New Faculty
Welcome!
The hallmark of a quality university is its high academic integrity. Northeastern State University has a strong commitment to quality and to recruiting new faculty that bring in new ideas, direction, and vision. This intentional effort provides vital intellectual and cultural capital to the region.
As we begin the fall semester, we welcome these faculty to NSU. We are proud to have them join our faculty community, a distinctive group of scholars and educators deeply committed to academic excellence and student learning. We are excited to have them join us as we continue our mission of service to northeastern Oklahoma and the world.
Are you a new faculty member at NSU and would like to add or update your information below? Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@nsuok.edu.
Mfon Akpan, D.B.A.
Accounting
Indiana Wesleyan University
Dr. Mfon Akpan is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Northeastern State University, specializing in the intersection of accounting and emerging technologies. He has published peer-reviewed research, co-authored ChatGPT and AI for Accountants, and presented his work at Deloitte University and on the Emerald Podcast Series. His research explores AI-driven audit prediction, digital token valuation, and the impact of automation on oversight. Dr. Akpan teaches auditing, accounting analytics, government accounting, and cost accounting. A competitive powerlifter, he brings discipline and focus from athletics into his scholarship and teaching.
Dr. Akpan joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as Assistant Professor.
Holly Brown, M.B.A.-GM
Global Management
University of Phoenix
Holly holds an MBA in Global Management, a BLS in Business Administration and Marketing, and multiple professional certifications. Instructor Brown brings over 25 years of diverse professional experience to Northeastern State University. Her background spans business development, project and supply chain management, GIS pipeline mapping, regulatory compliance, grant administration, and infrastructure planning across oil and gas, municipal, and federal sectors.
Brown joins the Department of Business Administration as Instructor.
Vance Johnson Lewis, Ed.D.
Higher Education
Oklahoma State University
A graduate of Oklahoma State University and a post-doctoral recipient from The University of Florida, Dr. Lewis’s expertise is in organizational culture and management education/pedagogy. Currently, Lewis’s research is focused in workplace incivility, individuality, and management education. Lewis has also published multiple articles on faculty qualifications, recruitment, and the impact of industry experience in AACSB business programs. Since 2019, he has been co-editor-in-chief of Organization Management Journal and was the 2024 Southwest Academy of Management Distinguished Educator of the Year. Away from education, Dr. Lewis is the owner of several craft breweries in the North Texas area.
Dr. Lewis joins the Department of Business Administration as Associate Professor.
Edward Lunney, D.B.A.
Business Administration
University of Liverpool
Dr. Edward Lunney joins NSU after over 20 years in sales management and international expansion. Dr. Lunney has spent extensive time working and living abroad, most recently spending 4 years across Honduras and Guatemala starting 2 entrepreneurial ventures that continue to operate. With personal and professional ties across North and South America, Europe and Asia, Dr. Lunney looks forward to bringing his international management experience and extensive network to the NSU community with a personal focus on student employment after graduation. You will likely run into Dr. Lunney at a NSU sporting event as he is a proud RiverHawk and former college athlete (volleyball) himself.
Dr. Lunney joins the Department of Business Administration as Assistant Professor.
Veronica Clyburn, M.S.
Counseling
Northeastern State University
Veronica Clyburn, M.S. earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in counseling from Northeastern State University and is currently completing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and a Registered Play Therapist.
Veronica has been a practicing counselor for nine years, including five years as the owner of a private practice, and has served in leadership roles across clinical and educational settings. Her clinical expertise centers on trauma-related issues, and she provides counseling services in both English and Spanish, working with individuals of all ages through.
In addition to her clinical work, Veronica has presented at regional and national conferences on trauma, crisis, and disaster mental health, interdisciplinary collaboration, and multicultural issues in counseling. Her dissertation research focuses on trauma, crisis, and disaster mental health in counselor education. She is an active member of the Professional Standards Committee for the American Counseling Association.
Clyburn joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Assistant Professor.
Doyeop Kim, Ph.D.
Sport Management
Troy University
Dr. Kim mainly teaches Sport Management classes and also teaches some Kinesiology classes. His hobby is to go swimming and to explore interesting and valuable YouTube videos on the internet. Dr. Kim originally came from South Korea. If you have any questions on Korean stuff, he is glad to answer your questions.
Dr. Kim joins the Department of Health and Kinesiology as Assistant Professor.
Jillian Plum, Ed.D.
Educational Practice and Innovation
University of South Carolina
Dr. Jillian Plum has dedicated her career to supporting the diverse needs of students, particularly English Learners. With over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, EL instructional coach, and EL curriculum specialist, she has led district-wide initiatives in compliance and professional development. She has also served in higher education as an adjunct, teaching and building undergraduate and graduate courses. Currently, Dr. Plum teaches graduate courses in Educational Leadership with a focus on Instructional Leadership at NSU. She is passionate about scaffolding, differentiation, and fostering discourse-driven classrooms that amplify student voice and critical thinking.
Dr. Plum joins the Department of Educational Leadership as Assistant Professor.
Jean-Baptiste Quillien, Ph.D.
Educational Psychology
University of Minnesota
Jean-Baptiste Quillien, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Northeastern State University, and a member of NSU’s AI committee. Trained in learning and cognition, his research and expertise span creativity, scientific reasoning, critical thinking and cognitive flexibility. With extensive international experience, Quillien bridges psychology, technology, and innovation to help individuals and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Dr. Quillien joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as Assistant Professor.
Kathryn Russell, Ph.D.
Human & Sport Performance
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Dr. Russell received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training from Washington State University in 1988, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Oregon in 1994, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Human & Sport Performance from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2022. Prior to coming to NSU, Dr. Russell served as the education manager for the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Dr. Russell joins the Department of Health and Kinesiology as Assistant Professor.
John Sassin, Ph.D.
Rehab Counseling and Education
University of Arkansas
For over forty years Dr. Sassin has developed and administered programs in the fields of rehabilitation, special education, and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Sassin was the Undergraduate Rehabilitation Services Assistant Professor and Coordinator at Langston University-Tulsa. His work in Social Justice and Community Leadership has emerged as his research and teaching agenda and has been recognized throughout the state and region. Dr. Sassin has incorporated his work in Social Justice into his program’s philosophy, and his students are becoming active participants in service-learning experiences throughout the community. He has developed many community outreach activities that address disparity in education and health. Dr. Sassin has also committed his efforts to work with “at risk” communities, promoting the concept of Social Justice and leadership.
Dr. Sassin’ s work has included developing and directing continuum of care programs for difficult-to-treat individuals with neurobehavioral, physical, and developmental disabilities. His private practice includes Mental Health and Rehabilitation Services. His program is statewide and in seven schools in the Tulsa area. Dr. Sassin’ s experience includes being a Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O), Director of Rehabilitation Services (C.O.O.), and clinical supervision. He is considered an expert in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. Dr. Sassin has chaired and served on the board of directors of professional organizations that pertain to his specialties at the national and state levels. Dr. Sassin has presented internationally and has received honors from his profession. He has also trained rehabilitation professionals throughout the region on the effects of traumatic brain injury, disclosure of disability in the employment process, social justice, supported living for people with disability, and vocational programs.
Dr. Sassin joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as Assistant Professor.
Tery DeShong, J.D.
Law
University of Tulsa
Tery DeShong earned both her BS and JD degrees at The University of Tulsa. After practicing for numerous years in disability law, child support enforcement, and serving as Legal Counsel for the Tulsa Health Department, DeShong pivoted to teaching in higher education. She taught in the business schools of Texas A& M and The University of North Texas, before moving back to Tulsa during Covid to be near family. She has served on several nonprofit boards, currently serving on the board for The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. She and her wife love travel, card and board games, and live with their super cute rescue chihuahua.
Dr. DeShong joins the Department of Criminal Justice as Assistant Professor.
Ash Goedker, M.F.A.
Poetry
University of Idaho
Ash Goedker holds an MFA in poetry from the University of Idaho, an MA in English from Northern Michigan University, and a BA in English from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Her publications include poems in The Broadsided Press, Press Pause Press, Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, Great Lakes Review, Indiana Review and others. She was the winner of the University of Idaho’s Academy of American Poets Prize in 2017 and lives in Fayetteville, AR with her husband, son, and dog.
Goedker joins the Department of Languages and Literature as Assistant Professor.
Payton Koranek, M.F.A.
Studio Art
Texas A&M University
Payton Koranek is a Texas-born ceramic artist with an MFA in Studio Art. Her work centers on the female figure and her relationship with the natural world. Through sculptural forms, she places women within intricate floral environments that serve as a quiet sanctuary. Each piece is a meditation on protection, identity, and the deep, intertwined power of the body and the earth. Koranek has exhibited nationally and internationally, including pieces displayed in Rome and Thailand. She is now an Assistant Professor of Art at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Koranek joins the Department of Art and Drama as Assistant Professor.
Leigh-Anna Miller, M.S.W., LCSW-RPT
Social Work
University of Oklahoma
Ms. Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. She is an NSU and OU Alumni, earning a Bachelors and Masters of Social Work. Her career has focused on children and families involved in the deprived court systems and college students mental health.
Miller joins the School of Social Work as Clinical Assistant Professor.
David Hall, M.P.A.S., PA-C
Physician Assistant Studies
University of Utah
David Hall, MPAS, PA-C is board-certified through the NCCPA and a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). Certified since 2018, he has a diverse clinical background in emergency medicine and surgery as he currently practices in a surgical subspecialty. Prior to becoming a PA, he served as a firefighter, EMT, and HAZMAT technician. In addition to clinical practice, he is currently part of the National Disaster Medical System and has deployed with federal disaster medical response efforts. He now serves as Principal Faculty and Clinical Assistant Professor at NSU's PA program. He is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and fostering a love of lifelong learning in future physician associates.
Hall joins the Department of Health Professions as Clinical Assistant Professor.
Kimberly Harry, Ph.D.
Mathematics
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Dr. Kimberly Harry earned her Master’s and PhD in Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Her area of research is in algebraic combinatorics. She is motivated by counting questions related to the computation of weight multiplicities and to the family of combinatorial objects known as parking functions.
Dr. Harry joins the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science as Assistant Professor.
Cayce Kirk, M.S.
Speech Language Pathology
Northeastern State University
Cayce Kirk, MS, CCC-SLP, is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with over 10 years of experience in public school settings, clinics, and early intervention. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern State University. Currently, she serves as the Director of School Contracts and an instructor in the university’s SLP program. Cayce is passionate about supporting future clinicians and improving communication outcomes for children through evidence-based intervention and collaboration.
Kirk joins the Department of Health Professions as Instructor.
David Olson, M.S.P.A.S. PA-C
Physician Assistant Studies
Harding University
David Olson, PA-C currently serves as the Director of Clinical Education for the NSU Physician Assistant Program. A native of central Arkansas, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas before completing his PA training at Harding University. He began his career in Tulsa, Oklahoma, working as a hospitalist with the St. John Hospital system for over a decade, and later gained outpatient experience in a value-based primary care model focused on Medicare patients. For nearly ten years, he has also served as a preceptor for PA students from OU, OSU, and OCU, mentoring the next generation of providers.
Olson joins the Department of Health Professions as Clinical Assistant Professor.
Kailey Perry, Ph.D.
Mathematics
University of Arkansas
Dr. Kailey Perry earned her Bachelor's degree at NSU, and her Master's and PhD at the University of Arkansas. Her research is in geometric group theory.
Dr. Perry joins the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science as Assistant Professor.
Cara Ragsdale, M.S., RD/LD
Healthcare Administration
Oklahoma State University
Cara Ragsdale is a practicing Registered and Licensed Dietitian with 6 years of experience specializing in the areas of renal and clinical nutrition. Cara is an alumna of Northeastern State University where she completed her undergraduate degree in Nutrition/Dietetics. She has also completed her graduate degree in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University. She now works in the Nutritional Sciences Program educating future practitioners and dietitians.
Ragsdale joins the Department of Health Professions as Clinical Assistant Professor.
Charlea Leonard, O.D.
Optometry
NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry
Dr. Leonard is from Allen, OK. Graduating from Allen High School with a basketball scholarship to Murray State College. After receiving her associate's degree, she transferred to East Central University to finish her collegiate basketball career and complete her bachelor's in biology degree. Soon after, she attended Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry and graduated with her Doctorate in Optometry in 2025. Now, Dr. Leonard proudly serves as an OD/Clinical Assistant Professor for NSUOCO at two local Cherokee Nation clinics.
Dr. Leonard joins the Oklahoma College of Optometry as Clinical Assistant Professor.
Nathanael Patron, O.D.
Optometry
NSUOCO
Nathanael Patron received his B.S. in Biology from Concordia University Nebraska in 2019 and graduated from the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry in 2025.
Dr. Patron joins the Oklahoma College of Optometry as Assistant Professor.
Madison Rhoton, O.D.
Optometry
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry
Dr. Maddie Rhoton received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2020 from University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Optometry. Following graduation, she completed a residency at Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Ocular Disease with a focus in Low Vision. She then spent the next four years practicing in private practice in Kentucky, and split time between private practice and the VA in Maine. She is excited to be a part of NSUOCO's faculty and finally get to be established in her long-term career goal of academia.
Dr. Rhoton joins the Oklahoma College of Optometry as Assistant Professor.
Audrey Ellis, M.L.I.S.
Library and Information Science
University of Oklahoma
Audrey Ellis holds a Master of Library and Information Science from OU.
Ellis joins the NSU Libraries as Instructor.
Olivia Levin, M.S.L.S.
Library Science
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Olivia Levin is an Instructor of Library Services and the resource coordinator for the College of Business and Technology. She holds a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s degree in English and French from the College of William & Mary. Her main areas of interest include creative library pedagogy, teaching with primary sources, and the intersection of AI with higher education.
Levin joins the NSU Libraries as Instructor.
Brent Swearingen, Ed.D.
Adult and Lifelong Learning
University of Arkansas
Dr. Brent Swearingen is the Executive Director of Libraries and Associate Professor at Northeastern State University. His previous library leadership roles include serving as library director at Excelsior University and John Brown University and as the Director of Technical Services at NSU. He has master's degrees from DePaul University and the University of Illinois and his doctorate is in Adult and Lifelong Learning from the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Swearingen joins the NSU Libraries as Executive Director and Associate Professor.