HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 23, 2024 – High Point University welcomed more than 70 new faculty members this academic year, including 34 newly created positions. The new hires were needed to accommodate HPU’s growth in student enrollment and academic programs.
HPU welcomed the largest group of new students (1,650) and the largest total enrollment (6,335) in school history this fall. In addition, the university started several new academic programs and opened three new schools — the Workman School of Dental Medicine, the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law and the David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship.
Here is a glimpse at some of the new scholars and practitioners who have joined the HPU family.
Workman School of Dental Medicine
Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law
Congdon School of Health Sciences
Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy
Wanek School of Natural Sciences
David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship
Earl N. Phillips School of Business
David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design
Douglas S. Witcher School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences
Nido R. Qubein School of Communication
HPU School of Optometry
Webb School of Engineering
Workman School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Johanna Tesoniero, Chief Dental Officer, Professor and Associate Dean for Clinical Operations
Tesoniero oversees HPU’s Oral Health Network of dental practices and leads experiential learning experiences for the dental program. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University, completed her General Practice Residency (GPR) at Bronx Lebanon Albert Einstein and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Washington State University. She was honored to be among the 2% of dentists who received the Mastership Award through the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD) and is expected to receive the Lifelong Learning, Service and Research Award this year.
Tesoniero said she is most excited to contribute to the education of the next generation of dentists and positively impact the communities she is a part of.
Dr. Sompop Bencharit, Chief Innovation Officer, Professor and Associate Dean for Innovation
Bencharit is leading digital dentistry technology implementations in HPU’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) graduate program and HPU’s Oral Health Network of dental practices. He provides liaison with dental industries for clinical support and research innovation. He also guides clinical research while he supports the establishment of continuing education for clinical faculty, students, alumni and dental professional communities. Bencharit formerly was assistant dean for innovation at the Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edward College of Dental Medicine. He earned his DDS in 1994 from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. He earned his Master of Science (M.S.) in prosthodontics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Adams School of Dentistry in 1999, and his Ph.D. in oral biology and a certificate in clinical research at UNC in 2003 and 2007, respectively. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a fellow of The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentistry. In 2021, Bencharit received the ACP Distinguished Researcher Award. He has an extensive publication record and serves in various editorial roles, including associate editor of the Journal of Prosthodontics, academic editor of PLOS ONE and an editorial board member for Scientific Reports. He is also a contributing editor for the ADA/Elsevier Clinical Update, where he has written more than 1,000 clinician’s take home messages. Bencharit authored two textbook chapters and is in the process of publishing a textbook.
“HPU’s Workman School of Dental Medicine has given me a prime opportunity to build digital dentistry and innovation that will change dental education forever,” Bencharit said. “I am so excited to build my labs in front of the new dental school and to incorporate all technologies into our practice network.”
Dr. David Darab, Clinical Professor and Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/ Dental Anesthesiology
Darab has more than 30 years of clinical experience and is board-certified in all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesiology. Since 1991, he has served as the managing partner of a private practice in Hickory, North Carolina.
Darab earned an MBA degree and certification as an exit planning advisor and senior business strategy professional. He earned his DDS from the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Residency from UT-Southwestern Medical Center at Parkland Memorial and Affiliated Hospitals in Dallas, Texas. In addition to his surgical expertise, Darab is a business coach and advisor specializing in strategy. The innovative culture within the Workman School of Dental Medicine allows him the opportunity to create programs to enhance patient care.
Dr. Margrit Maggio, Clinical Professor and Director of Simulation Learning
Maggio is an expert in haptics simulation in dentistry, restorative dentistry, operative dentistry and practice readiness for dental students. She earned her DMD at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (UPSDM) and a fellowship from the American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute. She has more than 20 years of experience as an academic clinical faculty member at UPSDM and more than 30 years of clinical practice experience.
Her responsibilities include sharing her experience as part of the team implementing an innovative dental medicine curriculum. She is excited to be part of the HPU community and culture.
Dr. Christian Brenes, Clinical Professor and Founding Director of Digital Dentistry
As founding director of digital dentistry, Brenes is responsible for implementing Digital Dentistry across the clinical network, setting up the Digital Dental Laboratory and directing the post-graduate Digital Dentistry Fellowship Program. Brenes earned his DDS, his M.S. in prosthodontics and was the former director of the first Digital Dentistry master program at another institution.
“I’m very excited to start a better program across state-of-the-art facilities to recruit worldwide talent and collaborate with different departments across the University,” Brenes said. “My main goal as a clinical faculty is to implement technology to lead the new generations and to benefit our communities by making treatments more affordable, more efficient and more predictable.”
Dr. Shaiba Sandhu, Clinical Assistant Professor, Oral Medicine Oncology and Orofacial Pain
Sandhu is double board-certified in Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain from Harvard University Affiliated Hospitals (Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute).
Her experience includes attending clinical faculty at HPU Health, Novant Cancer Institute in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Atrium Advocate Health at High Point Medical Center. Her educational background includes earning her DDS at the University of California – San Francisco and a M.S. in higher education at Purdue University.
Dr. Chance Hunsaker, Clinical Assistant Professor
As part of HPU’s Digital Innovation Team, Hunsaker’s focus is on integrating modern dental technologies, such as intraoral scanners, dental mills and 3D printers, into the practices of the HPU Health Network. He also trains faculty, staff and students on how to effectively utilize these technologies in a patient-centered manner. Hunsaker graduated with a DDS degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston in 2022 and furthered his education at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he earned a master’s in digital dentistry in May 2024.
“I am thrilled to bring the future of dentistry to HPU and to be part of starting a school that trains dentists for the modern and future dental practice,” Hunsaker said.
Dr. Melanie Hairston, Associate Clinical Professor in General Dentistry
Hairston earned her undergraduate B.S. degree at Winston-Salem State University and her DDS at the UNC-Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry.
“What excites me most is being able to be a part of history,” she said. “This brand-new program has a completely different approach to dental school and showing learners how to be entrepreneurs. This environment is nurturing and loving. The new innovations and technology are remarkable, and I love the idea of sharing my passion for providing extraordinary care with the learners.”
Dr. Syreeta McTavous, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dental Medicine
McTavous supports her colleagues in creating and implementing an exemplary curriculum for learners and helps learners perfect their skills as a dental clinician. She earned her B.S at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and obtained her DDS at Howard University’s College of Dentistry. She completed a General Practice Residency (GPR) at Abington Memorial Hospital.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to work with an amazing team to help train a new generation of dental providers who will successfully serve their communities with extraordinary care by learning via an integrated format how to put the patient first all while utilizing the best technological advances in dentistry,” McTavous said.
Dr. Carlos Barrero, Adjunct Clinical Professor of Dental Medicine
Barrero works as a clinical professor and provides dental care in HPU’s Franklin Street office in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He earned his DDS at the Colombian School of Medicine in 1992, his certificate in Prosthodontics from Rutgers University in 1999 and M.S. in Oral Biology from Rutgers University in 2000.
“I’m excited to be part of a new dental school, provide dental care in my community and support the mission of HPU’s Workman School of Dental Medicine with my experience and training,” Barrero said.
Dr. Amy Farrar, Clinical Associate Professor of Dental Medicine
Farrar works as a clinical associate professor and provides patient-centered care at HPU’s Hillandale office in Durham, North Carolina, and HPU’s Franklin Street office in Chapel Hill. She earned her BS degree in Dental Hygiene at the UNC-Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry in 1994, then returned to the UNC Adams School of Dentistry to earn her DDS degree in 2007.
“I am honored to work with our learners and provide them with the life skills needed to face real-world challenges, help them grow personally and become community leaders,” Farrar said.
Dr. Diana Wang, Clinical Associate Professor of Dental Medicine
Wang is a part-time clinical associate professor at HPU, where she develops academic content focusing on pathophysiological processes and oral maxillofacial pathology. She earned her DDS with Honors from the UCLA School of Dentistry and pursued her interest in oral and maxillofacial pathology through a residency program at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. At Harvard, she also completed her DMSc and defended her thesis on alternative epigenetic pathways in melanoma progression.
Wang said she was eager to join HPU, aiming to inspire a passion for continuous learning through the integration of research, knowledge and clinical practice to enhance patient care.
Scott Gaylord, Professor of Law and Director of HPU’s Appellate Advocacy Clinic
Gaylord teaches Constitutional law, First Amendment speech and First Amendment religion. He also will offer a course related to appellate advocacy through HPU’s Appellate Advocacy Clinic. As director of the clinic, he will be responsible for all aspects, from selecting important cases making their way through the judicial system, interacting with the clinic’s clients and working directly with students to research, draft, revise and file the appellate briefs with the appropriate courts.
Gaylord earned his B.A. in philosophy and English at Colgate University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Konosioni Senior Honor Society, lettered four years in varsity track and field and graduated summa cum laude. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy at UNC Chapel Hill, where he won a Students’ Undergraduate Teaching Award and a Williams Dissertation Fellowship. He earned his jurius doctor (J.D.) at the Notre Dame Law School, where he was a member of the Notre Dame Law Review, received a Kiley Fellowship and graduated as summa cum laude, salutatorian.
“I am honored to join the inaugural faculty at High Point Law,” Gaylord said. “Building a law school is both incredibly exciting and challenging. I am blessed to work with Dean Mark Martin and my colleagues to build a law school committed to training professionals who will serve their clients and communities with integrity and grace. I am particularly excited to work with the many talented students who will help us develop a culture of humility, compassion and mutual support. The entrepreneurial spirit and professionalism of our first class will not only establish the benchmark for the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law but also will enrich and strengthen the larger legal profession for years to come.”
Jennifer Martin, Clinical Associate Professor of Law, Director of the Community Law Clinic
Martin teaches criminal law to first-year students and implements HPU’s vision for the Community Law Clinic to help the community while providing practical real-world experience for law students. She teaches the classroom component of the clinical course for law students to prepare them to advocate in court for clients on issues ranging from driver’s license restoration to expungement of criminal records. She also works with the law school’s Clinical Advisory Board to supervise the students as they offer these services to members of the High Point community to increase their access to justice. Martin earned her B.A. in English at Wake Forest University in 1996 and her J.D. at Wake Forest University in 1999.
“HPU stands out as a community of higher learning dedicated to intellectual curiosity and personal growth,” Martin said. “I’m humbled to join the law school team to prepare our law students to be the lawyer leaders of tomorrow as they begin their careers with a strong foundation rooted in the ethos of the undergraduate college. My new role as a professor will allow me to contribute to my profession by helping prepare and educate new lawyers trained in practical skills on the day they graduate from the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law.”
Ashley Castillo, Assistant Dean for Students, Clinical Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Veterans Law Clinic
As assistant dean for students, Castillo serves as the liaison between students and law school faculty and staff. She helps to integrate students into the law school and community, and ensures students uphold the Honor Code, understand policies and expectations, and manage student organizations and resources. She will teach veterans law and assign VA disability benefits appeals to students as director of the Veteran’s Law Clinic, which will launch in fall 2025. Castillo holds a B.A. and has been practicing as an attorney since passing the Virginia bar in 2013.
“High Point University fosters an inviting and inspiring environment that deeply resonates with me,” Castillo said. “The university’s core values of faith, family and country align with my own principles. I also appreciate the faculty lunches on Wednesdays, which provide valuable opportunities for connection and collaboration with my colleagues.”
Robert Edmunds, Jurist in Residence, Lecturer in Law
Hon. Robert Edmunds teaches legal writing this semester and will co-teach Criminal Law in the spring semester. As Jurist in Residence, he will be available to students to discuss their studies and the various opportunities available to them as a lawyer. Justice Edmunds served as an Associate Justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court. He earned his B.A. from Vassar College in 1971, his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1975 and his Master of Law in the Judicial Process from the University of Virginia in 2004.
“I am looking forward to a close association with the law students and working with them as they learn the writing and study skills that they will need to master to become successful lawyers,” Edmunds said. “I am also enjoying the process of creating the role of full-time Jurist in Residence at High Point University School of Law.“
Kip Nelson, Assistant Director of Advocacy and Associate Professor of Law
Nelson’s primary responsibility is to assist with the legal research and writing program. Prior to joining the faculty, he worked as an appellate litigator at a large law firm. He earned a B.S. in psychology from Brigham Young University and a J.D. and LL.M. (Master of Law) from the Duke University School of Law. He is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as an appellate practice specialist.
“I am passionate about legal writing and look forward to helping the law students develop that passion as well,” Nelson said. “Whatever career path a lawyer ends up taking, the ability to research and write will be critical.”
Peter Nemerovski, Associate Professor of Law and Director of Advocacy
Nemerovski directs and teaches in the law school’s legal writing program. The program consists of two required first-year Legal Research and Writing courses that teach students how to write the types of documents they will produce as practicing attorneys. As director of the program, he works closely with the law school’s administration to design the curriculum and formulate policies. Nemerovski earned his undergraduate degree in Politics from Princeton University and a law degree from the University of Michigan.
“I’m very excited to help build what I believe will be an extraordinary law school,” he said. “We’ve been blessed with an outstanding group of students in our inaugural class, and I’m excited to work with them on their writing. I’m also excited to build a legal writing program that meets the needs of our students and prepares them to succeed as practicing lawyers.”
Sola G. Babatunde, Lecturer on Law and Associate Director Law Library
Babatunde is responsible for management of the Kenneth F. Khan School of Law Library. This responsibility includes managing the budget, hiring and training library staff, and strategic planning as well as ensuring a proper fit between the library collection and the teaching and research needs of faculty and students. He also ensures the library operates in compliance with the law and the accreditation standards of the American Bar Association. He earned his LL.B. degree at the University of Lagos, Nigeria; B.L. at Nigerian Law School; LL.M. in Comparative Law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas; MDiv. at Liberty University, and Master of Library and Information Science at the University of North Texas, Denton.
“There are three reasons why I am excited to be part of HPU,” Babatunde said. “As Dr. Nido Qubein often says, you become like the people you associate with. HPU is a university with a unique mission: God, family and country. These are the non-negotiable fundamentals of HPU. I am glad to be part of a group of principled people. Secondly, HPU also embodies the value of justice, kindness and humility. These qualities are the core of my life. Thirdly, I am excited about the opportunity to participate in training students who believe in the principles of justice, kindness and humility.”
Tom Molony, Professor of Law
Molony teaches law in the Kenneth F. Khan School of Law. He earned his B.S. in Commerce, summa cum laude, from Washington and Lee University in 1993 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He also is licensed as a certified public accountant in North Carolina and practiced public accounting with KPMG Peat Marwick from 1993-95. He earned his J.D., summa cum laude, at the Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1998. While in law school, he served as managing editor of the Washington and Lee Law Review, and he was inducted into the Order of the Coif. As a member of the North Carolina State Bar, Molony practiced law at the Charlotte law firm Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson from 1998 to 2008.
“I am excited to work with dedicated students and colleagues to build a law school community that doesn’t silence or compel but listens, proposes, nurtures and challenges,” Molony said.
Congdon School of Health Sciences
Dr. Shanmugam Nagarajan, Director of Biomedical Science, Professor of Biomedical Science
Nagarajan joined HPU as the director of the Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) Program, bringing more than 30 years of experience in biomedical research and academic settings. His research focuses on autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases, and he has authored more than 70 publications. Nagarajan has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and physician-scientists. His leadership in biomedical research is marked by a dedicated effort to translate complex scientific concepts into practical clinical applications.
“As the new director of Biomedical Sciences at High Point University, I offer a fresh perspective from my experience leading biomedical research in academic and biotech settings,” said Nagarajan. “Our team at High Point University is dedicated to guiding students with ambitions to attend medical, dental or graduate schools in the future. As faculty members of the Biomedical Science Program, we are all working together toward the common goal of helping Biomedical Science Masters students achieve their future aspirations.”
Marissa Sciacca, Faculty Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Professor
Sciacca is a certified physician assistant who came to HPU’s Physician Assistant Studies Program with 10 years of clinical experience in both emergency medicine and urgent care medicine. Her responsibilities include working with the PA program to establish new rotation sites and follow up on current rotation sites to make sure students are getting the experience they need to succeed in this field. Sciacca said her transition into PA education provides her with an opportunity to shape health care providers of the future. She earned her B.S. with a minor in psychology and a master’s in physician assistant studies.
“I am very excited to be part of the HPU family, working with students to achieve their goals and become a successful PA,” Sciacca said.
Dr. Matt Kesic, Didactic Faculty/Professor
Kesic brings more than 15 years of higher education teaching experience in several health science programs to HPU’s MPA program. His main responsibilities will be teaching didactic phase students by bridging the gaps between basic science and clinical medicine. He earned his B.S. and M.S. from Youngstown State University with a focus in molecular genetics and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University with a focus in immunology and virology. Kesic received his clinical master of physician assistant studies (MPAS) degree from Campbell University and practiced in urgent care medicine.
“My research interest is looking at how viral infections modulate the immune response in allergic asthmatics,” said Kesic. “I am also focusing on understanding and measuring graduate student burnout. I am excited to train the next generation of physician assistants in the collaborative environment here at HPU.”
Dr. Jordan Bettleyon, Assistant Professor
Bettleyon’s clinical expertise is in therapeutic exercise and performance in collegiate athletes. He continues to actively work as a clinician, supporting athletes in multiple settings where his expertise is necessary. At HPU, he will lead the course series in therapeutic interventions in the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. His responsibilities are to provide MSAT students with the appropriate skills to evaluate, assess and provide a multifactorial approach to rehabilitation and performance. This is accomplished through a mixture of didactic and experiential work with evidence-based practice at the forefront of clinical decision-making.
He earned his B.S. in exercise science and M.S. in athletic training from Bloomsburg University. He completed his advanced clinical doctorate in athletic training from Moravian University. He also is a certified athletic trainer (ATC), licensed athletic trainer in North Carolina (LAT), certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and certified exercise physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-EP).
“I’m excited to be a part of the High Point University faculty to guide future clinicians in the field of athletic training,” Bettleyon said. “I will continue to lecture at different sports performance and rehabilitation conferences with a focus on athlete rehabilitation, Return to Play and periodization of recovery modalities.”
Dr. David M. Bazett-Jones, Professor, Chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance
Bazett-Jones’ research interests include patellofemoral pain and other running-related injuries in youth and adults, hip and trunk muscle function testing, and lower extremity and trunk movement analysis. He has more than 65 publications in high impact journals and more than 150 presentations.
He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist as well as a certified athletic trainer, and he has worked at various levels of sport, from high school to professional. He sits on the Executive Board of the International Patellofemoral Research Network. He received a Ph.D. in Health Sciences with concentrations in Biomechanics and Motor Control from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2011, his M.S. in Biomechanics from Ball State University in 2006, and his B.S. in Athletic Training from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2004.
“I am excited to join HPU because I value a student-centered approach to teaching that emphasizes excellence but recognizes that students are people first and foremost,” said Bazett-Jones. “I look forward to inspiring students to pursue knowledge with unending curiosity in facilities and environments that are truly extraordinary.”
Les Eason, Assistant Professor
Eason will teach human gross anatomy in the Athletic Training graduate program within the Congdon School of Health Sciences, and anatomy in the undergraduate program. He is a paleoanthropologist and comparative morphologist specializing in the evolution of locomotor traits and obstetric constraints of the human and non-human primate hip.
Eason earned his B.A. in anthropology from Texas Tech University, M.Ed. in Administration from Lamar University and both his M.A. in anthropology and Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from the University of Arkansas. He is a former HPU Anatomy Teaching Fellow, was a Sturgis International Research Fellow and comes to HPU from the University of Tulsa, where he was a visiting assistant professor of Biological Anthropology.
Eason’s current research uses 3D geometric morphometrics and diffeomorphic surface matching to model and evaluate the evolvability, modularity and evolutionary flexibility of the human and non-human primate hip. At HPU, Eason said he is most excited about contributing to the growth of the Health and Human Performance program, collaborating with colleagues on research and teaching, and encouraging and motivating HPU students in the classroom while offering opportunities for students to get involved in laboratory research and field research.
Dr. Jason Keeler, Assistant Professor
Keeler will teach human physiology and an analysis and critique course designed to encourage critical thinking about scientific literature and understanding of basic questions scientists answer through their work. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and recently completed a competitive postdoctoral research fellowship in Environmental and Integrative Physiology at the Indiana University School of Public Health. Keeler earned his B.S. in exercise science with a minor in psychology at Indiana University. He earned his M.S. in kinesiology and health promotion, as well as a graduate teaching certificate and his Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Kentucky.
“I am very excited to join a university that puts the students’ academics first and strives to provide real-life experiences that will help them in their perspective career fields,” said Keeler. “I am in awe of the facilities available to complete good research that can be impactful on the student learning process and in the realm of human health and performance. I am excited to join the extraordinary faculty at HPU in the Congdon School of Health Sciences.”
Keeler received the Adolfo M. Hernandez Memorial Award for Outstanding Research by a Professional from the American College of Sports Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Physiology Interest Group at the May 2024 ACSM annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. He also received the Partnership for Clean Competition Anti-Doping Postdoctoral Research Award from the American Physiological Society’s Environmental and Exercise Physiology Section at the April 2024 APS Summit in Long Beach, California. In April 2022, he received the Dr. Charles (Tip) Tipton Postdoctoral Research Award from the American Physiological Society’s Environmental and Exercise Physiology Section at the Experimental Biology Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also won the President’s Award for Best Overall Oral Presentation at the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society annual meeting in June 2021.
Dr. Katie Beaudoin, Assistant Professor and Director of Research
Beaudoin is a fellowship trained physician assistant with more than 19 years of clinical, leadership and academic acumen. She brings experience in medical science research, Instructional Review Board proposals and academic instruction with both in-person and online teaching platforms. As an adjunct professor for HPU’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program, Beaudoin oversaw every capstone project since the program’s inception. She will continue to lead graduates through their capstone process and successful completion of their doctorate degrees.
“As a new faculty member, I am deeply committed to guiding our doctoral students through their academic journey, with a focus on rigorous scientific research and the widespread dissemination of their projects,” Beaudoin said. “I have great confidence in our students’ potential to make meaningful contributions to health care, advance the PA profession and significantly enhance their individual career trajectories. My passion lies in fostering an environment where each student can excel in their research endeavors and ultimately make a lasting impact in their chosen field.”
After Beaudoin earned her B.S. from Butler University in 2002, she returned for PA school and graduated with a B.S. in Health Sciences in 2005, followed by an ER fellowship and earned her master’s from the University of Texas. She earned her Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree with a concentration in medical science and administration and leadership. She has held multiple faculty positions throughout her career, including at the UT McGovern Medical School, Baylor College of Medicine, Butler University, and as an adjunct professor at HPU. She continues to practice clinically for UT Health Medical School in Houston as a pulmonary/surgical critical care PA.
Jason Newman, Assistant Professor of PA Studies
Newman teaches Pharmacology within the Physician Assistant Studies program. He is also a facilitator of the problem-based learning (PBL) course. He earned his B.S. in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech and his M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from Shenandoah University, and he is board certified by the NCCPA.
“I’m excited to bring my 12 years of primary care experience as a physician assistant to the classroom,” Newman said. “My goal is to help each PA student develop a strong foundation of medical knowledge, navigate real-world scenarios, and ultimately function as a high-level PA in the clinical setting.”
Paula Stuart, Assistant Professor of PA Studies
Stuart is a course instructor for History and Physical Examination in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and serves as faculty facilitator for problem-based learning. She earned her B.S. in Food, Nutrition and Food Service Management at the UNC Greensboro in 1997 and completed the Dietetic Internship Program at UNCG in 1998. She worked as a registered dietitian in the hospital setting for six years, assessing patients in critical care and the burn unit for nutrition support, and counseling patients with eating disorders. She graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. Stuart has experience in family medicine, emergency medicine, urgent care and outpatient gastroenterology. For the past 17 years, she worked in outpatient gastroenterology at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where she focused primarily on patients with esophageal motility disorders and gastroparesis. She also was involved in gastroparesis research with the National Institutes of Health for the past 17 years. She is currently studying to complete her Master of Public Health Leadership at UNC Chapel Hill, with a projected graduation date in May 2025.
“I am incredibly excited and honored for this new opportunity as assistant professor at the Physician Assistant Program at High Point University,” Stuart said. “My values align with the university’s values of God, family and country, and I am impressed with the Physician Assistant Program’s up-to-date, innovative and emerging technology. I feel the faculty here are the best in the world and provide a positive culture of learning. Over the years, working as both registered dietitian and physician assistant, I have learned the importance of teamwork, collaboration and continuous learning. My goal in my role here is to mentor students and provide them with the practical knowledge and soft skills needed to be a successful provider and member of the care team. I feel it is important to encourage students to carry grace and humility, positivity, active-listening skills and enthusiasm, which are the essential skills needed to be able to work effectively with others.”
Dr. Jenny Reynolds, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Reynolds is director of the Therapeutic Exercise, Dry Needling and Modalities course in the first year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum and course director for Integrated Clinical Experiences that occur throughout the second year of the curriculum. She earned her B.S. in Kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University and her Ph.D. in Physical Therapy from Emory University, and she is a certified clinical specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
“My favorite part of working in a clinical setting earlier in my career was always when I had opportunities to be a clinical instructor and be part of a student’s education,” Reynolds said. “In this role, I get to be a part of all of our students’ educational journey and watch as they develop into exceptional future colleagues.”
Dr. Tahl Zimmerman, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences
Zimmerman holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and comes to the HPU MSBS Program with research interest in the choline kinase enzyme. He has previous experience in academics and research.
Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy
Dr. Christopher Adkins, Associate Professor of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences
Adkins teaches topics of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as advises and mentors pharmacy students. He looks forward to contributing to curricular and programmatic assessment to promote continuous quality improvement in all aspects of pharmacy education.
He earned his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. His doctoral dissertation explored the complex nature of the “blood-brain barrier” in the presence of brain metastases and how it influences the ability of medications, such as anti-cancer drugs, to distribute into metastases and elicit therapeutic effects. Shortly after receiving his Ph.D., Adkins pursued a postdoctoral fellowship and research assistant professorship at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, where he continued research of the blood-brain barrier and metastatic cancer cells. In 2016, he accepted an assistant professorship at the South University School of Pharmacy in Savannah, Georgia, where he focused primarily on teaching and mentoring pharmacy students in their didactic pharmacy education.
“I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to the professional development of pharmacy students in the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy,” Adkins said. “I am committed to evolving as an innovative and compassionate educator who supports and advocates for students from all backgrounds and circumstances. The university’s strong emphasis on a growth mindset resonates deeply with me; I aim to cultivate this mindset in myself and within the School of Pharmacy and larger education community at HPU.”
Dr. Angela Baalmann, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences
Baalmann is a pharmacist who obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas. She entered her role as an assistant professor of clinical sciences in August of 2023. She specializes in obesity management and outpatient care, both of which she currently collaborates on with Cone Health. She obtained her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care (BCACP) in 2023. Less than 2% of pharmacists in the United States earn and maintain this credential, which validates the pharmacist’s advanced knowledge and experience to optimize therapy for ambulatory patients. She coordinates two courses related to the creation of innovative ambulatory care practices, practice-based research and pharmacotherapy. She also contributes to the course preparing students to pass their board exams, required prior to entry into patient care.
“I am excited to participate in the culture of HPU, grow as an educator and contribute to the lives of my students, colleagues and patients in a variety of ways,” said Baalmann.
Dr. Stacey Cutrell, Assistant Professor of Ambulatory Care
As an assistant professor at the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, Cutrell’s teaching and scholarship focus on cardiometabolic and renal conditions. She provides chronic disease management services at Greensboro Medical Associates. She has also earned her BCACP. Cutrell received both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and PharmD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also completed post-graduate residency training at the University of Colorado and Virginia Commonwealth University.
“I am excited about creating relationships with students and helping them develop into successful future pharmacists,” Cutrell said.
Dr. Tamera Hughes, Clinical Assistant Professor
Hughes is responsible for teaching and mentoring students in the pharmacy school, primarily in the Social and Administrative Sciences in Pharmacy courses. In addition, she will continue her research in community pharmacies, focusing on marginalized and minoritized communities. She earned her B.S. in chemistry at Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi. She earned both her Pharm.D. and Ph.D. from Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. Most recently, Hughes completed two postdoctoral fellowships at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
“I’m excited to join the supportive faculty team at the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy and connect with the students, supporting them in their education. I’m also eager to fully engage with all that HPU has to offer,” Hughes said.
Dr. Inna Miroshnyk, Associate Professor of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences
Miroshynk is responsible for teaching pharmaceutical sciences courses for Pharm.D. students. She earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and her M.S. in Pharmacy.
“It is very exciting to join the HPU family during its centennial anniversary and be part of a new chapter in the history of the university,” Miroshnyk said. “I feel that it makes my transition very special and symbolic. Also, I am impressed by the research facilities here at the School of Pharmacy, and I am very excited about an opportunity to establish my research lab focusing on microfluidic platforms for drug product development.”
Wanek School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Matthew Talbert, Associate Professor and Chair of Biology Department
Talbert, who started at HPU in January 2024, supervises administration of the biology major for students, faculty and staff. He represents the department at meetings within HPU and with external parties, sets the departmental schedule, moderates departmental discussions and proposes leading ideas. He shares faculty responsibilities of teaching both lecture and lab classes, conducts research and constantly develops his knowledge base in serving the university and community.
Talbert earned a B.S. in biology with a concentration in Medical Humanities from Davidson College and a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Wake Forest University. He has received grant funding from the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network (an IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence program funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences), and as a sole principal investigator from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
“I’m most excited to make a positive impact in the department and become known as a steady source of support for students, faculty and staff that need me,” said Talbert. “I’m excited to get to know the students at HPU, see the amazing things of which I know they are capable up close, and use my knowledge of them and the larger world to help them move forward with their dreams. I’ve always been a believer that we have a responsibility to prepare majors for the very competitive world that exists outside the borders of campus, and I am eager to make good on that responsibility.”
Aakash Mehta, Senior Instructor, Department of Biology
Mehta teaches various biology courses. He earned his M.S. in biotechnology/bioinformatics at Johns Hopkins University and his M.S. in biological sciences at Long Island University, and he holds a certification in applied data science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He earned his B.S. in botany with a minor in zoology at Gujarat University in India.
“I’m excited about teaching, as it is my passion,” Mehta said. “I look forward to collaboration with excellent faculty and learning opportunities arising from the same. I’m driven by the curiosity of students and questions that lead to excellent teaching opportunities.”
Dr. Alexander Mosier, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Mosier teaches various biology lectures and labs while facilitating undergraduate research. He brings with him the opportunity for student research that focuses on the molecular basis of the circadian clock, a cellular biochemical rhythm that modulates physiology and behavior over the span of a defined period of time, such as a 24-hour day. His educational background includes earning a B.S. in biology from Coastal Carolina University and a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2021. He brings previous experience as a research scientist with the biotechnology company Ocugen, Inc., involving the investigation of gene therapy components. He has taught at other universities, including Thomas Jefferson University and Holy Family University.
“I am most excited about working with undergraduates, helping aid in their scientific education, discussing the various career options they have that are often times overlooked, and beginning my own research projects,” Mosier said.
Dr. Grace Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
Hamilton will teach both biochemistry and introductory chemistry courses. She also plans to apply for grants to establish a research program, to be conducted by HPU undergraduate students, that explores how fungi are able to change their cell shapes and survive in extreme conditions.
Hamilton earned her B.S. in biology and Russian with a chemistry minor from Bates College in 2015. She completed her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Washington in 2020. From 2021-2024, she was an IRACDA post-doctoral fellow at UNC, where she conducted research and taught at North Carolina Central University.
“I will mentor students both in the classroom and the research lab and create opportunities for as many students as possible to try their hands at biochemistry research,” Hamilton said. “I’m excited to create more authentic research experiences that retain young scientists in STEM. I know from both my lived personal experience and the academic literature that early research experiences can change the trajectory of careers and lives. Undergraduate students new to research bring such joy and energy to the process; it is an absolute joy to work with them in the lab and see them grow into capable and confident young scientists. I’m beyond excited to have a job where my primary responsibility will be the thing I love doing most: welcoming the next generation into the scientific and research community.”
Dr. William Kochen, Chair and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Kochen joins HPU as the founding chair of the Department of Neuroscience in the Wanek School of Natural Sciences. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in psychology and biology at Stony Brook University, and a master’s and Ph.D. in psychology with cognitive and behavioral neuroscience concentration at George Mason University. His research explores environmental effects on traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer’s Disease using human and rodent models and has been funded through grants from the National Institute on Aging and the Florida Department of Health. He has experience teaching both neuroscience and psychology and most recently was at Nova Southeastern University, where he was faculty in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.
“As the founding chair of the Department of Neuroscience, I will be focused on growing the department by hiring additional faculty members and leading construction of a rodent research vivarium in Wanek,” said Kochen. “In addition, I will be teaching classes and conducting student-assisted research.”
Kochen said he has heard wonderful things about HPU students and is excited to get to know them in the classroom as well as mentor them in research.
“My research heavily involves undergraduate assistants who are able to lead their own portion of the experiment and conduct their own independent research after training,” said Kochen. “I am also excited to bring in additional teacher-scholar faculty to our department to ensure that students are given a variety of opportunities to conduct research.”
Dr. Eric Rokni, Assistant Professor of Physics
With a Ph.D. in acoustics from Pennsylvania State University, Rokni brings expertise in biomedical and musical acoustics. His research at HPU will investigate bubble dynamics and the twinkling artifact associated with the use of Doppler ultrasound in human health applications.
Prior to joining HPU, Rokni was faculty at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and taught across the physics curriculum, including courses about the physics of musical instruments and thermodynamics.
Dr. Naresh Adhikari, Visiting Assistant Professor
Adhikari teaches an algebra-based physics course and inquiry lab. In addition, he supports students’ learning experiences and contributes to the physics department through involvement in meetings and other departmental activities. Adhikari earned a M.S. in physics from Bowling Green State University, a M.S. in Physics from Tribhuvan University in Nepal and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research area is in astrophysics. He theoretically and computationally investigates the gravitational waves that result from mergers of binary star systems (like neutron star mergers and black hole mergers) and works on searching for multi-messenger signals from such binary mergers.
“I enjoy teaching physics and making it accessible to students,” he said. “I appreciate how engaging the students are and the university’s emphasis on developing skills. I’m excited about making materials accessible and providing ample resources for students to engage with the content through assignments and testing. Additionally, I’m enthusiastic about the beautiful campus and community.”
David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship
Lou Anne Flanders-Stec, Founding Dean/Professor of the Practice – David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship
Flanders-Stec oversees the launch of the new entrepreneurship school in her role as dean and professor of the practice. She served as an assistant professor and director of HPU’s Center for Entrepreneurship from 2010-14. The number of students majoring in entrepreneurship grew significantly under her guidance.
Flanders-Stec earned her BSBA in business administration with a minor in political science at Ouachita Baptist University and her MBA at the University of North Texas. She most recently served as the vice president of strategic initiatives at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. She has real-world business experience, including stints as a fund executive in the Piedmont Triad and working as the chief financial officer at Signature Capital in New York. As executive vice president of entrepreneurship for Launch Greensboro from 2016-2023, she was responsible for programming for early-stage entrepreneurs.
During her previous time at HPU, Flanders-Stec created the university’s annual Business Plan Competition, where students compete for venture capital for their business plans and present their ideas to a panel of local business leaders for feedback. She also managed HPU’s Entrepreneurship Club, elevator pitch programs and speaker series.
“The groundwork has been laid for a great new School of Entrepreneurship, and the faculty is excited to support the growth and expansion of opportunities for students in the four majors and minors comprising the school – Entrepreneurship, Event Management, Hospitality Management and Sales (majors and minors), with Leadership Studies (minor),” Flanders-Stec said. “Additionally, I’m still connected with many of the entrepreneurship students I taught 10 years ago. Seeing their successes and being a part of this school to create more student success is really what excites me.”
Earl N. Phillips School of Business
Dr. Louis Ruggiero, Professor of the Practice of Management
Ruggiero teaches in the MBA program with a focus on Healthcare Management. His primary responsibilities include teaching courses, such as Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management in Healthcare, Healthcare Management, and Human Resources in Healthcare. He said he aims to bridge theory and practice by drawing on his extensive healthcare industry experience to provide students with practical knowledge and real-world applications. Ruggiero earned a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Interdisciplinary Leadership with a focus on Organizational Leadership at Creighton University, an MBA with a focus on Management and Marketing from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, and a B.A. in Speech Communication and Political Science from St. John’s University, where he graduated summa cum laude. His certifications include a Six Sigma Black Belt from GE Healthcare and a Corporate Governance and Board Directorship certification from UCLA.
“What excites me most about my position at HPU is the opportunity to shape future leaders in healthcare management by combining academic rigor with my extensive professional experience in the healthcare sector,” Ruggiero said. “I am passionate about sharing real-world insights and fostering an engaging learning environment where students can critically explore the complexities of healthcare organizations, strategic management and leadership. This role allows me to make a meaningful impact by helping students develop skills that are essential for their future success in healthcare leadership.”
John Carlisle, Assistant Professor of Marketing
Previously employed by HPU as an adjunct professor, Carlisle continues to teach a variety of marketing and sales courses for the Phillips School of Business. He earned his B.S. from Carnegie Mellon University, double majoring in Industrial Management and Economics. He completed a double master’s degree from Arizona State University (ASU) and the Thunderbird School of Global Management, earning an MBA from ASU and an MIM (Master of International Management) from Thunderbird.
“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to introduce students to the fields of marketing and sales, and the critical skills of negotiation,” Carlisle said. “I hope that some of my experiences and passion for these subjects ultimately spark their drive and professional curiosity. All the knowledge and skills I can instill will result in more capable and confident graduates.”
Dr. Rivin Perinchery, Assistant Professor of Economics
Perinchery teaches economics at the undergraduate and graduate levels while mentoring students and conducting research in experimental and theoretical economics. He plans to continue to advise students, supervise undergraduate research and contribute to various committees that strengthen the university. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Economics at Florida State University after he earned his B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, where he also obtained an undergraduate certificate in Entrepreneurship.
“What excites me most about my new position at High Point University is the innovative teaching environment and the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration,” Perinchery said. “HPU’s student-centered approach and strong support for research aligns perfectly with my professional values and interests. Additionally, the beautiful campus and welcoming community create an inspiring atmosphere for both personal and professional growth. I am thrilled to join a university that excels academically, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.”
Dr. Christopher de Bodisco, Associate Professor of Economics
De Bodisco is responsible for teaching three courses per semester and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals. He earned his B.A. at New College of Florida with a double major in Economics and Anthropology, and his doctorate in Economics at Vanderbilt University.
“I am excited for the opportunity to teach students about our market system and how it can result in environmental failures that lower our standard of living and constrain businesses from being as effective as possible,” de Bodisco said. “This is a great field for young professionals and entrepreneurs because understanding how these issues arise, and the best options for mitigating them, can separate our graduates from their peers.”
Dr. Matthew Gymer, Professor of the Practice of Management
Gymer teaches Organizational Behavior, Project Management and Strategic Management on the undergraduate level, and Project Management in the MBA program. He earned his D.B.A. at Case Western Reserve University, his MBA at the University of Phoenix, his M.L.A. at Harvard University and A.B. at The College of Wooster.
“Working with students is what excites me the most about my role at HPU,” Gymer said. “The practical and innovative nature of the teaching environment and the talented students from all over the world that arrive on this beautiful campus to acquire new knowledge make for a wonderful experience. I am thrilled to join the university at this exciting time of continued growth and new program development.”
David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design
Lisa Williams, Assistant Professor of Interior Design
Williams teaches classes in both interior design and fashion merchandising. She brings 13 years of experience as an interior designer and more than a decade of fashion merchandising, including eight years as vice president of merchandising, marketing and design for two major hosiery and intimate apparel manufacturers. She worked with national retailers, including JCPenney, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, Sears, Target and Walmart. Her interior architecture experience work ranged from commercial and government to multifamily projects, including a continuing care retirement community. She earned a M.S. in textile product merchandising and an M.F.A. in interior architecture as well as a B.S. in fashion merchandising and an A.A.S. in interior design.
“I am excited about everything related to my new position — working with highly regarded faculty in my field and in other departments, the opportunity to help students navigate their chosen career path and, of course, the opportunity to work on such a beautiful campus,” Williams said. “I feel like the life skills component of an HPU education provides an additional opportunity to set students up for success.”
Louis Raymond-Kolker, Instructor of Music
Raymond-Kolker is a composer and percussionist from Austin, Texas. He teaches percussion, composition, music theory, aural skills and arranging. He also will direct HPU’s Percussion Ensemble and co-direct the Wind Ensemble. He earned his B.M. in percussion performance at Texas A&M University-Commerce and his Master of Music in percussion performance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He travels the world for performances on steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and regularly premieres new works for instruments in the steelpan family. Raymond-Kolker is a member of the Dream Educators Collective and the Black Swamp Percussion Educator Network. His solo, chamber and orchestra compositions have been published by C. Alan Publications, while Boxfish Music Publishing has published his steelpan quartet and steel band compositions. He performs with the North Carolina Brass Band, Austin Percussion Collective and Larkspur Percussion Duo.
“I’m excited to have dedicated time and space to working with the students at HPU,” he said. “Over the past two years, we’ve revamped the Music Technology Lab and instituted a concert series for new music called Fresh Picked. I’m thrilled to continue these projects, along with aiming for new heights with the Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and my academic courses.”
Robert Overman, Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of Vocal Studies
Overman studied at the UNC Greensboro School of Music and Greensboro College, then received a professional certificate as an Opera Fellow from the Goldovsky Opera Institute. After moving to Europe to continue his career, he was a member of the Salzburger Theater and received an Artist Certificate from the Mozarteum Conservatory in Austria. In addition to formal studies, Overman was a first-place winner at the National Metropolitan Opera Auditions in New York City and the National Opera Association Auditions in Washington, D.C., and a finalist in the International Belvedere Competition in Vienna, Austria.
“HPU is a multicultural, multinational institution with a wonderful cross-section of students possessing a plethora of interests,” Overman said. “Working with students toward a common goal of developing a healthy, efficient and productive technique for singing, regardless of style or genre, offers daily challenges and considerable fulfillment. I find the students here at HPU to be intelligent, curious and capable of amazing things. I look forward to being a part of their growth and discovery.”
Douglas S. Witcher School of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences
Shannon O’Toole, Instructor of Criminal Justice
O’Toole teaches classes on introduction to the justice system, police operations and violent crime. He earned his M.A. in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security from the University of Mississippi. He previously worked as an trader and a mutual fund accountant before joining the Greensboro Police Department and later worked for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). He was the agency’s first public information officer (PIO) and has been a certified fraud examiner (CFE) for more than 14 years. He has conducted numerous investigations focused on medical provider fraud, embezzlement, investment fraud, money laundering, officer involved shootings and various violent crimes. O’Toole also conducted wiretap investigations of cartel-associated Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) before retiring from the SBI in June. Along with investigative expertise, he is interested in research associated with investment fraud and the financial exploitation of older adults. He seeks to identify the macro-economic impact of underreported and improperly classified white-collar crimes, in the hopes of aiding both law enforcement and the community in combating crime.
O’Toole said he is excited to become a part of HPU and is eager for the opportunity to engage with students in both classroom settings and criminal justice labs. He hopes to be a resource for students interested in community outreach, further academic study or a career in any area of criminal justice.
Dr. Keaton Kirkpatrick, Director of First-Year Writing
Kirkpatrick joins the HPU faculty as director of First-Year Writing. As the program is a major aspect of the freshman experience, his practices, supporting interdisciplinary interests in experiential environments, fit High Point’s academic cultural narrative. He earned his Ph.D. in rhetoric and writing at Michigan State University with a concentration on writing program administration. He earned his M.A. in English at California State University, Chico. His research is at the nexus of professional development, instructor agency and continued education about best practices in the teaching of writing. He brings practical experience, applicable research and scholarly achievements to HPU’s First-Year Writing Program. In addition to teaching, Kirkpatrick’s responsibilities include ensuring uniformity of the First-Year Writing Program with general education writing requirements, assessing the writing curriculum, assisting the English department chair in hiring and mentoring adjunct writing instructors and scheduling First-Year Writing courses.
“I am most excited to collaborate and learn with a vibrant faculty of writing educators and experts in the English department and First-Year Writing Program as we pursue shared university and program goals together,” Kirkpatrick said. “I am thrilled about working closely with the brilliant students at HPU to learn from them and support them in creating meaningful writing projects that incorporate experiential research and academic inquiry related to students’ academic interests and long-term goals as citizens, scholars and professionals.”
Dr. Matthew Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Religion
Mitchell will teach world religions in HPU’s Department of Religion and Philosophy. Before coming to HPU as a visiting assistant professor in 2023, he taught at Allegheny College, the International Master’s Program at Kyushu University in Japan, Creighton University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He earned his B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University, his master’s from the University of Hawaii and his Ph.D. in Asian Religions at Duke University. He lived in Japan for nine years, and has traveled in China, Thailand, Denmark, Curacao and Canada.
Mitchell has published and presented widely on topics at the intersections of religion, law, finances and gender, focused on Japanese religions. At HPU, Mitchell is excited to continue teaching about world religions (Sacred Experiences), Buddhism, East Asian religions, Islam and Japanese religions.
Dr. Melissa Schoenlein, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Schoenlein teaches introduction to psychology and is setting up her research lab. In the spring semester, she also will teach sensation and perception, which is her area of expertise. She earned her B.S. in psychology at Bowling Green State University, and both her M.S. and Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I am excited about working with and mentoring the wonderful students here, both in the classroom and through engaging in research,” Schoenlein said.
Dr. Mellissa Wright, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Wright teaches introductory and advanced sociology courses, such as sociology of education, race and ethnicity. She also holds a secondary appointment as the Bonner’s Faculty Fellow, where she will support Bonner Leader students in maximizing their higher educational experience and research participation. She earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees in sociology with a minor in Race, Gender and History at Michigan State University after completing her associate degree in human services at Lansing Community College. She comes to HPU with a applied professional background that includes more than a decade of social work serving individuals who are homeless, survivors of domestic violence, reentering from periods of incarceration and child welfare. These experiences are woven into her courses to provide HPU students with a grounded and practical understanding of sociological theory and social problems.
“I am very excited to teach at HPU where the students have taught me how to innovate teaching and learning to be more hands on,” Wright said. “The variety of courses to teach encourages intellectual stimulation. I am also very excited to work with the Bonner’s students, who like me are first-generation college students.”
Dr. Daniel Armenti, Assistant Professor of Italian Studies
With experience teaching languages and literature, Armenti comes to HPU from the College of the Holy Cross and the University of Massachusetts with deep and accomplished scholarship in study of the Middle Ages, especially in Italy. He is particularly adept at bringing the lens of contemporary issues to his research of the Middle Ages.
Armenti earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at University of Massachusetts Amherst. He speaks Italian, including scholarly proficiency in various Medieval dialects, French and Latin and reads ancient Catalan, Old French and Old Occitan.
Dr. Megan Anne Fenrich, Visiting Assistant Professor of Italian Studies
Fenrich, who earned her Ph.D. in Italian Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, joins the World Languages, Literature and Cultures faculty as a visiting assistant professor.
Her current research examines literary representations of caves and the subterranean in 16th century Italy, encompassing writers such as Ludovico Ariosto and Michelangelo Buonarroti. She will teach Italian language courses, bringing together her experience in Italian culture, language and literature.
Dr. Sheldon Gosline, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Gosline teaches classes focused on medical anthropology and the history of medicine, cultural anthropology and visual society, as well as social documentation. He holds advanced degrees in Egyptology, art history and history of the Middle East. He earned his B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a dual major in art history and oriental studies (Egyptology). He spent his junior year abroad at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. He conducted post-grad research in Egyptology at Cambridge University in England; earned an M.A. in Egyptology and Near Eastern History from the University of Chicago; continued his graduate studies in anthropology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and earned his Ph.D. in medical anthropology at the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine at University College in London, United Kingdom.
“For more than a decade I was a professor in China, where I taught leading young scholars, many of whom have gone on to professional careers and higher academic studies and careers,” Gosline said. “I am very excited to work on a student-centered campus with Christian values. My own spiritual journey started in the Baptist and Methodist traditions. I accepted Christ as my personal savior when I was 6 at a Billy Graham Crusade in Madison Square Garden. I was baptized in the United Methodist Church at the age of 13 and baptized again in the Church of England when I was studying in Cambridge. Before I first travelled to China to teach Egyptology, I had spent several years as a Benedictine monk at St. Gregory’s Abbey in Three Rivers, Michigan. I see higher education as my spiritual vocation and am glad to be in a pedagogical environment where spirituality and faith are valued.”
Dr. Andrew Ettin, Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion
Ettin teaches courses in the Hebrew Bible and Judaism during the 2024-25 academic year. He earned a Ph.D. in English from Washington University, a M.S.J.S. from the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, and rabbinic ordination from Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. He is also a Professor Emeritus at Wake Forest University, where he taught English and Jewish Studies. His fifth academic book is scheduled for publication next spring.
“I am especially excited to help my wonderful colleagues offer students rich adventures in religious texts and ideas,” Ettin said.
Nido R. Qubein School of Communication
Dr. Andrea Hunt, Professor of Practice in Communication and Business Leadership
Hunt teaches graduate courses within the Master of Arts in Communication and Business Leadership (MA-CBL) program. She also contributes to developing and refining online course delivery while fostering a strong sense of community among both online and on-campus graduate students. Her experience includes teaching undergraduate Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior, and Human Resource Management courses at HPU’s Earl N. Phillips School of Business as well as guiding graduate-level capstone projects at New Jersey City University’s School of Business.
Hunt earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy–Management at Walden University with residencies in France, Spain, Texas and Maryland. She earned both her MBA and B.S. in Management at New Jersey City University, and her A.A.S. in Business Management at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. She holds certifications from the American Psychological Association, National Institute of Health, CITI Program, Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, and Farleigh Dickson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. She brings 30 years of strategic management expertise, including 20 years of experience at the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, where she developed organizational strategies, managed leadership operations and led membership and education programs. As the wife of a U.S. Army and Navy veteran, she is committed to embracing interpersonal relationships with students seeking military service.
“I am incredibly excited about my new position as a professor of practice at High Point University’s Nido Qubein School of Communication, as it allows me to bring my extensive professional experience into the classroom to benefit students in their academic and career journeys,” Hunt said. “Having transitioned from an adjunct instructor since 2022, I’m eager to take on a more prominent role in supporting student growth, enhancing their leadership and communication skills, and offering mentorship to guide them as they pursue their professional goals.”
Melody Emerson, Instructor of Strategic Communication
Emerson teaches undergraduate courses in social media strategy and marketing, human communication, persuasion and crisis analysis. She also encourages professional development in the field of strategic communication. Prior to joining HPU, Emerson was the director of communication for a local church and the digital marketing manager for a multi-specialty healthcare organization. She also has experience running her own business as the owner of a Pure Barre location in High Point. She has a master’s in strategic communication from HPU and B.A. degrees in Communication Studies and Religious Studies from UNCG. She said she is excited to join the Qubein School of Communication faculty.
“I look forward to contributing to a dynamic and innovative academic environment, mentoring students and collaborating with my colleagues,” said Emerson. “The opportunity to share my experience and help shape the future of strategic communication professionals is incredibly fulfilling. I am passionate about inspiring and shaping young minds, fostering their creativity and equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of communication. I am eager to cultivate curiosity in my students, encouraging them to explore new ideas and think critically about the role of communication in our society. Additionally, I am excited to participate in and support the cultural life of the university, and to work in an environment that embraces the values of fairness and ethical conduct.”
Dr. Brianne Hobbs, Associate Dean of Academics and Associate Professor of Optometry
Hobbs’ responsibilities include developing the didactic and clinical curriculum and helping to create the infrastructure of the developing School of Optometry. She earned her B.S. in biology at Harding University, her O.D. at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership at Robert Morris University.
“The ability to help build a school of optometry from the ground up is an unparalleled opportunity to have a positive impact on optometric education,” Hobbs said. “We want to create a transformational experience for our students and to equip them with the skills they need for the life they want.”
Dr. Corina van de Pol, Associate Dean of Student Experience and Professor of Optometry
As associate dean of student experience, van de Pol supports Dr. Catherine Heyman, the founding dean of the School of Optometry, in achieving accreditation for the school. Once the program achieves accreditation, her primary role will be student admissions and student affairs, as well as teaching in the foundational sciences portion of the curriculum. She earned her Ph.D. in Vision Science and O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) from the University of Berkeley School of Optometry. In addition, she earned a B.A. in business management from the University of Maryland European Division and a B.S. in physiological optics from UCBSO.
“I’m excited to be at the ground level of starting an optometry school here at HPU,” she said. “The HPU philosophy of student experience and life skills is very compelling to me and is being incorporated into what we are building as a unique program to prepare students for their lives as optometrists.”
Dr. Kedrian James, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
James teaches courses in computer science and cybersecurity. His current focus is on enhancing the cybersecurity major by introducing new courses and working toward accreditation for the program with a goal of establishing one of the best cybersecurity programs in the country. A certified Java Enterprise software developer, Kedrian earned his BS in computer science, MS in software engineering and Ph.D. in computer science.
“First, I am delighted that High Point University is a school that values God, family and country,” James said. “For me, educating others is a profound source of joy and fulfillment. I eagerly anticipate each opportunity to engage with my students, viewing teaching as a dynamic and evolving process that extends well beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting. I am also passionate about cybersecurity and am excited for the opportunity to contribute to building a successful cybersecurity program.”
Dr. Dustin Nichols, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Nichols balances teaching mathematics with conducting research. He hopes to engage students in undergraduate research projects related to mathematical models of spatial ecology. Nichols earned his Ph.D. in Computational Mathematics with a doctoral minor in statistics at UNCG in 2024. He earned his MA in mathematics at Wake Forest University in 2018, his BA in Mathematics and his NC Teaching License at UNC Asheville in 2013, as well as an AA at Western Piedmont Community College in 2010. Between degrees, he worked as a high school teacher at Burke County Public Schools in North Carolina from 2013-2016, and as a community college instructor at Central Carolina Community College from 2018-2019.
“I was attracted to HPU’s philosophy as a Life Skills university, focusing on aligning education and skills with the evolving needs of employers,” Nichols said. “It is crucial for universities to prepare students effectively for the workforce, and those requirements are constantly changing. HPU seems well-equipped to continually update and revise our curriculum, and the administration encourages us to be innovative in achieving these goals.”
Dr. Adam Pennell, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Pennell teaches mathematics and has been investigating the use of hands-on STEM activities in the classroom to teach mathematical concepts. These activities are used to explore concrete, real-world examples that help students see and understand the meaning of mathematics. He is focused on continually improving his teaching and making mathematics meaningful to his students. Pennell earned his Ph.D. in mathematics at North Carolina State University in 1995. Earlier in his career, he taught mathematics at Bluefield College, HPU and Greensboro College, from 2006-2024.
“I have taught as an adjunct instructor for many years at High Point University, and I am so excited to get the opportunity to teach full-time here,” Pennell said. “I love HPU’s commitment to excellence, and there is nothing more important than God, family and country. I feel like I am a good fit at this university, and I am looking forward to my future at HPU.”
Dr. Douglas Isenberg, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Isenberg teaches courses and labs related to controls, systems and signal processing. He earned his BSEE in 2004, MSEE in 2006, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UNC Charlotte in 2009. His research focus centers around multibody dynamics and control with applications in on-orbit space robots.
“I have spent most of my career up to this point teaching aerospace and mechanical engineering in the Southwest, so it is a welcome change to be back in my original discipline, in my home state and particularly in a new and growing department with great colleagues,” Isenberg said.