celebrated the graduation of 16 students earning Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, and Master of Arts in Christian Leadership degrees and the graduate certificate in Christian Leadership.听

Coming from different denominational backgrounds and returning to ministry and work with new credentials, the group鈥檚 experiences and various gifts were honored during Saturday afternoon鈥檚 Baccalaureate ceremony. View the ceremony at [you do not need an account to view.]

Graduates were also offered the opportunity to participate in an in-person Commencement walk on Saturday, May 1. 91短视频鈥檚 official Commencement ceremony was online Sunday, May 9. [Both ceremonies can be viewed at 91短视频鈥檚 Commencement webpage.]

MA in Christian Leadership

• Mark Stancil, Stephens City, Virginia

MA in Religion

• William Jones, Broadway, Virginia
• Joel Nofziger, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Master of Divinity

• Amber Baker, Morgantown, West Virginia
• Ryan Cobb, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• William Evans, Lignum, Virginia
• Joanna Friesen, Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Paul Merchant, Lexington, Virginia
• Robert Michalides, Lynchburg, Virginia
• Carmen Miller, Rockingham, Virginia
• Carrie Moffitt, Staunton, Virginia
• MaryBeth Heatwole Moore, Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Dawn Reidy, Bunker Hill, West Virginia
• Emily Tolbert, North Dinwiddie, Virginia
• Lori Witmer, Newville, Pennsylvania

Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies

• Shirley LaVerne Steward-Jones, Harrisonburg, Virginia

More on the Baccalaureate Ceremony

The Baccalaureate ceremony, with a theme selected by the graduates of 鈥淒rawn by Love: Jesus Calls Us,鈥澨� included a scripture reading, musical selections, benediction and a commissioning.

Dean Sue Cockley welcomed the gathered and thanked those watching for their support for students. 鈥淚t takes a lot of people, a community really,鈥� she said, 鈥渢o get each seminary student to this happy milestone.鈥� The theme that the graduates had selected was especially appropriate to the tumult of the year, she noted, calling to mind lines of the hymn 鈥淛esus Calls to Us, O鈥檈r the Tumult鈥�: Jesus calls us o鈥檈r the tumult of our life鈥檚 wild, restless sea / Day by day his sweet voice soundeth, saying 鈥淐hristian, follow me.鈥�

Nancy Heisey, associate dean and professor of biblical studies, gave the main address on the theme 鈥淥f Panic and Love,鈥� both being part of the full human experience and that which links us with Jesus and the Father:

So, John鈥檚 gospel starts out with 鈥淕od becomes us,鈥� and ends up with 鈥測ou, the new humans, are going to be me.鈥� Maybe you think I鈥檓 pushing that latter part of the equation a bit too far. But I offer that ordinary women and men have been called into love by Jesus, and sent as the Father sent Jesus. Throughout the centuries they have stared down the ruler of this world with their true humanity. They have experienced panic鈥攏ot just the sudden terror of one event, but the long terror of the power that seeks to destroy God鈥檚 creation. But they and we are one with the One who has conquered the world.

Participants in the ceremony also included Courtney Joyner, UMC liaison and instructor, musical prelude and postlude;听 current seminarian Caleb Schrock-Hurst and Perry Blosser, hymns; Joanna Friesen, graduate, invocation, Carrie Moffit, graduate, the scripture reading. Bob Michalides, the class vice president, introduced the speaker.

Professors Andrea Saner and David Evans anointed and blessed the graduates. Kevin Clark, assistant professor and seminary pastor, and Sarah Ann Bixler, incoming associate dean and professor, provided the commissioning.

Balloons, flowers, cheers, caps and gowns, and big smiles…

Pageantry and “Pomp and Circumstance”…

Saturday’s sun-filled celebrations were a semblance of normalcy in pandemic times, as more than 1,300 guests attended three separate “walking ceremonies” hosted by 91短视频 for the graduates of 2020 and 2021.

The opportunity was particularly poignant from the 2020 grads, who lost their in-person celebration to the pandemic last year. Ninety-nine, some with family and friends in attendance, returned for the opportunity to don their caps and gowns and other academic regalia to walk across the stage.

91短视频 awarded 351 total degrees, including 209 undergraduate degrees, 104 master’s degrees, 37 graduate certificates, and one doctorate.

Graduates will have another opportunity to celebrate this weekend, when the formal Commencement ceremonies for both classes happen in a virtual format — on Saturday, May 8, at 1 p.m., for the class of 2020, and on Sunday, May 9,at 1 p.m., for the class of 2021. 91短视频’s site in Lancaster, Pa., will host a graduation ceremony Friday, May 14. [See 91短视频’s Commencement website for more information.]

The ceremonies were organized by academic schools, with the School of Theology, Humanities, and the Performing Arts getting the day started at 9 a.m. (blankets and coffee were favorite spectator accessories). By the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremonies for the School of Science, Engineering, Art and Nursing and the School of Social Science and Professions, respectively, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses were de rigueur (seating protocols and seat followed social distancing requirements).

Each ceremony included words from President Susan Schultz Huxman and the school dean, as well as a blessing from a faculty member. Huxman congratulated the gathered graduates on their resilience and perseverance and urged them to stay connected to 91短视频 as they chart their paths and impact the world.

The smaller ceremonies allowed deans to share special messages with grads from shared academic discipline. Dean Sue Cockley of the School of Theology, Humanities and the Performing Arts offered this: 鈥�This tremendous upheaval鈥� calls up existential questions that we in the West prefer to ignore in quieter times. What is the meaning of all of this? Have we ever learned anything from history? What will happen to us? Is there hope for justice? Is there hope for faith? How can we learn to pray again. ..You may not have all the answers yet, no one expects that of you at this moment, but you are not afraid to struggle with the questions and that is crucial!”

Dean Tara Tishbaugh of the School of Science, Engineering, Art and Nursing noted that all of these graduates shared the common experience of the need for “hands-on” learning: 鈥淟abs online, labs on campus, where is lab today? Labs distanced and spread across multiple rooms, student leaders supporting the faculty as tech assistants, as learning assistants, as tutors. We learned alongside each other. Studio and digital arts moved locations, adapted to challenges of mixed modalities-I loved the story of  continuing ceramics using clay found in your backyards and beyond. The natural history (and other) solo field trips. The tremendous work achieved by our nursing faculty, staff, and students to continue clinicals, to create new simulations, to adapt to restrictions on clinical experiences.鈥�

Dean David Brubaker shared the incalculable need for the uniquely educated graduates from the School of Social Sciences and Professions: 鈥�These last 15 months have been among the most innovative I鈥檝e experienced in my 17 years at 91短视频鈥� Within our school, we launched one new master鈥檚 degree (in transformational leadership) last August, are preparing to roll out a second (in school counseling) this August, and have approved a third (in human resource leadership) for fall 2022鈥� The  Teacher Education program sailed through its reaccreditation process with high praise from the visiting accreditation team. We consolidated a new major in global studies…and our Business and Leadership program continued to prepare outstanding graduates in fields such as accounting, business administration, recreation and sports management, and international business. I can鈥檛 imagine a time when the world needed gifted teachers, collaborative leaders, empathetic counselors and skilled conflict transformers and justice advocates more than now. You truly are the ones we have been waiting for.鈥�

On Tuesday evening, just a short time after the verdict was announced, I sent a message  to our campus community. I named the value of a cathartic, collective exhale on the swift verdict, and our shared witness around a faith-informed justice on the occasion of this historic moment. Indeed, the trial was a long-awaited step towards repair in our country鈥檚 long and awful legacy of racialized violence. 

I also expressed support of deep listening and bold collaborative action: We especially surround our BIPOC students, faculty and staff tonight with care and compassion. We commit ourselves to continuing to hear their voices, to stand with them, and to do the hard and necessary work to extend the movement to expand racial justice and equity in our nation, our community, and on our own campus. We will work together to make our community of learners more and more fair and equitable inside and outside the classroom. 

The Black Lives Matter movement has taught me many things. Saying the names of our black citizens senselessly killed or injured at a shockingly disproportionate rate at the hands of law enforcement is a powerful reminder of my own white privilege. And so again I say his name: George Perry Floyd Junior, to remind myself this is not an ending at all.

As educators, we still have much work to do. Here is a brief summary of some tangible steps our university has taken recently on issues of racial and social justice, with special attention to diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of our community of learning:

• Diversity objectives are featured in the President鈥檚 Annual Report and 91短视频鈥檚 2020-25 Strategic Plan.
• A new fund to support DEI training and related initiatives benefited from nearly $93,763 in current and pledged donor support this spring.
•  91短视频鈥檚 Board of Trustees is led by Manuel A. Nu帽ez, professor and faculty director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Villanova Business School. The board remains deeply committed in specific ways to diversity, equity and inclusion outcomes in learning objectives, campus climate, and representation.  
• More than 10 newly established endowed scholarships and direct grants to increase access and opportunities for BIPOC undergraduate and graduate students have been cultivated just this year.
• We continue supporting, building relationships, listening to and learning from leaders of our student organizations, including Black Student Alliance, Latino Student Alliance, International Student Organization, SafeSpace, and the newly established Asian Pacific Islander Student Association.

And finally, we are delighted with an important addition to our team: Dr. Jacqueline N. Font-Guzm谩n. She started as our executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion just a few weeks ago, and has already made connections with our Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, and among our student groups and their leaders. We look forward to her leadership as we make our actions toward racial and social justice more concrete. 

Below, Dr. Font-Guzm谩n shares a short reflection on the verdict. Continue on to read reflections from our student leaders, and leaders of Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. 

No one person can enact the kind of dramatic change our schools, communities, and country needs. We must listen together and lead together. Each member of our university has a contribution to make. We welcome your support and your prayers on the journey ahead.

From Dr. Jacqueline N. Font-Guzm谩n, executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion

The murder conviction in the case of Mr. George Perry Floyd Jr. has been unprecedented in many ways. It is a rare event in the history of the United States that a White policeman is found guilty of murdering a Black man. 

At the personal level, I have mixed feelings about the verdict. Although I felt encouraged by it because it held the perpetrator accountable, justice did not triumph. True justice requires giving each person their due. Mr. Floyd should be alive today. 

And yet, I do not despair. I am hopeful that this verdict can move us to take the needed crucial steps towards transforming 鈥� and when necessary 鈥� dismantling the systems that allow for this violence to continue. There is no better act of subversion than building relationships and communities. This verdict was possible thanks to all the organizers, peaceful protesters, students, and people willing to 鈥� as John Lewis said鈥� “Get in trouble, good trouble.”

Here at 91短视频, we are committed to peace, social justice, and community. We will continue to work together with love and compassion to create an environment where everyone can be their true selves, belong, and be safe. 

A joint statement from two leaders of the Student Government and Black Student Alliance

Ma鈥橩hia could have been any of us. In the span of two hours, our collective conversation had shifted from a tense relief that Derek Chauvin had been found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, to the overwhelming grief and anger that we know so intimately. 

After George Floyd鈥檚 murder this summer, the Student Government Association sent an email affirming protests and demonstrations being carried out in the name of justice. We also named that many of our clubs that serve as affinity groups for marginalized voices unfairly bear the burden of providing programming aimed at educating our broader campus community. Weeks later, the Black Student Alliance presented a list of demands, calling our campus community to live more fully into our self-proclaimed values of justice and peace. 

Now, after the verdict has been read, we as student leaders continue to commit ourselves to standing alongside those who fiercely speak truth to power, uprooting systems which cause harm, including those within our university. We will rage until LGBTQ+ communities feel safe, until ICE is abolished and the prison industrial complex is destroyed, until families are no longer torn apart on the border, and the ongoing Indigenous genocide is stopped.

We know that there is much work to be done. We envision a community that rejects notions of scarcity,  where justice is abundant and freedom is genuine. This is a vision that 91短视频 says it shares, and so we call 91短视频 to answer, to act: 

To create and hold spaces for BIPOC students, faculty and staff. To offer tangible support through meals and offer extensions on deadlines. To compensate the unpaid labor of those who have consistently borne the brunt of liberation work within 91短视频. To show up for your students in the classroom, at our events, in this nation and this world. Show up for your marginalized  students in the ways we鈥檝e been asking of you. This is how we live into our mission. 

Anisa Leonard, co-president of Student Government Association; Maya Dula, secretary and past co-president of Black Student Alliance

Eastern Mennonite Seminary

In the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, we believe that the mutual flourishing of relationships is essential for faith. We belong to one another as members of the human family. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the body of Christ, 鈥淚f one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it鈥� (1 Cor 12:26). When one person, family and community suffers injustice, the harm impacts us all. 

A verdict from our national justice system may provide some clarity, but that alone cannot restore human dignity and wholeness. We commit fully and collectively to this restorative work: to practicing justice in compassionate relationships as a learning community and in the communities in which we participate throughout the world.

Learning how, within our own faith communities and our university community, we can truly resist the systemic racism made so visible in this moment impels us to deeper prayer and richer action. We thank God for leaders in many communities of color in the United States, and some of our own community members, who have long modeled the discipleship of work for justice.

Dr. Sue Cockley, dean; Dr. Nancy Heisey, associate dean; Rev. Dr. Sarah Bixler, incoming associate dean.

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

The United States was built on a mixed message 鈥� all men are created equal and only white men who own property count as full citizens. The territory of the United States was created through displacement, genocide, and war against indigenous peoples and a neighboring country, Mexico. Wealth was amassed by white men who exploited enslaved peoples from Africa and violently suppressed attempts to organize for labor rights. As a country, we have struggled with these tensions since our founding. Our history cannot be ignored in our move toward a different future.

Rooting out and transforming the original sin built into the United States is a long, hard, slow process and once again we are being challenged. Do we settle for order masquerading as peace or do we demand justice that supports authentic peace, healing, and equity? As the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, we have answered that question. Now, we must actualize it in our current context. As a predominantly white institution, this work is deeply personal for each of us and for CJP and 91短视频 as organizations. Thankfully, the jury in Minnesota has held Derek Chauvin accountable for his actions. Let us continue our work to grow justice with humility and integrity. That means listening to and following leaders who have experienced the violence and injustices of our current systems.  

Dr. Jayne Docherty, executive director

Sarah Ann Bixler has been named associate dean of . She begins administrative duties July 1, 2021, and will continue teaching responsibilities as a faculty member of the seminary. 

She moves into a role previously held by Professor Nancy Heisey, who has served as associate dean since 2016.

Bixler will oversee the seminary鈥檚 graduate degree programs, guide the development of new programs for pastors and laypersons involved in a wide range of ministries, and serve as director of the seminary鈥檚 formation program. She will also serve on the faculty as assistant professor of formation and practical theology, beginning this fall.

鈥淪arah鈥檚 enthusiasm for serving the needs of seminary students and pastors in this difficult time is inspiring,鈥� said Sue Cockley, dean of the seminary. 鈥淚鈥檓 confident her leadership will strengthen the seminary in the coming years and serve the church both locally and nationally.鈥�

Bixler has been an instructor with the seminary for two years while finishing her PhD in practical theology with a specialization in Christian education and formation from Princeton Theological Seminary.听

In October 2020, Bixler was ordained into the ministry of Virginia Mennonite Conference. 

In addition to her doctorate, she holds a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a bachelor鈥檚 degree, magna cum laude, from 91短视频.

鈥淚 welcome this role as a sense of call to serve the church through theological education,鈥� Bixler said. 鈥淚 am honored to help lead the seminary into a new season of faithfulness during this dynamic time of change. Eastern Mennonite Seminary鈥檚 firm grounding in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition and desire to expand its educational offerings align with my passion: finding innovative ways for more people to join communities where we are formed together to participate in God鈥檚 reconciling mission in the world.鈥�

Bixler spent a decade in ministry in the Shenandoah Valley, including working on Virginia Mennonite Conference staff, before beginning studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. At Princeton, she was instrumental in launching new programs in church planting and revitalization and women clergy leadership education. 

Her dissertation was titled 鈥淣etworks of Belonging: Envisioning Adolescent Attachment in Congregations.鈥� Bixler notes she had 鈥渢he honor of having the first all-female dissertation committee in Princeton Theological Seminary’s history,鈥澨� with her advisor Professor Kenda Creasy Dean, and committee members, professors Bo Karen Lee and Sonia Waters.听

She and her husband Benjamin and their three children are renovating the historic Lincoln Homestead in Linville, Virginia. The Bixlers have hosted open house events to share the site鈥檚 history, including Juneteenth and Lincoln鈥檚 birthday events, as well as, most recently, during Black History Month, honoring the known and unknown enslaved people who lived and worked at the site.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary announces a successful reaccreditation process through The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). ATS has reaffirmed accreditation for 10 years, the maximum possible period. The next comprehensive visit will be in 2030.

ATS, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is an organization of more than 260 seminaries and other graduate schools of theology. It was founded in 1918. 

鈥淎TS is very focused on equipping seminaries for the challenges of our time,鈥� said Sue Cockley, dean of the seminary. 鈥淭his re-accreditation is welcome affirmation that EMS is providing theological education and Christian leadership preparation in ways that meet those challenges. I am privileged to walk alongside a dedicated faculty and staff in this work.鈥�

The final report highlighted the seminary鈥檚 many distinctive strengths, including: 

• Supportive faculty and staff who embody the seminary鈥檚 heritage of peacemaking and community and who center themselves on the formation of students with personal care;
• A strong embedded relationship with 91短视频, as well as the important denominational ties with the Mennonite Church USA and the United Methodist Church; 
• A clear sense of identity and purpose, shaped by guiding principles, and
• A culture of adaptability and innovation. 

The seminary offers the following graduate degrees – Master of Divinity, MA in Religion, MA in Christian Leadership – as well as two innovative dual degrees, the Master of Divinity and MA in Counseling and the Master of Divinity and MA in Conflict Transformation, in coordination with 91短视频鈥檚 Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. The seminary also offers certificates and professional training, including the Clinical Pastoral Education program.

After a bit of a wait, 91短视频 sophomore Abby Olmstead is finally on campus and she is 鈥減umped to be back,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y favorite thing about 91短视频 is its welcoming atmosphere, and that has not changed even amidst all of the chaos happening in the world right now. It鈥檚 amazing to see everyone again, even if I can only see two-thirds of their faces!鈥�

This weekend marked a big moment for 91短视频鈥檚 first-year students, transitioning into college life. The Class of 2024 is the largest in four years and includes students from 15 states and seven countries, said Jason Good, vice president for innovation and recruitment. A few other key stats: The top five majors are nursing, biology, business administration, computer science and engineering. Nearly 30 percent identify as first-generation college students. And they enter with an average GPA of 3.67.

Olmstead, a Broadway resident, was one of many returning students thrilled to be back together again after months of pandemic separation.

鈥淭he last few days have been full of happy reunions,鈥� said junior Jessie Landis, a Community Assistant in Parkwoods Apartments. 鈥淢any of us have not seen our friends in person since March, so even though we could not all give each other hugs, we have 鈥榚mbraced鈥� each other with joyous shouting and waving.鈥�

Approximately 42 Residence Life staff, including full-time professional staff and those who are students like Landis, are helping nearly 450 residential students transition into a new world of protocols designed with the aim of all-campus health and wellness.

Move-in this year, usually a fun, but hectic, one-day experience, was carefully scheduled over four days. With arrival delayed by two weeks due to cautions over a handful of positive COVID tests, many of the planned in-person activities happened in the virtual space. Before their arrival, students participated in several online events, including a mandatory training that outlined the new campus health protocols and processes. 

Dean of Students Shannon Dycus was excited to welcome students after months of preparation and the additional two-week delay. 鈥淎s we live into community and our 鈥楥OVID Commitments,鈥� our health protocols become the highest priority to continue enjoying this privilege of being together,鈥� she said, reflecting on the weekend. The 鈥楥OVID Commitments鈥� are a special pledge from all members of the 91短视频 community to share in the responsibility of protecting each other and practicing safe behaviors.

Before entering the residence halls, students were required to show that they had been issued a  鈥済reen dot鈥� by 91短视频鈥檚 symptom tracker. All students, faculty and staff are required to access the online symptom tracker daily. The green dot means no symptoms are reported. Pictured is Sue Cockley, dean of the School of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts, one of several administrators who volunteered to greet students and parents during the check-in process.

Each student signed up for a one-hour time slot and could bring just one helper into the residence halls. This reduced congestion in the halls and limited exposure inside the hall for all student-residents, Community Assistants and Residence Directors.

With students already entering the third week of the fall semester, there was homework to be done, but also time for get-to-know-you physically distanced activities such as games on the Turf Field and a campfire (with ice cream on the side!) in Park Woods. Students attended activities in 鈥渉ousehold groups” (aka “pods”). These students share common areas within residence halls and apartments.

Asha Beck, a junior CA in Parkwoods, said the Campus Activities Council activities attracted new and returning students. 鈥淚 think there was even a small jam session that broke out between a couple of new students,鈥� she added. Even with all the planned events and the adjustment to being around people after months of quarantine,  the 鈥渕ain activity was sitting outside to talk and study with friends… I was impressed and encouraged by how much care for safety students were already taking while still being able to connect and socialize together.”

Local jazz funk band KojoMojo played on Thomas Plaza Sunday night for an audience of returning students. Campus Activities Council hosted this event and offered free Tropical Smoothies to those who came to listen to the music.

The concert closed out CAC activities for the weekend, but the CAs continue their plans to build community within the new physical distancing protocols.

Beck and Landis are sharing CA responsibilities this semester because of their courseload and other involvements around campus. The duo are excited for the coming year as they get to know Parkwoods residents and new students who bring 鈥� fresh energy and perspectives.鈥� 

鈥淚 know that this is said every year, but we really do have an incredible group of CAs this year,鈥� Beck said. 鈥淚 am so excited to work together with them to get creative about programming and ways of interacting together.鈥�

Now back to Abby Olmstead for some final words. Like all 91短视频 students, she started the fall semester online and has just two more days before she sets foot into a real, not virtual, college classroom: “I don’t think online classes are really anyone’s ideal way of learning, but I’ve been able to stay positive about it … That being said, we return to in-person classes on Thursday and I can’t wait!”

The following appointments are announced by Fred Kniss, provost; David Brubaker, dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professions; Sue Cockley, dean of the School of Theology, Humanities, and Performing Arts; and Tara Kishbaugh, dean of the School of Sciences, Engineering, Art, and Nursing. 

Benjamin Bergey, assistant professor of music

Bergey earned his Doctor of Music Arts and Master of Music degrees from James Madison University with a concentration in orchestral conducting, literature and pedagogy. He is a graduate of 91短视频 with a degree in church music and vocal performance. Bergey is currently music director of the Rapidan Community Orchestra and director of music at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. He was assistant conductor of orchestras at James Madison University from 2013-18 and has performed with several orchestras. He brings experience in arts administration and marketing as well, including roles as founder and director of Harrisonburg Sacred Arts and as the music editor of the forthcoming bi-national hymnal Voices Together, for Mennonite Church USA.

Sarah Bixler, instructor, Eastern Mennonite Seminary 

Bixler is completing her PhD in practical theology with an emphasis on Christian education and formation at Princeton Theological Seminary, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021. At the seminary, where she also earned a Master of Divinity degree, she has worked in administrative roles with Princeton’s Center for Church Planting and Revitalization and Iron Sharpening Iron: Leadership Education for Women Clergy project. She has more than a decade of ministry and teaching experience at Eastern Mennonite Middle School, Zion Mennonite Church (Broadway, VA) and Virginia Mennonite Conference.

Bixler earned her MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary and her BA in English (secondary education) at 91短视频.

Bethany Detamore, instructor of nursing 

Detamore has worked as an RN and case manager in outpatient surgery and in medical-surgical nursing. She has a BSN from West Virginia Wesleyan University and an MSN from Western Governors University.  

Penny Driediger, assistant professor of practice, Eastern Mennonite Seminary

Driedeger has taught clinical pastoral education and served as director of mentored ministry. She has a B.A. in Social Work from 91短视频 and an M. Div. from Eastern Mennonite Seminary with a concentration in Pastoral Care. She is ordained for ministry with Virginia Mennonite Conference and most recently she has received Supervisor status through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. She has also been a staff chaplain at  Sentara RMH and served for 20 years in urban ministry in Hamilton, Ontario.

Beth Good, assistant professor and director of intercultural programs

Good will teach in and also provide leadership to 91短视频鈥檚 intercultural programs, including the undergraduate crosscultural program and off-campus cross-cultural curricular components.  She鈥檒l also teach undergraduate cross-cultural courses. She most recently served as Kenya Country Representative for Mennonite Central Committee, with her husband. Previous professional experiences include living and working in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya, serving as MCC’s global health coordinator, working as director of clinical services of Hope within Community Health Center, serving as the HIV program coordinator for Eastern Mennonite Missions, and teaching classes for 91短视频’s RN-BS in program. She holds master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in nursing from Widener University. Her BSN is from 91短视频.

Wendell Shank, instructor, language and literature

Shank holds a MEd from James Madison University and a master鈥檚 degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language from the University of Salamanca. He earned his BA in English literature and Spanish at 91短视频. He has taught at JMU and Eastern Mennonite High School and worked in support services and as a home school liaison for Harrisonburg City Schools. Shank also has experience with interpretation in the medical and social services fields, as well as in mediation.

Angela Spotts, instructor, health and physical education

Spotts earned an MS in cardiac rehabilitation and exercise science from East Stroudsburg University and a BS in health science from Bridgewater College. In addition to teaching experience, she was worked as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation and clinical settings. 

Matt Tibbles, instructor, applied social sciences

Tibbles brings a broad background in juvenile justice, youth and family services to his teaching role. He earned a BA in youth and family ministry from Harding University and an MA in conflict transformation from 91短视频. He has worked as a minister, auditor, juvenile justice transition officer and as a nonviolence trainer in Washington state, Texas and Alaska. Tibbles co-taught several courses as a graduate assistant while studying in 91短视频鈥檚 MA program.

Lela Faye Yoder, instructor, nursing

Yoder has more than 20 years experience in the nursing profession. She has an MSN degree from the University of Toledo and a BNS from 91短视频. Yoder has worked in a variety of hospital settings, including as a staff and charge nurse in cardiac care, orthopedic-surgical and peri-operative departments. She has also worked in family practice.

Sarah Ann Bixler will join the seminary as an instructor. She is completing her PhD in practical theology with an emphasis on Christian education and formation at Princeton Theological Seminary, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2021. 

At the seminary, where she also earned a Master of Divinity degree, she has worked in administrative roles with Princeton’s Center for Church Planting and Revitalization and Iron Sharpening Iron: Leadership Education for Women Clergy project.

Bixler earned her BA in English (secondary education) at 91短视频. After graduation, she taught at Eastern Mennonite School from 2002-07 and served as a youth minister at Zion Mennonite Church from 2001-2009. She has also been a curriculum writer with Brethren Press and served Virginia Mennonite Conference as an interim youth minister (2006-07) and as a conference coordinator (2011-13).

鈥淪arah has served as part of the 鈥楯ourney Forward鈥� team of Mennonite Church USA for the past two years,鈥� Heisey said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to have this denominational leader and scholar bringing her gifts into our community.鈥� 

Academic areas of interest include Christian education and formation, youth and young adult ministry, missional theology and innovation, Anabaptist theology and ecclesiology, organizational leadership and attachment theory.

Penny Driediger will be assistant professor of clinical pastoral education (CPE). She has taught CPE and ministry formation, and has directed mentored ministry at EMS since 2008.

Driediger has a BA in social work from 91短视频 and an MDiv from Eastern Mennonite Seminary with a concentration in pastoral care. She is ordained for ministry with Virginia Mennonite Conference and most recently received supervisor status through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. 

鈥淧enny鈥檚 deep roots in chaplaincy and urban ministry offer rich wisdom to seminarians who are deepening their own practice in these areas,鈥� said Heisey.  

A full list of new faculty for both the seminary and the university can be viewed here.

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.

Within the nursing department, Hershberger chaired both the undergraduate (interim) and graduate programs, developed and updated the foundational 鈥淪acred Covenant鈥� model of nursing, led an enrollment expansion in 2004, and proposed two new degree programs 鈥� the accelerated second degree and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree 鈥� that would position 91短视频 as a top regional provider of nursing education.

Hershberger鈥檚 nursing department colleagues, nursing department chair Melody Cash and MSN program director Don Tyson, recognize her as both a mentor and a consummate professional, devoted to advocating for the most vulnerable, to seeking challenging and transformative experiences for 91短视频 nursing students, and for elevating the departmental discourse around public health issues and challenges, among many other contributions.

Tyson鈥檚 office was located just across the hall from Hershberger鈥檚 for the last 20 years: 鈥淚t has been a blessing and treat as we have laughed, cried, disagreed, affirmed each other, consoled, and problem solved in so many ways.鈥�

Cash has appreciated her 鈥渨ise discernment and support 鈥 listening ear when I needed it …advice that came from years of experience and a place of compassion and caring.鈥�

Hershberger鈥檚 impact on the entire university has been no less substantial. She moved through the academic ranks to full professor in 2002 and in addition to teaching and leadership responsibilities within the nursing department, was tapped for leadership roles as core curriculum coordinator, director of the Humanitarian Action Leadership program, and finally, her current role as director of the cross-cultural program.

Additionally, Hershberger contributed to several innovative initiatives, each of which have shaped the university鈥檚 core niche as a unique, Anabaptist-rooted liberal arts institution. She helped to launch the cross-cultural program, a core curricular requirement for all undergraduates; chaired the faculty committee to launch the graduate Conflict Transformation Program, now the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding; and provided leadership to several undergraduate general education revisions.

鈥�Ann has made a lasting impact and we are deeply grateful for her deep commitment to 91短视频 over nearly four decades,鈥� said Undergraduate Dean Deirdre Longacher Smeltzer. 鈥淪he has been a beloved professor and mentor to numerous students, both in the classroom and as leader of nine cross-cultural study semesters, and also to her many colleagues. Her wise leadership and her ability to gracefully balance completion of tasks with nurturing of relationships have afforded her numerous opportunities to serve off-campus as well, most notably including prominent roles with Mennonite Central Committee.鈥�

To Mennonite Central Committee

It is to MCC that Hershberger will devote the next few years. She recently accepted the newly created position of interim associate director, and will help Executive Director J. Ron Byler lead the organization during MCC鈥檚 centennial activities 听over the next 2-3 years.

Hershberger has served on MCC boards since 1996, including 10 years from 2009-19 as board chair of MCC US. 听She served with her husband Jim as MCC representative in Nicaragua from 1985-90 and again in 1999-2000. Her first service with the organization was in 1983 in El Salvador.

The interim leadership role with MCC was 鈥渁n unexpected, but clear calling,鈥� 听Hershberger said. 鈥淭he interdenominational relationships I鈥檝e built over the years through working with MCC will help me work within the organization as it adapts to important challenges. I am grateful that 91短视频 has been my occupational home and the focus of my service to God and the church for many years, and I hope to continue the relationship after the interim position concludes.鈥�

Appreciations

As a colleague, Hershberger contributed to 91短视频鈥檚 intellectual community with 鈥減erceptive comments and questions during meetings as well as over meals,鈥� said Professor Marti Eads, of the 91短视频 Language and Literature Department. 鈥淚 treasure the challenging example she provides of living with integrity, and how she demonstrates measures of kindness, humility and cheerfulness when devoting herself to difficult tasks, such as a campus-wide curriculum revision process. I never had Ann as a teacher, but I imagine her to function as a teacher in the same way that she functions as a friend: encouraging others to do our very best because she believes we can and is waiting in excitement to watch us bloom.鈥�

Sue Cockley, dean of the graduate school and seminary, shared similar sentiments about Hershberger鈥檚 versatile capabilities. 鈥淎nn is one of those very rare people who can care intensely about individual students in her class and, at the same time, think structurally about the well-being of the entire university. She is at once an inspirational idealist and a very practical realist.鈥� 听

Current and former students appreciated Hershberger鈥檚 role modeling and mentorship, pointing out that her words and actions has always shown genuine care, authenticity and intentionality. 听

Maria Yoder, a senior biology major, travelled to Guatemala and Colombia with Hershberger as a sophomore. Yoder and Hershberger were co-investigators on a diabetes research project in Guatemala and travelled together to present at the fall 2018 American Public Health Association national conference.

鈥淲ithout the experience, motivation, and guidance from Ann, I never would have thought I was capable of carrying out the research with Concern America. And that’s the beautiful thing about Ann 鈥� she is a natural teacher because she cares about the end product, not her own personal glory. She has hopes for this world that extend well beyond her lifetime and knows that teaching a younger generation is the best way to create a lasting impact.

鈥淪he has given me great counsel not only in regards to academics, but life in general,鈥� said nursing student Asenie Daniel, who was also on the spring 2017 cross-cultural. 鈥淚 am so thankful to have such an incredibly intuitive and receptive person in my life.鈥�

Nursing student Esther Ghale recalls how Hershberger helped her through a challenging situation on that same cross-cultural, and continued her support back to campus. 鈥淎nn came and gave me a big bear hug, exactly what I needed at that time. She didn鈥檛 say anything, she didn鈥檛 ask questions, she just embraced us.鈥�

Tessa Gerberich Hershberger 鈥�13 [no relation], 听a nurse care coordinator for the women’s health and prenatal care program at Harrisonburg Community Health Center, still speaks with her former undergraduate advisor frequently. She says Hershberger has had a lasting influence on her own practice of nursing, from nursing clinicals at 91短视频 to her postgraduate Serving And Learning Together (SALT) term in an HIV/AIDS clinic in Nigeria and her transition back into the U.S. health care system.

One of Ann Hershberger鈥檚 strengths, Tessa Hershberger said, is her strong commitment to interacting with grace and respect for all, whether patients, students, friends and colleagues. 鈥淢ore than doing for someone, nurses walk with and share information for people to cultivate their own strengths and independence, rather than creating dependency, and Ann exemplifies this, not just in her nursing, but in her teaching and mentoring roles as well. She holds our questions, thoughts and experiences with grace; asks good, thoughtful questions; and encourages us and reminds us of the strength within ourselves.鈥�

Ann Hershberger will be recognized at a reception on campus in late April. Any appreciations offered in the comment box below will be passed along to her.

鈥淚鈥檓 both grateful for the time and resources these professionals, many of them alumni, are offering our students,鈥� said program director David Brubaker. 鈥淎nd since this is the first time I have joined them, I鈥檓 also learning from them myself.鈥�

The MAOL program, designed for working mid-career professions, provides skills and training in conflict transformation, decision-making and strategic planning, individual and team leadership, financial management and mentoring.

In the mentorship course, mentors and mentees use readings, DiSC and Enneagram activities to explore personality traits, and discuss concepts of leadership through personal stories and reflection on topics such as self-management, authenticity, experience, emotional response, and life balance. Additionally, the student participates in a 360-degree review to assess personal leadership strengths and areas for improvement through a confidential survey of supervisors, co-workers and those s/he supervises. Over both semesters, the course involves combined classroom sessions and several one-on-one meetings.

This fall, Lee Snyder, president emeritus of Bluffton University, is the lead instructor. A recent guest speaker was attorney and alternate dispute resolution expert Marshall Yoder MA ’10 (conflict transformation). This year鈥檚 mentors, each paired with an MAOL student for a one-credit course each semester, include Brubaker and the following (all are Harrisonburg-based unless otherwise noted):

• 听听听听听听Devon Anders ’88, president of InterChange, Inc., offering warehousing, logistics and supply chain management;
• 听听听听听听Hans Harman ’02, president of Momentum Earthworks;
• 听听听听听听Jim Krause, retired corporate vice-president, president and CEO of Sentara RMH, a hospital serving seven counties in the Shenandoah Valley;
• 听听听听听听Kara Martin, probation officer in the Greensboro-based Middle District of North Carolina;
• 听听听听听听Edgar Miller, retired general manager of Truck Enterprises, a multi-state commercial truck dealership;
• 听听听听听听Tammy Torres, assistant director at the nonprofit social services agency Empowerhouse, in Fredericksburg, Va.
• 听听听听听听Wayne Witmer ’88, president of Harman Construction.

Anders and Miller served on the MAOL curriculum advisory council with Sue Cockley, a specialist in adult education who was the program鈥檚 first director. Now dean of 91短视频鈥檚 graduate school and Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Cockley notes that leadership development has strong similarities to spiritual formation, widely recognized as one of the seminary鈥檚 unique curricular foci.

鈥淏ecoming a leader is a maturation process that resembles spiritual maturation,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淭his process is the gradual development of emotional intelligence, a deepening understanding of oneself and one鈥檚 strengths and weaknesses. Just as a spiritual director can help guide the student to a deeper faith, so can a mentor guide students in this self-knowing journey in order to form them into mature leaders.鈥�

The pairings come about organically. Marilda Bardhi, former CFO of a large construction company in her native Albania, is currently interning with Anders at Interchange.听Anders and Bardhi have spent time thinking and talking about cultural differences related to leadership. Albanian business professionals manage rather than lead, Bardhi said, so her big takeaway is related to working with employees and building 鈥渁 good relationship as a leader with your colleagues, subordinates and frontline staff or stakeholders.鈥�

Steve Ericksen, director of customer service at Campwise Software, has benefited from Edgar Miller鈥檚 mentorship prior to the class.听That long-term relationship, 鈥渨hich I can鈥檛 imagine being without,鈥� has helped Ericksen see his own leadership development as a perpetual process of authentic transformation. 鈥淚t’s important to determine who you genuinely are and never stop learning about yourself and others,鈥� he said, adding that Miller has served 鈥渁s a sounding board for ideas, a motivator for continued growth, and a source of encouragement when difficult situations arise.鈥�

Such intellectual and personal reflections are beneficial to him, Anders says. 鈥淚 learn more about myself as I reflect and share my thoughts. We have had good conversations that have helped me to further understand different leadership styles and personalities, as well as cultural differences.鈥�

Continued learning is key to Miller鈥檚 involvement. He鈥檚 mentored four students through the program, 鈥渁nd learned from all of them.鈥� After more than 40 years in leadership, he enjoys passing on lessons learned and working with his mentees through current issues in their lives by offering 鈥減ossible solutions or alternatives based on my experiences.鈥� And the discussions sometimes revive forgotten principles of leadership or lead to the exploration of new ones.

鈥淕ood leaders never stop learning,鈥� he said 鈥� echoing one underlying goal of the mentoring course: that the cycle of sharing and reflecting continue to enrich a lifetime of growth in all who participate.

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听

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.

Mart铆nez also presented a convocation address, met with students in an undergraduate Spanish course on the theme of marginalized voices, and shared fellowship with students, faculty and staff. His visit was part of the university-wide celebration of Latino Heritage Month, hosted by 91短视频’s Latino Student Association.

“An important gift he brings to the seminary is a timely reminder to consider importance of the church in the global south,” said graduate dean Sue Cockley. “Traditional ideas of mission have been evolving for quite some time, but we still need to check our perspectives and look with anticipation to the wisdom and enthusiasm that flows from congregations in this region of the world.听 They have much to teach us.”

In his convocation address,听Mart铆nez spoke on the challenge of finding a clear path in times of darkness and confusion.

The path is indeed not always clear for followers of Christ, Martinez said. Yet, in the Bible, 鈥渋n those moments when the people of God seem on edge and have lost their hope, when many just give up, some pray and seek out God, and in that process 鈥� out of those difficult times, those with eyes to see find that God has always been there creating new paths.鈥�

鈥淕od puts in our mix people that God wants to use to speak into our lives and in for our future,鈥� Martinez said. Many times these are the marginalized, the outsiders, the fresh converts who see 听with new eyes and bring a new perspective.

Consider the vibrancy of the churches and followers of the global south, he pointed out. 鈥淐hristians around the world are in places where they don’t have power or they can’t go to a Christian university. They live where they often have to hide the fact that they are followers of Jesus Christ or they suffer because they are followers of Jesus Christ. Many of these churches are poor and on the margins of society, yet they seem to be intuitively missional in their approach to be in church.鈥�

Mart铆nez is professor of Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at the Pasadena, California, seminary. He has served in multiple roles there since 2001, including vice president for diversity and international ministries, vice provost, associate provost for diversity and international programs, and director of the Center for the Study of Hispanic Church and Community.

Among other topics, his research focuses on the history of Latino Protestantism, Latino Protestant identity, ministry in Latino Protestant churches, Latino and Latin American Anabaptists, and transnational mission among US Latinos.

Mart铆nez听joined Fuller from the Latin American Anabaptist Seminary in Guatemala City, Guatemala, where he served as rector for nine years. A Mennonite Brethren pastor,听Mart铆nez听also has experience in church planting and teaching in both religious and secular venues. He served as director of Hispanic Ministries for the Pacific District Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Church and of Instituto B铆blico del Pac铆fico, a Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute.

, a product of Harrisonburg鈥檚 public schools who started answering calls with the city鈥檚 all-volunteer rescue squad when she was still a teenager, says that, through those experiences and similar ones, she came to realize that 鈥渆vents that are critical in the moment can have long-lasting impacts.鈥�

As director of the MA in Education program, Sander will help teachers earn master鈥檚 degrees 鈥� in most cases as they continue to work full-time in the classroom. She is responsible for about 75 students on 91短视频鈥檚 Harrisonburg campus and nearly 100 more at its site in . She will teach three classes this year.

A passion for teacher preparation

Each day, Sander says, students arrive at school fresh from life-events that in some cases are positive, and in others quite traumatic. On any given day, she says, a teacher likely won鈥檛 know with any certainty what sorts of experiences underlie a child鈥檚 readiness to learn.

Sander compares the challenges confronting the classroom teacher with those an emergency medical technician faces. A first responder must always be ready, she notes, to provide whatever it is that a person calling 911 may need.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the same for the teacher,鈥� Sander says. 鈥淣o matter what needs a child brings to the classroom, it鈥檚 a teacher鈥檚 obligation to be prepared to meet those needs before the child walks through the door.鈥�

Sander鈥檚 own classroom-teaching experience came working with special education students in Virginia.

鈥淪erving those students is the reason teacher preparation is so important to me,鈥� she says. 鈥淗igh quality preparation is clearly of benefit to the teaching professionals themselves, and through them we serve the children.鈥�

Legal training a unique qualification

Sander鈥檚 doctorate in education with a concentration in special education and disability leadership was conferred in 2008 by Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a cum laude graduate of the University of Richmond鈥檚 School of Law, where she received the Orrell-Brown Award for Clinical Excellence from the school鈥檚 Children鈥檚 Disability Law Clinic.

From 2008 to 2015, Sander was an associate at several Richmond law firms, with a practice focused on education law. During this same period, she was an adjunct faculty member at both Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond.

Dr. , dean of graduate and professional programs, cites Sander鈥檚 experience as a lawyer as an aspect of her background that set her apart from other candidates for the job.

鈥淚t shows she is an agent for change, and is effective in important settings outside of the classroom,鈥� Cockley says.

Cockley adds that Sander鈥檚 24-year involvement with the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad 鈥渋ndicates how much she understands and values the commitment to a team,鈥� also noting that Sander鈥檚 rescue squad experiences have 鈥渟ensitized her to the realities of how many students live.鈥�

Additional growth projected for restorative justice specialization

Sander assumed her new duties on July 1, succeeding Sarah Armstrong, who died unexpectedly in August 2016. Armstrong had emphasized the role of restorative justice in the MA in Education program鈥檚 overall offering, and was instrumental in the launch of a in the discipline.

Sander says that, like her predecessor, she regards restorative justice as an important component of the MA in Education curriculum, and is working to develop an additional course on the topic, which she herself may teach.

Dr. , associate professor of special education, says she is particularly hopeful that Sander鈥檚 background working with special-needs students will promote a greater understanding within teacher education of the intersections between restorative justice and special education.

鈥淪he鈥檚 enthusiastic about supporting new initiatives and seeking creative ways to promote 91短视频 programs with area schools and districts,鈥� Evans says. 鈥淚 look forward to working with Meg as we continue not only to build the restorative justice in education program, but also to develop other creative ways of connecting with local educators.鈥�

Sander herself says that, in all aspects of her life and work, she seeks to be of service to others.

That鈥檚 true, she says, when she鈥檚 in the back of an ambulance helping a patient, just as it was true when she stood before a classroom of special education students. She now carries that service ethic into her new job leading the MA in Education program at 91短视频.

Sander resides in Harrisonburg with her husband, a flight paramedic, and their five-year-old son.

Sonia Balasch, PhD, assistant professor of Spanish
Balasch earned an MA in Spanish (Hispanic linguistics) and a PhD from the University of New Mexico. Originally from Venezuela, she brings five years of faculty experience teaching Spanish and has most recently been a visiting assistant professor of Spanish at George Mason University.

David Berry, PhD, assistant professor of music
Berry earned a BM from the Eastman School of Music and an MM and DMA from The Julliard School. He brings experience as a solo pianist and chamber musician in a variety of innovative and nationally-recognized touring chamber ensembles.

Ryan Good, PhD, assistant professor of applied social sciences and assistant director of Washington Community Scholars’ Center
Good earned a BA from Goshen College and master鈥檚 degrees from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Temple University. Good completed his PhD in planning and public policy from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He has taught at Rutgers and Eastern universities.

Michael Horst, MA, instructor
Michael Horst has worked at 91短视频 for many years, and begins this year with a new title. He earned a BS in Psychology and MA in Counseling from 91短视频 and is currently a PhD candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at James Madison University.

Ji Eun Kim, PhD, assistant professor of political studies
Kim earned a BA from the Catholic University of Korea, an MA from Seoul National University and a PhD in political science and peace studies from the University of Notre Dame. Her research interests focus on political violence and conflict, transitional justice, post-conflict reconciliation and human rights.

Joohyn Lee, PhD, assistant professor of recreation leadership
Lee earned a BA from the Catholic University of Korea, an MA from Radford University and a PhD in leisure studies from Pennsylvania State University. She has teaching experience in the leisure, recreation and sport industry field at both Florida State University and the University of Florida.

Irma Mahone, PhD, assistant professor of RN-BS Nursing
Mahone earned a BS in nursing from 91短视频 and an MS in psychiatric nursing and PhD in nursing from University of Virginia. Mahone鈥檚 extensive experience includes case management, individual and group therapy, and emergency intervention along with her psychiatric nursing experience. Mahone was most recently a research assistant professor at the University of Virginia.

Meg Sander, PhD, assistant professor of education and director of MA in Education
Sander earned a BA from Virginia Tech, an MEd from JMU, a JD from the University of Richmond School of Law and a PhD in education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sander brings teaching experience in special education, law and ethics, and educational foundations. Most recently, she was a research associate at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education.

Kristopher Schmidt, PhD, assistant professor of biology
Schmidt earned a BS from Trinity Western University, an MS from the University of British Columbia and a PhD from Simon Fraser University. Schmidt brings teaching experience mostly recently from Goshen College in biology and also as director of the premedical sciences program.

Ann Smith, PhD, associate professor of nursing
Smith earned a BS in nursing from the University of Virginia and a PhD in community college leadership from Old Dominion University. In addition to experience working as a nurse, Ann brings extensive college teaching and administrative experience, including service as the director of nursing programs at Piedmont Virginia Community College.

Andrew Suderman, MT, instructor of theology
Suderman, who came to 91短视频 for the spring 2017 semester, earned a BA in philosophy from Canadian Mennonite University and an MT in theological studies from Conrad Grebel University. Suderman anticipates completing a PhD in systematic theology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa this year. He brings international and cross-cultural experience from living in Costa Rica, Bolivia, Columbia, and South Africa.

Ryan Thompson, PhD, assistant professor of psychology
Thompson earned a BA from Berry College and both an MA and PsyD from George Fox University. He has teaching experience as an assistant clinical professor and as a clinical psychologist.