title IX policy.

To create this model, the committee is charged with reviewing DSA鈥檚 Title IX policy recommendations, as well as those recommendations for best practices addressing sexual violence collected by a fall 2016 task force.

, director of counseling services, chaired a key 91短视频 task force that met in the fall and is also a member of the steering committee.

, the new Title IX coordinator, will chair the steering committee. Other members include , director of human resources and former Title IX coordinator; , co-director of Multicultural Student Services; , director of residence life, student accountability and restorative justice; and , nursing professor and current chair of the committee that hears and adjudicates Title IX hearings.

Development of Title IX training

Another action requires the design of a full-scale Title IX training program for the board, faculty, staff and students. Kniss will design the program and present it to the board, with cost estimates, a timetable and a plan of implementation for the next academic year (2017-18).

鈥淭he safety of 91短视频鈥檚 community has been one of my primary concerns as director of health services and continues in this new capacity as Title IX coordinator,鈥� said Kniss, from Orlando, Florida, where she is attending a four-day Title IX training certification conference. 鈥淭he role integrates my experiences of more than 30 years in the medical field as well as 14 years in a law firm as a legal nurse consultant.鈥�

Campus climate survey

A campus climate survey will be developed by the director of institutional research and effectiveness, , and presented to the board for approval at its June 2017 meeting.

The periodic survey will poll students, faculty and staff regarding their knowledge of racial and sexual discrimination or harassment, sexual assault/violence or any experiences with sexual/racial discrimination while attending or working at 91短视频. The survey will also assess awareness of 91短视频鈥檚 Title IX policies and procedures.

Review of Title IX coordinator

The action plan also includes review of the new Title IX coordinator position, completed by the president in consultation with the vice president of finance and human resources.

A summary of recent campus events related to healthy sexuality and institutional harms and healing

Here are some of the activities that have taken place on campus in the past six months related to the topic of raising awareness and educating students about sexual misconduct issues:

• In fall 2016 91短视频 sponsored a Best Practices on Addressing Sexual Violence Task Force.
• 91短视频 hired a dedicated Title IX coordinator.
• Four staff persons have received formal training in carrying out Title IX sexual assault investigations.
• The Student Life Division integrated bystander training into orientation and first-year activities.
• Students in the teaching, ministry and healthy sexuality class and the introduction to youth ministry class participated in a half-day sexual abuse prevention training provided by The Collins Center. [This is the fourth year the training has been offered.]
• 鈥楥onversations on Sexual Violence鈥� symposium, March 2016, aimed to nurture community-building and resilience, 2016:
• A series of chapel addresses including: Sex and Millenials: #NewScripts, by Carolyn Stauffer, Oct. 5, 2016 (; Faithful Sexuality in an Age of聽 Porn, by Ken L. Nafziger, vice president for student life and dean of students, Oct. 28, 2016 (; Service of Lament for Sexual Abuse, with Professor Jerry Holsopple, Nov. 9, 2016 (; Stumbling In The Darkness (Take Back The Night Seminary Chapel) by Charlie Tinsley, Nov. 15, 2016. (.
• Symposium and lecture by Catholic victims鈥� advocate Tom Doyle which focused on institutional harms and healing, Nov. 15, 2016:
• Student-planned Take Back the Night events which focused campus attention on sexual violence and victims, Nov. 22, 2016:

Scheduled for Summer Peacebuilding Institute, 2017

Professor Carolyn Stauffer

Course description: Incidents of sexual wrongdoing damage institutions in addition to injuring individuals. When relationships are ruptured by sexual misconduct, institutions have a responsibility to repair the harms done, address breaches of conduct, and work towards prevention. This course investigates the forms that sexual harms can take and provides participants with the knowledge, skills and tools to build more preventative and restorative organizational environments. View more information.