New Faculty

College of Business & Technology

Muammad Asif, PhD
Quality & Operations Management
University of Twente, Netherlands

Meet Dr. Asif: Shaping Minds, Transforming Business. He ignites minds with mastery in operations management and brilliance in business analytics. Unveiling ESG’s potential, he champions the Industry 5.0 revolution, sustainable growth, and game-changing supply chains. His insights, gracing esteemed platforms like IEEE and the Journal of Cleaner Production, herald a greener and more sustainable era.

Dr. Asif joins the Department of Business Administration as Associate Professor.

Doris Feltham, PhD
Applied Management & Decision Science
Walden University

Dr. Feltham joins the Department of Accounting & Finance as Assistant Professor. 

Sohvi Heaton, PhD
Management Studies
Oxford

Dr. Heaton joins the Department of Business Administration as Associate Professor.

David Johnson, J.D.
Law
University of Nebraska

Dr. Johnson joins the Department of Business Law as Assistant Professor.

Kimberly Mathe Cuellar, PhD
Hospitality & Tourism Management
OSU

Dr. Mathe Cuellar joins the Department of Business Administration as Assistant Professor.

Brandi Moore, MBA
Business Administration
NSU

Mrs. Brandi Moore is an Instructor of Management in the Department of Business Administration. Her teaching career started in 2023, but she is not new to Northeastern State University. Mrs. Moore came to NSU in 2017 where she graduated with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Master of Business Administration concentrating in Project Management. Upon graduation, she worked in the College of Business and Technology as an Academic Advisor II. Working with students was her favorite part of being an advisor which sparked her interest in becoming a faculty member.

Moore joins the Department of Business Administration as Instructor.

Sydney Nichols-Rice, MBA
Business Administration
NSU

Sydney came to NSU first as an undergraduate student where she earned a BBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and spent a few years working in the industry before returning again as a student, this time pursuing a Masters in Business Administration degree. Since 2018, she's worked at NSU in various roles, while also working in-depth with NSU's Staff Council initiatives. When not at NSU, Sydney enjoys spending time with her spouse, friends and family, reading, and tending to her gardens and fruit trees.

Nichols-Rice joins the Department of Business Administration as Instructor.

Seth Smart, PhD
Management
OSU

Dr. Smart graduated with a PhD in Management from Oklahoma State University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in economics and his MBA. Dr. Smart’s passion is teaching and engaging with students. He also enjoys conducting research on counterproductive work behaviors, as well as diversity. Outside of work, Dr. Smart enjoys hiking, kayaking, and playing board games with his wife and two children.

Smart joins the Department of Business Administration as Assistant Professor.

Tyler Utt, MBA
General Management
NSU

Tyler graduated from Northeastern State University with both his undergrad and graduate degree in Business. He taught at Broken Arrow High school where he introduced Virtual reality technology, and other emerging technology to the students. Tyler also built the Broken Arrow Esports Program and led the team to many state and national championships through the three years that he was there! He enjoys spending his free time playing with his dog, spending time with his wife and binge watching random YouTube Videos.

Utt joins the Department of Business Administration as Instructor.

College of Education

Heidi W. Jenkins, PhD
Curriculum Studies
Oklahoma State University

Dr. Jenkins has an extensive background in public education having spent 29 years as a teacher and school librarian primarily at the secondary level. During this time she also spent time teaching and mentoring adult learners through professional development conference presentations, educational technology tutorials, and as an adjunct professor at NSU in the Library Media and Instructional Technology program. Dr. Jenkins plans to continue working with learners of all ages as she helps educate future school librarians and educational leaders to serve in school environments in all corners of the world.

Dr. Jenkins joins the Department of Educational Leadership as Assistant Professor.

Kevin Woller, PhD
Counseling Psychology
Kent State University

Dr. Kevin M. P. Woller has a PhD in Counseling Psychology and has held full time positions at Louisiana Technical University, Louisiana State University in Alexandria, and Rogers State University prior to his current posting. Dr. Woller has done extensive research with 52 professional presentations and 14 publications to his credit. He has earned 18 Educational Awards in areas including school service, research, and advising, and is an active member of six professional organizations. He is also the Tahlequah advisor to Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

Dr. Woller joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Associate Professor.

College of Liberal Arts

Tara Buck, PhD
English
Ball State University

A proud NSU alumni, Dr. Buck is returning to Tahlequah after earning her Ph.D. in English from Ball State University. She earned her M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition from Northeastern State University and B.A. in English through the NSU Honors Program. She has worked in higher education for more than a decade. Her research interests include corpus linguistics and conducting discourse analyses of natural language in the classroom, particularly in the form of written feedback to students.

Dr. Buck joins the Department of Languages & Literature as Assistant Professor.

Justin Kroll, DMA
Voice Performance
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dr. Justin Kroll, tenor, is currently Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of Opera Workshop at Northeastern State University. Justin has performed with organizations such as Opera Idaho, Geneva Light Opera, Madison Opera, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Central City Opera, and Painted Sky Opera. A successful competition singer, Justin was recently named the 4th Place winner at the Palm Springs Opera Guild Competition in Palm Springs, California, and the Dr. Rosella Reimer Duerksen Prize winner at the 8th Linus Lerner International Voice Competition in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Dr. Kroll joins the Department of Music as Assistant Professor/Director of Opera Workshop.

Amber Margarit, MS
Communication Studies
NSU

Margarit joins the Department of Communication & Media Studies as Instructor.

Michelle Martin, PhD
History
University of New Mexico

Dr. Michelle M. Martin is a Michigan native. From 1997-2015 she lived in Kansas and Oklahoma where she taught history at the community college and university levels and worked as a museum professional and historical consultant to the television and film industries. She earned her doctorate in history (and a minor in museum studies) at the University of New Mexico in 2022. Her areas of interest include Native American history, the U.S. West from 1800-1925, interracial marriage and family in North America, and Public History. Dr. Martin enjoys photography, hiking, historical travel, and volunteering at local, state, and national historic sites.

Dr. Martin joins the Department of History as Assistant Professor.

Alison Moore, MM
Vocal Performance
Wichita State University

Moore joins the Department of Music as Assistant Professor.

Bryce Newcomer, DMA
Clarinet/Music Performance
University of Cincinnati

Bryce Newcomer is an established performer, music theorist, and educator. Bryce is 2nd/bass clarinet of the Opera in the Ozarks Orchestra and freelances nationally with various orchestras. Previous to NSU, Bryce was faculty of clarinet and music theory at Xavier University. An avid chamber musician, Bryce is the clarinetist of Some Light Reeding and Panoply Winds. Bryce holds DMA and MM degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in clarinet performance and music theory, and a BM in performance and music theory from the University of North Texas.

Dr. Newcomer joins the Department of Music as Assistant Professor.

Jordan VanHemert, DMA
Music/Jazz Performance
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Heralded by critics as a "saxophone powerhouse" with a penchant for modern melodicism, Jordan VanHemert is an award-winning saxophonist and professor who is joining the faculty as Director of Jazz Studies. His compositions pay homage to his Korean roots and the jazz tradition handed down to him by his mentors. VanHemert has performed or recorded with some of the most celebrated artists in jazz, including Rodney Whitaker, John Webber, Dmitri Matheny, and others. Previously, he taught at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University and Hope College.

Dr. VanHemert joins the Department of Music as Assistant Professor and Director of Jazz Studies.

Stacey White, PhD
Criminal Justice
Walden University

Dr. White is a 31-year veteran of law enforcement, 20 of those years as a Chief of Police. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1985 to 1991, three of those years as an Instructor at Quantico, where Dr. White trained future leaders of the U.S. Navy. Dr. White obtained his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice in 2021. Some of his hobbies are working with horses and veterans by bringing them together for rehabilitative purposes. Also, he and his wife are empty nesters who live with their five Siberian Huskies.

Dr. White joins the Department of Criminology, Justice Studies and Global Security as Assistant Professor/Director of Cybersecurity.

Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions

Betty-Lou Barton, MS, CCC-SLP
SLP
University of Tulsa

Betty-Lou earned her MS from The University of Tulsa in 2000. Since then, she has practiced in various settings treating both adults and children with speech-language and swallowing disorders. Betty-Lou has also taught as an adjunct at NSU and the University of Tulsa for many years. She brings her years of experience to NSU as the Assistant Clinical Director over the BA campus.

Barton joins the Department of Health Professions as Instructor and Assistant Clinic Director.

Tina Bolton-Linn, MS
Speech Language Pathology
University of Tulsa

Bolton joins the Department of Health Professions as Assistant Professor.

David Dubè, DHSc
Doctorate of Health Sciences
A.T. Still University

Dr. Dubè joins the Department of Health Professions as Clinical Assistant Professor.

Heather Fenton, EdD
Administrative Leadership
Walden University

Dr. Fenton joins the Department of Health Professions as Clinical Assistant Professor.

Vishal Mundra, MD
Medicine
Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi

Mundra joins the Department of Health Professions as Medical Co-Director.

Kavita Shah, MD
Medicine
University of Missouri-Kansas City

Dr. Shah joins the Department of Health Professions as Medical Co-Director.

NSUOCO

Adam Provost, OD
Optometry
New England College of Optometry

Dr. Provost earned his OD at the New England College of Optometry. He then went on to complete a post-graduate residency at the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center in Boston with an emphasis in ocular disease.

Dr. Provost joins the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry as Assistant Professor.

College of Business & Technology

Leshay McNack, DBA
Business Administration
University of Phoenix

Dr. McNack joins the department with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources. She has taught as an adjunct for the University for the past 6 years, joining full time in January of 2022. She has taught HR classes, and her current research interests include how the legalization of medicinal marijuana has impacted organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her large family.

Dr. McNack joins the Department of Management as Assistant Professor. 

Brian Vickers, MBA
Business Administration - Business Analytics
Northeastern State University

Brian Vickers is an Instructor in the Business Administration Department. He received his B.B.A. and MBA in Business Administration - Business Analytics from Northeastern State University. Prior to his instructor role, Vickers spent the majority of his career in casino and hospitality management.

Rick Wallace, DSc, MBA, MA, FACHE 
Healthcare Policy Leadership
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dr. Wallace is a seasoned executive with over 30 years in healthcare administration in private, public, and military delivery systems. He has served in a variety of CEO and COO positions with Hospital Corporation of America and as a retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Medical Services where he participated in numerous combat and humanitarian deployments providing medical relief and support for foreign disasters and civil conflicts. His key research focuses are crisis management in healthcare and advancing patient safety.

Dr. Wallace joins the Department of Health Care Administration as Instructor.

Athena Wooldridge, PhD
Environmental Science
Oklahoma State University

Dr. Athena Wooldridge worked 10 years in the private sector for multinational manufacturers as well as international non-profit organizations where she focused on marketing strategy, profitability and product development. For the last decade, Dr. Wooldridge has worked for national retail and restaurant organizations where she was responsible for consumer research, product development, procurement/supply chain, training, profitability and strategy.

Dr. Wooldridge joins the Department of Marketing as Assistant Professor.

College of Education

Chelsea Bowlan, MEd
Educational Leadership
East Central University

Chelsea Bowlan has more than ten years in education, including teaching special education serving in administration as an assistant principal, working for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. This has provided Bowlan with the skill set needed to support future educators through providing effective leadership, guidance, professional development, and other resources to develop instructional techniques that will reach the vast students in today's classrooms.

Bowlan joins the Department of Teacher Education as Adjunct.

Tamra Day, EdD
Education - Special Education
Northcentral University

One of Dr. Day's life goals was to complete a doctorate in education. Dr. Day also completed a post-graduate certificate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Day has been blessed by professors that encouraged and inspired her to be a better educator and person, helping to mold her into an educator that cared for the individual needs of all students, while also providing her the support needed to achieve big milestones. Dr. Day wants to be that same professor to her students. Dr. Day believes that with support, hard work, determination, and passion, one can accomplish anything.

Dr. Day joins the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as Assistant Professor.

Caleb Demarais, MS
Counseling Psychology
Southern Nazarene University

Caleb Demarais has a bachelors in psychology from Rogers State University, and a masters in Counseling Psychology from Southern Nazarene University. Most of Demarais' education and training has been centered around therapy with children and adolescents. When he is not teaching, Demarais is usually spending time with his wife and three kids, or working at either his private practice in Tulsa or an area health clinic as a therapist.

Demarais joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Adjunct.

Fariba Ehteshami, PhD
Counselor Education and Supervision
Texas A&M University-Commerce

After Dr. Ehteshami earned her first Ph.D., she provided counseling services for a diverse population. She earned her second Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and received the Medal of Excellent Student. She had an incredible opportunity to research in different areas. As a result, she wrote several books. Dr. Ehteshami has been awarded IAMFC's 2021 for Excellence Research Educator Training, and received the 2021 international Research Scholarship. She has also been awarded the EB_ACA's 2020. Dr. Ehteshami served as IAC's Global Assistant. She has the privilege to be a committee member and Editorial Team Member of the IARTC which is a division of ACA.

Dr. Ehteshami joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Assistant Professor.

Christine Gleason, PhD
Educational Psychology and Individual Differences
University of Houston

Dr. Gleason started teaching in 2006. Dr. Gleason's doctorate is in Educational Psychology and Individual Differences from University of Houston. Dr. Gleason has taught pre-kindergarten through doctoral-level classes and every grade in between those two. Dr. Gleason has taught all subject areas including Spanish, ESL, and secondary mathematics courses. Dr. Gleason also sponsored organizations on campus to help students grow. Dr. Gleason has taught college courses at University of Oklahoma and University of Houston. In addition to the classroom, Dr. Gleason also has presented research at national and international conferences.

Dr. Gleason joins the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as Assistant Professor.

Sara Haas, PhD

Haas joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Assistant Professor.

Eva Harkness, PhD
Early Childhood Developmental Psychology
The Union Institute for Graduate Studies

Originally from San Diego, California, Dr. Harkness has taught in North Carolina, Kansas, and now Oklahoma. An advocate in working with those who face developmental, (particularly Autistic Spectrum), and diversity challenges in life, she looks forward to supporting students and community here in Tahlequah, through teaching, mentoring, community service, and research.

Dr. Harkness joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Assistant Professor.

Heidi Jenkins, PhD

Dr. Jenkins the Department of Educational Leadership as Adjunct.

Brandy-Lea McCombs, PhD
Instructional Leadership & Academic Curriculum
University of Oklahoma

Dr. McCombs is a native Oklahoman and a first-generation college graduate. Through her work with impoverished families, children who have experienced trauma, and individuals who speak multiple languages, McCombs provides a powerful skill set for future educators. She has a Bachelors from the University of Tulsa in Elementary Education and Psychology; Master's from the University of Oklahoma in Educational Administration, Curriculum & Supervision; PhD from OU in Instructional Leadership & Academic Curriculum with specialization in Early Childhood. Dr. McCombs' Oklahoma Certifications include: Elementary Principal, Elementary Education, Spanish, and English as a Second Language.

Dr. McCombs joins the Department of Curriculum & Instruction as Assistant Professor.

Jennifer Minton, MS LPC
Counseling Psychology
Northeastern State University

Jennifer Minton, M.S. LPC-S, serves as the Director of Behavioral Assessment Services for the Office of Juvenile Affairs in the State of Oklahoma. She leads a team of 13 clinicians working with at-risk youth placed in residential and secure institutions within the juvenile justice system. Minton provides assessments of risk and needs of treatment for youthful offenders and juvenile delinquents, aiding in the determination of certification in legal proceedings. Minton provides expert testimony in youthful offender cases, leads recruitment efforts for agency staff, and collaborates with the executive staffing and treatment teams of OJA. Minton has presented at the Children's Behavioral Health Conference, the Children's Court Improvement Conference, the Oklahoma Judicial Conference, the Oklahoma District Attorney Council Conference, and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Conference. She volunteers at a grief center in Tulsa, OK. She has worked with the adolescent population for 12 years in the field of juvenile delinquency.

Minton joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Adjunct.

Hannah Rust, DAT

Dr. Rust joins the Department of Health & Kinesiology as Assistant Professor.

Cates Schwark, PhD

Dr. Schwark joins the Department of Educational Leadership as Adjunct.

Amanda G. Stuckey, PhD
Counselor Education & Supervision
University of Arkansas

Dr. Amanda G. Stuckey graduated in 2020 from the University of Arkansas with her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She earned her M.Ed. in School Counseling from Northeastern State University in 2013, as well as her B.A. in Psychology in 2009. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Certified School Counselor in the State of Oklahoma. She is also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She maintains a foot in the clinical world by operating her own private practice.

Dr. Stuckey joins the Department of Psychology & Counseling as Assistant Professor.

College of Liberal Arts

Joseph Bello, DMA

Dr. Bello joins the Department of Music as Assistant Professor/Interim Director of Bands.

Alex Donovan Cole, PhD
Political Science
Louisiana State University

A first generation college student, Alex Donovan Cole is a specialist in Political Theory and Comparative Politics. He focuses on questions of politics and literature, the connection between modernity and antiquity, ideology, and phenomenology. As an undergraduate, he completed a year of study at Regent's Park College, Oxford University. He is the winner of LSU's 2019 Doctoral Research Fellowship and has conducted archival research in Lübeck and Berlin, Germany. His research has appeared or will appear in Routledge, German Politics and Society, Utopian Studies, and Theoria: A Journal of Social and Political Thought. He collects records and is a voracious listener of 60s and 70s pop and progressive rock music. He also enjoys film, food, and travel.

Dr. Cole joins the Department of Geography & Political Science as Assistant Professor.

Amanda Johnson, PhD
History
Oklahoma State University

Dr. Johnson is originally from the greater Tulsa area, and she earned her Ph.D. in History from Oklahoma State University. She joined the NSU faculty in the Fall of 2022 and teaches courses in the topics of Native America and U.S. History. Her research examines Native American women in the 20th century who transformed the lives of Indigenous peoples through activism within the Red Power and Second Wave Feminists' movements. She loves teaching history and has over a decade of experience working in Oklahoma classrooms.

Dr. Johnson joins the Department of History as Assistant Professor.

Amber Margarit, MA
Communication Studies
Northeastern State University

Amber Margarit is a lifelong resident of the Tahlequah area and a proud NSU alumni. Amber received a Bachelors degree from NSU in Developmental Psychology, a MS in College Teaching, and most recently a MA in Communication Studies. NSU has deep roots in Amber's family as both of her grandparents earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from what was then called Northeastern State College.

Margarit joins the Department of Communication & Media Studies as Instructor.

Jeromy Miller, PhD
Cultural Studies
University of Arkansas

Jeromy Miller's primary research interests are Native American representation in media and language revitalization. Miller has worked with the Cherokee Nation and their Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program as an apprentice and later as a curriculum developer since 2017.

Dr. Miller joins the Department of Sociology as Assistant Professor.

Jack Reavis, MA
American Studies
Northeastern State University

Jack Reavis is a former public school teacher and recent finalist for Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year, having earned Muskogee Public Schools TOY in both 2008 and 2016. He has published in the Chronicles of Oklahoma and received commendations from the City of Muskogee, the state of Oklahoma, and a special Congressional Recognition for contributions to the Muskogee community. Reavis received an Award of Excellence for Original Music from the American College Theater. He is an Eagle Scout and cites his ongoing accomplishment of being an older brother, father, grandfather, friend and husband as his most important. Reavis is a member of the Cherokee Nation.

Reavis joins the Department of History as Adjunct.

Lindsay Silver, PhD

Dr. Silver joins the Department of History as Assistant Professor.

Brent Welch
Organizational Leadership
University of Oklahoma

Brent Welch is a Captain in the Oklahoma National Guard, and the new Commander of the NSU ROTC. Welch is very excited to be here and is looking forward to this new duty station and everything that it brings!

Welch joins the Department of Military Science as Instructor.

Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions

Elizabeth Burba, PhD
Zoology
University of Oklahoma

Dr. Elizabeth Burba was born, raised, and educated in Oklahoma, and is a returning alumni of Northeastern State University. She has worked in a variety of service positions ranging from health care, education, and environmental consulting. For the last several years, she has owned and operated her own consulting company, ensuring her client's projects were in compliance with environmental regulations. Her expertise is in conservation biology, namely working toward the recovery of endangered bat species.

Dr. Burba joins the Department of Natural Sciences as Assistant Professor.

Lindsay Crouch, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathology
NSU

Crouch joins the Department of Health Professions as Instructor/Clinical Supervisor

JoAnna Cupp, DHSc
Doctor of Health Sciences
A. T. Still University

JoAnna Cupp joined Northeastern State University's faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nutritional Science in January 2022 and currently serves as the Program Director. She has earned a Doctor of Health Sciences Degree, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and has over 15 years experience in nutrition and dietetics and 7 years in higher education.

Helen Farrar, PhD

Dr. Farrar joins the Department of Health Professions as Adjunct.

Emily Genske, MS

Genske joins the Department of Health Professions as Adjunct.

Kelly Gilcrest, MPAS
Physician Assistant Studies
University of Nebraska

Kelly Gilcrest is joining the PA Program. She comes from Ohio and moved here with her husband after graduating from PA school in 1999. She graduated from Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia with a bachelors degree in Medical Science (PA Program) and later went back to school for a Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. She has been practicing as a PA since 2000 and has worked in several different Primary Care settings. She also served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard as a PA for over 8 years.

Gilcrest joins the Department of Health Professions as Clinical Assistant Professor.

Laura Malave, MS

Malave joins the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science as Part-Time Faculty.

Claudia Mitchell, PhD, MSN, RN
PhD Education
Northcentral University

Dr. Claudia Mitchell, Ph.D., MSN, RN, has more than two decades of experience spanning both clinical practice and academia. Currently, Dr. Mitchell is a consultant who provides expertise and guidance to healthcare organizations and institutions of higher learning related to strategic planning, quality improvement, program and curriculum development, and accreditation. Dr. Mitchell has presented and published in the areas of Quality and Safety Education in Nursing, leadership, curriculum and new program development, and innovative virtual global experiences.

Dr. Mitchell joins the Department of Health Professions as Adjunct.

Jamie Morris, MS, RN
Nursing
University of Oklahoma

Having taught varying levels of nursing, Morris finds the BSN level the most fun, professional and challenging at the same time. Nursing and nursing education is a constant change, nurses need to be flexible to meet the ever changing dynamics of their patients. Life-long learning is a must.

Morris joins the Department of Health Professions as Instructor.

Jayme Myers, MHS
Physician Assistant
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Jayme Myers, MHS, PA-C serves as the Director of Didactic Education for the PA program. A former Razorback, Myers earned a BSE in Pre-Professional Kinesiology at the University of Arkansas and then continued her education at the University of Oklahoma Physician Associate program in Oklahoma City. She has a special interest in providing care for the underserved and vulnerable populations. She has precepted for several students in her clinical practice and has always enjoyed training the next generation of PAs. She currently practices part-time providing primary and acute care for her hometown community.

Myers joins the Department of Health Professions as Clinical Assistant Professor.

Tara Ottenbacher, MS

Ottenbacher joins the Department of Health Professions as Adjunct.

Praxidia Taruwinga, DrPH, MS
Epidemiology
Capella University

Dr. Praxidia Taruwinga recently joined the Department of Health Professions at Northeastern State University as an Adjunct Professor beginning fall of 2022. Dr. Taruwinga has served in both private and public health industries as a public health professional including working with Oklahoma State Department Health. Her doctorate in Public Health and Masters in Clinical Psychology are from Capella University. She has a BA in Business Administration from Davenport University.

Dr. Taruwinga has published a peer-reviewed book on nutritional support models for rural women living with HIV/AIDS. She has presented at numerous local, state, national, and international conferences sharing her research and findings with other public health professionals, educators, and local communities. Her research interest focuses on infectious diseases. Global Public Health. Clinical Research. Health Systems, Policy, and Community Health Promotion.

Tushondra Thomas, DNP
Nursing
University of South Alabama

Dr. Thomas earned her Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman's University and her DNP in Nursing Informatics from the University of South Alabama. She has been leading technology related change for over a decade and is passionate about using data-driven insights and predictive models to improve access to care and patient outcomes. 

Dr. Thomas joins the Department of Health Professions as Adjunct.

D. Scott Wengerd, DMin
Doctorate in Ministry
South University

Dr. Wengerd joined the NSU faculty in July of 2022 as Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. He has practiced Occupational Therapy (OT) since 1996 and has taught OT at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Wengerd has a Masters degree in OT from Rockhurst University (Kansas City) and a Doctoral degree in Ministry. His research interests are in community and tribal health, culture and spirituality in therapy practice, animal-assisted therapy, and music in therapy. Dr. Wengerd is also an ordained minister as well as an amateur musician.

Oklahoma College of Optometry

Baylee Moles, OD
Optometry
NSUOCO

Dr. Baylee Moles was born and raised in Tahlequah, OK and recently relocated with her husband to Collinsville, OK. She graduated from NSUOCO in 2022 and is looking forward to beginning her career as an optometrist at the Cherokee Nation Will Rogers Health Center in Nowata, OK.

Dr. Moles joins the NSUOCO as Clinical Assistant Professor.

Hannah Munyan, OD
Doctor of Optometry
Midwestern University

Dr. Munyan received her BS in Biology at Lipscomb University and her OD at Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry. She completed her residency in Ocular Disease and Primary Care at Jack C Montgomery VAMC and Ernest Childers VA Outpatient Clinic in Muskogee and Tulsa.

Dr. Munyan joins the NSUOCO as a Clinical Assistant Professor.

Janet Poole Naguib, OD

Dr. Naguib joins the NSUOCO as Assistant Professor.

Komal Patel, OD
Doctor of Optometry
University of Waterloo

Dr. Patel earned her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. She completed a Primary Care residency at the Oklahoma College of Optometry specializing in ocular disease. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, and Canadian Association of Optometrists.

Dr. Patel joins the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry as an Assistant Professor.

Courtney Simon, OD

Dr. Simon joins the NSUOCO as Clinical Assistant Professor.

NSU Libraries

Jodena Brown, MLIS

Jodena Brown joins the NSU Libraries as Instructor.

College of Education

Administration

Carla Swearingen, PhD
Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs
PhD Chemistry
Loyola University, Chicago

Dr. Carla Swearingen has spent the last fifteen years at John Brown University serving in various roles, most recently as the Dean of Faculty Development, Director of the Office for Advancement of Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship, and Professor of Chemistry. She is also a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation. Dr. Swearingen joins as Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry.

College of Business & Technology

Ryan Cannonie, JD
Business Law
JD Law
University of Tulsa

Dr. Cannonie joins the Department of Business Administration as adjunct.

Stephanie Jones, DBA
Management
DBA Project Management
Liberty University

Dr. Jones has been teaching in higher education for 5 years. Dr. Jones' previous business experience has enabled her to bring real world business problems and solutions to the classroom. Dr. Jones joins the Department of Business Administration as Assistant Professor.

Connor Lubojacky, PhD
Management
PhD Business Administration
University of Houston

Dr. Lubojacky joins the Department of Business Administration as an Assistant Professor. In addition to his Ph.D., Dr. Lubojacky has a master's degree in Finance and previously worked as a Certified Public Accountant. He has taught strategic management and organizational behavior and his current research interests include how managerial characteristics influence corporate entrepreneurship as well as entrepreneurial opportunity recognition.

Rene Moquin, PhD
Information Systems & Technology
PhD Information Systems
Baylor University

Dr. Moquin has a PhD from Baylor University in IS. He is a behavioral scientist focusing IT and behavior. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in IS and cybersecurity. He is a member of the ACM and AIS. He has published research in various journals and conferences. He graduated with an MS in Information Systems and BS in computer science. Dr. Moquin joins the Department of Information Systems and Technology as Assistant Professor.

Jan Phillips, MA
Information Systems and Technology
MA English
Northeastern State University

Jan Phillips joins the Department of Information Systems and Technology as Adjunct.

Tushar R. Shah, PhD
Management
PhD Management
University of Texas at Arlington

Dr. Shah's research interest addresses the interface between organizations and information technology in the context of strategy and people management. Dr. Shah's teaching interests span topics related to organizational strategy, management principles & theory, entrepreneurship, strategic HR, HR analytics, and organizational theory. Prior to Dr. Shah's academic career, Dr. Shah was an HR Professional for more than 18 years. Dr. Shah joins the Department of Business Administration as Assistant Professor.

College of Education

Krista Baird, MS
Psychology & Counseling
MS Counseling Psychology
Northeastern State University

Krista Baird is a practicing therapist who owns an agency focusing on the needs of families. She enjoys her family, friends and serving her community in various ways. She has served as an adjunct professor on and off since 2009. Krista joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as Adjunct.

Alissa Baker-Oglesbee, ABD PhD
Psychology & Counseling
ABD PhD Psychology
Northwestern University

Alissa Baker-Oglesbee joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as Assistant Professor.

Jennifer Keith, PhD
Psychology & Counseling
PhD Counselor Education & Supervision
Virginia Tech

Jennifer Keith joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as Assistant Professor.

Alexandra Meyers-Ellett, PhD, LPC, RPT
Psychology and Counseling
PhD Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Arkansas

Dr. Meyers-Ellett earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Arkansas and is an NSU alumni. She has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist in various settings. Her specialties in counseling include treating children, adolescents, anxiety and eating disorders. Dr. Meyers-Ellett joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as Assistant Professor.

College of Liberal Arts

Dave Corcoran, PhD
History/Social Studies Education
PhD Latin American History
University of New Mexico

Dr. Corcoran is a Boston native and a career educator. Dr. Corcoran has taught history and social studies at the university and secondary levels in Maine, New Mexico, and Massachusetts. Dr. Corcoran lived and taught in Colombia and Ecuador as well. With a Ph.D. in Latin American History from the University of New Mexico, Dr. Corcoran's research focuses on inter-American culture in the mid-20th century. Dr. Corcoran joins the Department of History as Assistant Professor.

Elizabeth Potts, DMA
Music
DMA Flute Performance
University of North Texas

Elizabeth Potts joins the Department of Music as Adjunct.

Siewe Siewe Siewe, PhD
Political Science
PhD Geography-Natural Resources Management
Oklahoma State University

Dr. Siewe Siewe Siewe is from Cameroon. Dr. Siewe graduated with a PhD in Geography from Oklahoma State University, where Dr. Siewe has also served as a Visiting Assisting Professor for the last two years. Dr. Siewe is excited to join the Department of Geography and Political Science as Assistant Professor.

Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions

Thomas Atkinson, MD
Biology
MD
LSUMC-Shreveport

Deborah Petrik, PhD
Molecular Biology
PhD Biological Sciences
Illinois State University

Dr. Petrik joins the Department of Natural Sciences as Assistant Professor.

John Reidy, MS
Biology
MS Biomedical Sciences
University of North Texas - Health Science Center

John Reidy was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. He attended the University of Oklahoma before graduate school. He contributed to research on e-cigarettes for the previous seven years. He taught Human Anatomy at Community Colleges for the previous ten years. John Reidy joins the Department of Natural Sciences as Adjunct.

Jamie Thomas, PhD
Speech Language Pathology
PhD Special Education Administration
University of North Texas

In addition to her PhD, Dr. Thomas has a master's degree in speech pathology. She is joining the Department of Health Professions as an Assistant Professor after 30 years in public education in Texas as a speech pathologist and a special education administrator.

Payton Walters, MS
Biology
MS Microbiology
Oklahoma State University

Payton Walters joins the Department of Natural Sciences as Adjunct.

Cammi Valdez, PhD
Chemistry
PhD Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
Harvard University

Dr. Valdez brings a diverse set of experiences with her from her prior roles as a faculty member and Director of the McNair Scholars Program at Wellesley College and as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships at Harvard College. Her research focuses on understanding the pathology and physiology of vascular diseases present in the eye using mouse models. Dr. Valdez joins the Department of Natural Sciences as Assistant Professor.

Oklahoma College of Optometry

Christian Bussey, OD
Optometry
OD Optometry
NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry

Dr. Bussey joins the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry as Clinical Assistant Professor.

Janet Poole Naguib, OD
Optometry
OD Optometry
Northeastern State University

Dr. Poole Naguib received a B.S. in Biochemistry from Oklahoma State University and an OD from NSUOCO. She worked as a solo practitioner in Texas and helped establish the Optometry Clinic within the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was recognized by the State of Oklahoma as a volunteer for enhancing the services of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. In Egypt she lectured on Retinal Pathology and instructed medical students in Ophthalmoscopy. She completed the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program at Duke University Medical Center and Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. She joins NSUOCO as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor.

Administration

Bob Hails, MED
Executive Director, eCampus
MEd Counseling
Ohio University
Mr. Hails joins NSU as the new Executive Director of eCampus. With nearly 40 years of experience in distance education, he has started DE programs from the ground up and significantly expanded existing programs. He is also the founder of the Transforming the Teaching & Learning Environment virtual conference.

Michael Jones, PhD
Executive Director, Libraries
PhD Political Science
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Dr. Jones earned his Ph.D. in Political Science. His areas of specialization in his discipline are political theory and feminist/gender theory. He was Professor of Political Science at his previous institutions and transitioned into Library administration in 2014. Dr. Jones joins as Executive Director, Libraries.

Kimberly Williams, EDD
Dean, Muskogee Campus
EDD Educational Leadership
Baylor University
Dr. Williams is an NSU alum with a varied career path. She began her career in Oklahoma, teaching three years in K-12, before moving on to higher education. She has spent the last twenty-one years at Grayson College in Denison, Texas, where she served in several roles, including Head Softball Coach, Dean of the South Campus and Dean for Workforce Education. Dr. Williams and her husband (also an NSU grad) are excited to be back home. Dr. Williams joins as Dean of the NSU Muskogee Campus.

College of Business & Technology

Jerrilyn Eisenhauer, MS
Accounting
MS Accounting
Oklahoma State University
Jerrilyn Eisenhauer joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as an adjunct.

Courtney Hamby, MHA
Healthcare Administration
MHA Healthcare Administration
Oklahoma State University
Ms. Hamby currently serves on the NeoHealth Board of Directors which strives to provide quality affordable healthcare to all citizens of Northeast Oklahoma. Most recently, Ms. Hamby served as Assistant Coordinator of the TSET Healthy Living Program serving Cherokee County. Ms. Hamby joins the Department of Business Administration as an Instructor.

Bartis Kent, MBA
Economics
MBA Business Administration
University Of Tulsa
Bartis Kent joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as an adjunct.

Brian Kulik, PhD
Management
PhD Business Administration
Washington State University
In addition to his Ph.D., Dr. Kulik has also earned 3 masters degrees: an MBA, Statistics, and Materials Science and Engineering. His professional experience includes aerospace process and materials engineering. He has delivered many management conference presentations and published in journals such as Business and Society Review, Academic Ethics, Journal of Business Ethics, Organizational Analysis, and Journal of Educators Online. Dr. Kulik joins the Department of Business Administration as an Associate Professor.

Joseph LaTurner, MBA, MS
Finance
MBA Business Administration, MS Finance
Stetson University, University of Tampa
Mr. LaTurner joins the CBT after working with NSU's TRIO SSS as a Business Tutor and Coordinator. Prior to NSU, he has worked with multiple corporations, practicing both investment and corporate finance. His experience includes Equity and Fixed Income Analysis, Real Estate, Valuation, Portfolio Management, Cash Flow Management, Risk, Derivatives/Hedging, Budgeting and Forecasting, and Variance Analysis. Mr. LaTurner joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as an Instructor.

Xiaoshan Li, MS
Marketing
MS Advertising
University of Illinois
Dr. Li's research takes a social-scientific approach to questions about consumer behavior and strategic communications. Her research relies on quantitative methods, including survey and experiments. Broadly speaking, her research discerns ways of enhancing consumer information management in both virtual and physical environments. To this end, she investigates social-cognitive factors that predict consumer risk information seeking and sharing on social media. Dr. Li joins the Department of Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism Management as an Assistant Professor.

Gary Linn, DBA
Accounting
DBA Business Administration
Louisiana Tech University
Dr. Linn joins NSU from Northwest Arkansas Community College where he has taught both face-to-face and online Accounting and Entrepreneurship classes. Since 2014, he has been a consultant/mentor for AASCB Accreditation-Europe. Dr. Linn joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as an Assistant Professor.

Molly May, MS
Accounting
MS Taxation
University of Tulsa
Molly May joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as an adjunct.

Peter Obitade, PhD
Information Systems
PhD Information Systems
University of North Texas
Dr. Obitade brings over 21 years of professional experience as IT Director, Senior Business Analytics Manager, and Global Information Security Manager to NSU. His research interests include big data or business analytics, enterprise resource planning (ERP), digital automation, cybersecurity, cloud computing, project management, and Internet of Things (IoT). Dr. Obitade joins the Department of IS and Technology as an Assistant Professor.

Mohammed Partapurwala, MA
Economics
MA Economics
University of Buffalo
Mohammed Partapurwala joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as an adjunct.

Lori Peterson, PhD
Management
PhD Business Administration, Management
Texas Tech University
Dr. Peterson was born and raised in Oklahoma and is excited to join NSU and come back home! She has taught strategic management and policy in addition to working with the Health Organizations Administration program. Her current research interests include various health care topics, leadership, entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurial efforts and new ventures. Dr. Peterson joins the Department of Business Administration as an Assistant Professor.

Tony Riggs, CPA, MBA
Accounting
MBA Accounting
University of Texas
Mr. Riggs brings 30+ years of designing, implementing and operating large finance and business processes for global companies. He is an experienced Finance and Accounting Executive, highly skilled in transforming shared services and significantly improving the performance of back office functions. Having served, among other roles, as CFO, COO and Controller, Mr. Riggs joins the Department of Accounting and Finance as an Instructor.

College of Education

Greg McCann, MBA
Health and Kinesiology
MBA Business Administration
Northeastern State University
Mr. McCann has worked as a health/fitness/wellness professional for over 30 years. He served as a Health Educator in the U.S. Peace Corps, has worked with Saint Francis Health Systems, Tulsa Community College and the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Mr. McCann is a certified Wellness Coach, a certified Personal Trainer and a certified Yoga Instructor. Mr. McCann joins the Department of Health and Kinesiology as an adjunct.

James Cage, PhD
Psychology and Counseling
PhD Clinical Psychology
University of Southern Mississippi
Dr. Cage served in the United States Air Force as a psychologist. He has experience in Community Mental Health Centers, Child Guidance Centers and Private Practice. He is a retired Vice-President from CommunityCare Health Plan. Dr. Cage joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as an adjunct.

Kimberly Gustin, MA
Psychology and Counseling
MA Counseling
Regent University
Kimberly Gustin joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as an adjunct.

Alyson Haslam, PhD
Health and Kinesiology
PhD Epidemiology
University of Georgia
Alyson Haslam joins the Department of Health and Kinesiology as an adjunct.

Anna Smith, MS, LPC-S
Psychology and Counseling
MS Counseling Psychology
Northeastern State University
Ms. Smith is a Licensed Profession Counselor-Supervisor and works in private practice and community mental health in Tulsa and Claremore. She has taught college level courses and is working toward achieving her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Ms. Smith joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as an adjunct.

Jess Westcott, MA
Psychology and Counseling
MA School Counseling
Marquette University
Jess Westcott joins the Department of Psychology and Counseling as an adjunct.

College of Liberal Arts

Lyndie Benton, MA
Communication Studies
MA Communication Arts
Northeastern State University
Lyndie Benton joins the Department of Communication Studies as an adjunct.

Jenny Bledsoe, PhD
English
PhD English
Dr. Bledsoe's research focuses on book history and material culture, religious literature, the history of emotions, and gender studies. During 2018-2019, she held a Mellon teaching fellowship at Agnes Scott College. Dr. Bledsoe joins the Department of Languages and Literature as an Assistant Professor; she teaches medieval and early modern literature courses on the Broken Arrow campus.

Bryan Raya, DMA
Music
DMA Music, Wind Band Conducting
Arizona State University
As a U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Raya has served over eight years with the Army Bands in multiple locations including a deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006. His research interests include conducting pedagogy and student leadership systems in band programs. Dr. Raya joins the Department of Music as an Assistant Professor and Director of Bands.

Sara Swaim, MA
ESL
MA Linguistics
Ohio University
Ms. Swaim has been involved in multicultural education for nearly ten years. Her research interests are geared toward ESL pedagogy second language acquisition. Ms. Swaim joins the Department of Languages and Literature as an ESL instructor.

Katie Thomas, MA
Communication
MA Strategic Communication
Liberty University
Since 2016, Ms. Thomas has worked as consultant for the Liberty University Forensics Team, leading them to two national championships in Reader's Theatre. She has also worked as a professional actress in theatre, film, and radio drama. Research interests include story in the healing process, transmedia storytelling, and social media and Gen-Z. In 2018, Ms. Thomas won Liberty University's Research Week with her presentation on story to facilitate healing among Vietnam veterans. Ms. Thomas joins the Department of Communication Studies as an Instructor.

Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions

Marcus Anderson, MED
Speech-Language Pathology
MED Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology
Northeastern State University
Mr. Anderson brings over 31 years of experience as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. He is newly retired from the Oklahoma State Department of Health as a Speech Services Supervisor. Mr. Anderson joins the Department of Health Professions as an Instructor and Clinical Director.

Gary Boyd, BS
Mathematics
BS Mathematics
Northeastern State University
Gary Boyd joins the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as an adjunct.

Sridhar Boppana, PhD
Biology
PhD Natural Sciences, Neuroscience
Georg-August University
Dr. Boppana's doctoral research work at the Max-Planck Institute (Gottingen, Germany) was focused on the regulatory role of transcription factor Pax6 during early neuronal development. He has also worked on the role of gut microbiota in inducing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE; the animal model for Multiple Sclerosis). Beyond his research, Dr. Boppana has taught Anatomy & Physiology and General biology at universities and community colleges. Dr. Boppana joins the Department of Natural Sciences as an Assistant Professor.

Julie Estes, OTD
Occupational Therapy
OTD Occupational Therapy, Education
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Dr. Estes has been an Occupational Therapist for 14 years in various settings with four years teaching experience. Dr. Estes has presented at multiple conferences including the American Occupational Therapy national conference. Dr. Estes completed the educational track while receiving her doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah, and now joins the MS Occupational Therapy program in Muskogee as a Clinical Assistant Professor.

Hector Gonzalez, PhD
Pre-Health Professions Programming & Advising
PhD Chemistry
University of North Texas
Since 2013, Dr. Gonzalez has served as visiting instructor, instructor, and advisor for pre-allied health, pre-medical and pre-pharmacy students at Texas A&M International University. Dr. Gonzalez joins as Assistant Professor and Executive Director, Pre-Health Professions Programming and Advising.

Tamara Hryshchuk, MS, RNC-NIC
Nursing
MS Nursing Leadership
Southern Nazarene University
Ms. Hryshchuk is pursuing her doctorate in nursing practice from Bradley University. She has 19 years of experience as an RN and holds a national certification in neonatal intensive care nursing. She has been teaching undergraduate students seeking nursing licensure for the past seven years. Additionally, she teaches experienced nurses through continuing education classes at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. Ms. Hryshchuk joins the Department of Health Professions as an Instructor.

Cassandra Linde, MS
Mathematics
MS Mathematics
University of Arkansas
Ms. Linde received a B.A. in mathematics from Hendrix College in 1980 and an M.S. in mathematics from the University of Arkansas in 1983. She completed the coursework toward a Ph.D. in applied mathematics at the University of Virginia in 1986. In May, 2019, she retired from being an instructor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Ms. Linde joins the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as an adjunct.

Tina Linn, MS, CAS
Speech Language Pathology
MS Speech Language Pathology
University of Tulsa
Mrs. Linn is a Speech Language Pathologist with 25+ years of experience working in a variety of settings specializing in the evaluation and treatment of developmental, neurologic based, genetically caused, social/economic communication disorders and experience working with English language learners. Mrs. Linn is also a certified autism specialist. Mrs. Linn joins the Department of Health Professions as a Instructor and School Supervisor.

David Liu, PhD
Biology
PhD Biology
City University Of New York
Dr. Liu has taught many courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and in both Medical School and Pharmacy School. His research focus is on the deregulation of cell signaling and cell cycle in cancer cells and the use of this knowledge for targeted cancer intervention. Dr. Liu joins the Department of Natural Sciences as an Associate Professor.

Janette Quarles, DRPH
Speech Language Pathology
DRPH Public Health
University of Oklahoma
Dr. Quarles brings a diverse experience base as the owner of a manufacturing company, as a Director of Special Education in the Oklahoma public schools, as the principal investigator on research projects with significant results in public health and education, and as a practicing licensed speech pathologist. She has authored statewide policy and protocol documents for the State of Oklahoma. Dr. Quarles joins the Department of Health Professions as an Assistant Professor.

Dorothy Radin, EDD
Mathematics
EDD Curriculum and Instruction, Math Education
Oklahoma State University
Dr. Radin has been teaching junior college and university classes for almost 30 years, mostly in Math education classes, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2014 she retired from NSU but has volunteered for the Math Department since then. Currently she teaches part-time, as needed, for NSU-BA and ORU in Tulsa. Dr. Radin joins the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as an adjunct.

Elizabeth Waring, PhD
Biology
PhD Biology
Texas Tech University
Dr. Waring joins the Department of Natural Sciences as an Assistant Professor. She has previously taught courses to both Biology majors and non-majors. Dr. Waring's current research focuses on impacts of global change on physiological and ecological traits of plants.

Shao Wen, MS
Mathematics
MS Mathematics
University of Oklahoma
Shao Wen joins the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as an adjunct.

Richard Zamor, PhD
Biology
PhD Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Oklahoma
Dr. Zamor is an aquatic ecologist who has a passion for understanding the interaction between humans and our environment. He investigates fundamental questions of community and invasion ecology in aquatic organisms ranging from fish to microbes. Dr. Zamor joins the Department of Natural Sciences as an Assistant Professor.

Oklahoma College of Optometry

Carolyn Majcher, OD
Optometry
OD Optometry
Salus University
Dr. Majcher has worked to establish herself within the optometric community as an expert in retinal disease as well as OCT/OCT angiography imaging. She is a member of the Optometric Retina Society and routinely lectures nationally at AAO and presents research at ARVO. Dr. Majcher joins the Oklahoma College of Optometry as an Associate Professor.

Administration

Janet Buzzard, PhD
College of Business and Technology Dean
EdD Business Education
Oklahoma State University

Dr. Buzzard previously served as Dean of the College of Business at Eastern New Mexico University where she grew the MBA program by 252%, provided leadership to students and faculty, and created the Personal Financial Planning curriculum which was approved by the National CFP Board. For over 20 years, she has worked in higher education and has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in CIS, MIS, IT and Cybersecurity. Dr. Buzzard has presented and published many articles in the areas of International Business, CIS/IT and Business Education. She joins the College of Business & Technology as Dean.

College of Business & Technology

Nayyer Naseem, PhD (ABD)
Marketing
PhD (ABD) Marketing
Wayne State University

Mr. Naseem successfully defended his dissertation Global Brands and Drivers of Consumers Purchase Behavior: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective. He received the 2016 Best Graduate Student Research Award at Wayne State University's School of Business. Mr. Naseem has been a graduate teaching and research assistant at WSU since 2012 and joins the Department of Marketing, Hospitality & Supply Chain Management as an assistant professor.

Kimberly Prag-Ryals, MS
Accounting
MS Accounting & Financial Analysis
Northeastern State University

Ms. Prag-Ryals brings over 10+ years of experience in accounting to the Department of Accounting and Finance as an instructor. She has worked as Director of Registration and Director of Accounting at Northeastern Health System, Controller at Connors State College, and as a Financial Auditor at Eide Bailly.

Rick Wallace, DSc
Healthcare Administration
DSc Health Services Administration
University of Alabama, Birmingham

Dr. Wallace is an American College of Healthcare Executives fellow. His recent professional experience includes serving as the President and CEO of San Juan Regional Medical Center in New Mexico. The hospital served over 300,000 residents in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. As an adjunct professor, he has taught courses at the University of Alabama and Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Dr. Wallace joins the Department of Business Administration as an assistant professor.

College of Liberal Arts

Anna De Vaul, PhD
English
PhD Creative Writing & Critical Writing
University of East Anglia

Dr. De Vaul serves as fiction editor for the Lighthouse Literary Journal and as an editor and a director at Gatehouse Press. She has led creative writing workshops around the world and lectured at Kean University while serving as the World Literature Coordinator. Dr. De Vaul joins the Department of Languages and Literature as an assistant professor.

Rebekah Doyle, PhD
Criminal Justice
PhD Public Policy & Administration
Walden University

Since 2012, Dr. Doyle has served as a Health Educator for the Oklahoma State Department of Health and has taught courses in higher education as an adjunct at NSU. Dr. Doyle joins the Department of Criminology, Justice Studies, and Global Security as a visiting assistant professor.

Benjamin Hay, MM
Music
MM Performance
University of New Mexico

Mr. Hay joins the Department of Music as an instructor and is pursuing his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. His professional experience includes teaching as artist instructor of trumpet at NSU, adjunct music faculty at Tulsa Community College, High Brass Clinician at Coweta Public Schools and Sapulpa Public Schools, and private trumpet instructor.

Sarah Lowman, PhD (ABD)
Spanish
PhD (ABD) Romance Languages
University of Georgia

Ms. Lowman joins the Department of Languages and Literature as an instructor. She is pursuing a doctorate for her research analyzing the representation of the environment in contemporary Nahua literature of Mexico. She received the United States Department of Education Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship in 2016 and was a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Georgia.

Whitney Myers, DMA
Music
DMA Vocal Performance
University of Kentucky, Lexington

Dr. Myers joins the Department of Music as an assistant professor. She is a private voice instructor and was a visiting instructor at NSU from 2016-2017. Some of her research interests include Music of Les Six, French Classical Vocal Literature and 20th Century Vocal Literature.

Irina Strout, PhD
English
PhD English Language
University of Tulsa

Dr. Strout received her B.A. and M.A. in English and German from Moscow State Linguistic University. She also holds an M.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Tulsa and a PhD in English Language from the University of Tulsa. Dr. Strout joins the Department of Languages and Literature as an assistant professor.

Lauren Wright, PhD
Criminal Justice
PhD Sociology
University of Central Florida

Dr. Wright joins the Department of Criminology, Justice Studies, and Global Security as an assistant professor. She is pursuing a doctorate for her dissertation on Race and Serial Rape: Exploring Racial and Ethnic Bias in Print Media Coverage of Serial Rape Cases. In 2016, Dr. Wright received the Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of Central Florida Department of Sociology.

Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions

Janaki Iyer, PhD
Biology
PhD Molecular and Cellular Biology
State University of New York at Stony Brook

Dr. Iyer's post-doctoral work has focused on studying infectious diseases. She has taught undergraduate courses at Tulsa Community College and NSU and mentored and trained high school, undergraduate, graduate, medical students and staff in conducting laboratory research. Dr. Iyer joins the Department of Natural Science as an assistant professor.

Naixue (Neal) Xiong, PhD
Computer Science
PhD Computer Science
Wuhan University
PhD Information Science
Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Dr. Xiong has 10+ years of experience teaching in the US, Japan, and China. He has published over 200 journal papers and over 100 top conference papers. His professional experience includes teaching at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Colorado Technical University and Georgia State University. Dr. Xiong joins the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science as an associate professor.

Oklahoma College of Optometry

Jonathan Janzen, OD
Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
Northeastern State University

Dr. Janzen received his B.S. in Mathematics and his OD from Northeastern State University's Oklahoma College of Optometry. Dr Janzen joins the NSUOCO as an assistant professor.

Brent Roberts, OD
Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
Northeastern State University

Dr. Roberts was a student clinician from 2014-2017 in the NSUOCO where he was involved in patient care including primary care, contact lens fitting and evaluation, and low vision services. He completed rotations in Cherokee Nation Clinics where he saw 8-12 patients per day. Dr. Roberts joins the NSUOCO as a clinical assistant professor.

Jessica White, OD
Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
Northeastern State University

Dr. White is a graduate of Northeastern State University's Oklahoma College of Optometry. She completed her externship at the Indian Health Services Clinical Externship, Triad Eye Institute Externship and worked at the NSUOCO and Cherokee Nation Clinics from 2015-2017. Dr. White joins the NSUOCO as a clinical assistant professor.

Andrew Young, OD
Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
Northeastern State University

Dr. Young received the Indian Health Service Professions Scholarship from 2013-2017 at Northeastern State University. His clinical experience includes rotations for adult primary care, pediatrics, Cherokee National rural eye clinics, lesion removals, and he completed a Veterans Affairs site externship. Dr. Young joins the NSUOCO as a clinical assistant professor.

NSU Libraries

Erica Argyropoulos, MLIS & PhD
Library
MLIS Library Information Studies 
University of Oklahoma
PhD Musicology
University of Kansas

Dr. Argyropoulos's professional experience includes working as an archive project assistant at the University of Oklahoma, Assistant Archivist at the Tulsa Foundation of Architecture, and Adjunct Professor at West Virginia State University and Marshall University. Dr. Argyropoulos joins the John Vaughan Library as an instructor.

Bianca Smith, MA
Library
MA Library and Information Science
University of South Florida

Ms. Smith has worked as a volunteer and intern at the St. Augustine Historical Research Library and as a student assistant at the University of South Florida. She joins the John Vaughan Library as an instructor and catalog librarian.

Administration