Faculty

Anita Thomas, President of the College; Professor of Psychology. 2023. B.S., Northwestern University, 1989; M.A., 1992, Ph.D., 1995, Loyola University Chicago.

Abiodun Goke-Pariola, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Professor of English. 2015. B.A. (Hons), University of Ife, Nigeria, 1974; A.D., The University of Michigan, 1982.

Full-time members of the teaching faculty are listed alphabetically below. The date following the name and title indicates the first year of service at North Central College.

MD Erfanul Alam, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. 2021. B.S., Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, 2014; M.S., Georgia Southern University, 2017; Ph.D., University of Central Florida, 2021.

Louis Aloia, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science. 2020. B.S., Illinois State University, 1981; M.S., Depaul University, 1991.

Esen Andic-Mortan, Associate Professor of Management. 2016. B.S., 2008, M.A., 2010, Izmir University of Economics in Turkey; Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2016.

Jeffrey D. Anstine, Professor of Management. 2002. B.A., State University of New York at Albany, 1987; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1995.

Margaret Ardelt, Lecturer in Biology. 2022. B.S, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1986; M.S., 1992, Ph.D., 1997, Indiana University.

Taylor Arman, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training. 2012. B.A., North Central College, 2009; M.S., Old Dominion University, 2011.

Leila Azarbad, Professor of Psychology. 2010. B.A., Illinois Wesleyan University, 2001; M.Ed., 2002, Ph. D., 2006, University of Virginia.

Sachie Banks, Assistant Professor of Japanese. 2022. B.A., Aoyama Gakuin University, 2004; M.Ed., Carthage College, 2006; M.Phil., 2008, Ph.D., 2013, Goldsmiths, University of London

Marissa Bamberger, Visiting Instructor of Psychology. 2023. B.A., North Central College, 2019; M.S., Northern Illinois University, 2021.

Daniella S. Barberis, Assistant Professor in the Shimer Great Books School. 2017. B.A., Universidade Estadual de Campinas, 1989; M.A., Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 1992; Ph.D., University of Chicago, 2001.

Norval Bard, Professor of French and Director of the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center. 1997. B.A., Wheaton College, 1985; M.A., 1993, Ph.D., 1997, The Pennsylvania State University.

Peter S. Barger, Special Assistant to the Provost for Accreditation; Professor of Economics and Finance. 1989. B.A., Washington State University, 1979; M.S., 1981, Ph.D., 1989, University of Illinois.

William C. Barnett, Professor of History. 2005. B.A., Yale University, 1988; M.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1997; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2005.

Paticia Bayona, Associate Professor of Spanish. 2012. B.A., La Universidad de Los Andes, 1995; M.A., 2002, Ph.D., 2009, The University of Western Ontario.

Mara K. Berkland, Professor of Communication. 2003. B.A., Gustavus Adolphus College, 1997; M.A., University of Denver, 1998; Ph.D., University of Utah, 2003.

Nicole Bettin, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of Clinical Education. 2021. B.A., Valparaiso University, 2009; DPT, Northwestern University, 2012.

Shelley Birdsong, Associate Professor of Religious Studies. 2015. B.A., Azusa Pacific University, 2004; M.A., Claremont School of Theology, 2008; Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University, 2014.

Jeffrey A. Bjorklund, Professor of Chemistry. 1995. B.S., Saint John’s University, 1983; Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1991.

Leanna Blanchard, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. 2022. B.S., University of Michigan, 2012; DPT, George Washington University, 2015.

Raleigh Blasdell, Associate Professor of Sociology. 2019. B.A., 2003, M.S., 2008, Illinois State University; Ph.D., University of South Florida, 2015.

Paul C. Bloom, Associate Professor of Physics. 2006. B.A., Reed College, 1990; M.S., 1992, Ph.D., 1998, University of California, Davis.

Nicholas C. Boaz, Associate Professor of Chemistry. 2015. B.S., Lebanon Valley College, 2010; Ph.D., Princeton University, 2015.

Paul F. Brandt, Professor of Chemistry. 2001. B.S., Southwest State University, 1984; Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder, 1990.

Sean Butorac, Assistant Professor of Political Science. 2020. B.A., University of Puget Sound, 2013; M.A., 2015, Ph.D., 2020, University of Washington.

Amy Grim Buxbaum, Associate Professor of Communication. 2005. B.S.C., 1991, M.A., 1993, Ohio University; Ph.D., 2005, University of Colorado.

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Professor of Political Science. 2005. B.A., Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 1993; M.A., 1995, Ph.D., 1998, Purdue University.

Martha Cammarata, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. 2022. B.S., University of Pittsburgh, 2004; M.S., 2007, Ph.D., 2010, Northwestern University.

Thomas D. Cavenagh, Schneller Sisters Professor of Leadership, Ethics and Values; Professor of Business Law and Conflict Resolution; Director of Leadership, Ethics and Values. 1990. B.A., Trinity College, 1984; J.D., DePaul University, 1987.

Alexis M. Chambers, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience. 2015. B.S., Ball State University, 2010; M.A., 2013, Ph.D., 2015, University of Notre Dame.

Christine Chansamone, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. 2022. B.A., Syracuse University, 2008; D.P.T., Washington University in St. Louis, 2020.

Quanisha Charles, Associate Professor of English. 2022. B.A., Clark Atlanta University, 2008; M.A., Ashford University, 2012; Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2017.

Chetan Chawla, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship. 2015. B.A., University of Delhi, 2003; M.B.A., University of Southern California, 2008; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, 2015.

Xiaoye Chen, Associate Professor of Marketing. 2012. B.A., Beijing International Studies University, 2000; M.A., University of Waterloo, 2004; Ph.D., McGill University, 2011.

Shan-Ju Chiang, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. 2020. B.B.A., National Tsing Hua University, 2012; Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology, 2019.

Suzanne M. Chod, Professor of Political Science. 2010. B.S., Bowling Green State University, 2002; M.A., 2003, Ph.D., 2007, Michigan State University.

Susan Chou, Assistant Professor of Music. 2022. B.S., 2003, Northwestern University; Master of Music, 2007, Doctor of Music, 2017, Indiana University.  

Theresa Christopher, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 2023. B.S., Loyola University, 2016; OTD, Midwestern University, 2020.

David Cordero, Assistant Professor of Art and Design. 2017. B.F.A., School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2007; M.F.A., University of Chicago, 2010.

Louis Corsino, Professor of Sociology. 1998. B.A., University of Notre Dame, 1970; M.A., 1973, Ph.D., 1977, University of Massachusetts.

Charles Corwin, Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology. 2022. M.R.C.P., Kansas State University, 2011; Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, 2019.

Michael de Brauw, Associate Professor of Classics. 2008. B.A., University of Chicago, 1996; M.A., 1998, Ph.D., 2003, University of Texas at Austin.

Ryan Decker, Associate Professor of Economics. 2017. B.S., North Central College, 2007; M.A., 2009, Ph.D., 2012, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Janette DeFelice, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences. 2023. B.A., Indiana University, 1999; M.A., 2000, M.P.H., 2022, University of Chicago; M.D., Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 2021.

Tiffany Delane, Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. 2020. B.S., Hampton University, 1996; A.S., Malcolm X College, 2002; M.S., A.T. Still University, 2006; Ph.D., Walden University, 2018.

Ann Dolinko, Professor in the Shimer Great Books School. 2017. B.A., Lake Forest College, 1986; M.A., 1989, Ph.D., 1997, Loyola University Chicago.

Carly Drake, Assistant Professor of Marketing. 2019. B.J., Carleton University, 2010; M.A., Dalhousie University, 2012; Ph.D., University of Calgary, 2019.

Aron Dunlap, Assistant Professor in the Shimer Great Books School. 2017. B.A., Seattle Pacific University, 1999; Ph.D., Temple University, 2008.

Hale Ekinci, Professor of Art and Design. 2011. B.A., Connecticut College, 2006; M.F.A., University of Florida, 2008; M.F.A., Columbia College, 2011.

Scott Ellis, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training. 2023. B.S., 2007, DPT, 2010, Northern Arizona University.

Kara Fenne, Associate Professor of Nursing. 2023. BSN, University of Iowa, 1992; MSN, Clarke University, 2013; DNP, Indiana University, 2022.

Alberto Fonseca, Professor of Spanish. 2009. B.A., Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2001; M.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2004; Ph. D, University of Kansas, 2009.

Luke Franks, Associate Professor of History. 2011. B.A., Brown University, 1993; Ph.D., University of California, 2009.

Kelly Frystak, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 2018. B.S., 2001, M.S., 2002, University of Indianapolis.

Mary T. Galvan, Associate Professor of Marketing. 1992. B.A., Rockford College, 1979; M.A., 1981, Ph.D., 1988, Northern Illinois University.

Maria Orjuela Garavito, Lecturer in Mathematics. 2022. B.S., Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 2006; M.S., University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, 2009; M.S., Florida International University, 2013.

Elena García-Martín, Associate Professor of Spanish. 2019. B.A., University of Seville, 1994; M.A., University of South Florida, 1998; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 2004.

Kristin Geraty, Associate Provost and Dean of Engaged Learning; Interim Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship; Associate Professor of Sociology. 2009. B.A., University of Notre Dame, 2001; M.A., 2004, Ph.D., 2010, Indiana University.

Margaret J. Gill, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience. 2013. B.A., Luther College, 2005; M.S., 2008; Ph.D., 2010, Kansas State University.

David Gray, Professor of Accounting. 2007. B.S., Millikin University, 1986; M.A.S., Northern Illinois University, 1992; D.B.A., University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2017; CPA.

Ann Groggel, Assistant Professor of Sociology. 2019. B.A., DePauw University, 2008; M.A., University of Chicago, 2010; M.A., 2015, Ph.D., 2019, Indiana University.

Mary Groll, Chairperson, Department of Medical Sciences; Program Director, Master of Science in Medical Science Program; Interim Dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences; Professor of Health Sciences. Masters of Science in Medical Science. 2019. B.A., Knox College, 1992; M.S. Northern Illinois University, 1995; M.D., Northwestern University School of Medicine, 2000.

Perry T. Hamalis, Cecelia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion and Professor of Religious Studies. 2004. B.A., Boston College, 1992; M.Div., Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, 1996; Ph.D., University of Chicago, 2004.

Sophie Hand, Professor of French. 1990. B.A., Ursinus College, 1982; M.S., 1986, Ph.D., 1992, University of Wisconsin.

Brian Hanlon, Coleman Foundation Professor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business and Associate Professor of Marketing. 2006. B.S., 1998, M.B.A., 2001, J.D., 2004, DePaul University.

Frank Harwath, Professor of Engineering. 2017. B.S.E.E., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1981; Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology, 2016.

Katherine Heller, Professor of Mathematics. 2010. B.S., University of South Carolina, 2004; M.S., 2006, Ph.D. 2010, University of Virginia.

Erika Hobbs, Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication. 2022. B.A., Columbia College, 1996; M.S., Northwestern University, 1999.

Brian Hoffert, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and History. 2000. B.A., University of Toronto, 1990; A.M., University of Hawaii, 1993; Ph.D., Harvard University, 2002.

Mark Hoggarth, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. 2022. B.S., 2006, M.S., 2009, DePaul University; D.P.T., 2017, Ph.D., 2021, Northwestern University.

Shereen Ilahi, Associate Professor of History. 2008. B.A., 1998, M.A., 2002, Ph.D., 2008, University of Texas, Austin.

Zachary Michael Jack, Professor of English. 2003. B.A., Iowa State University, 1996; M.F.A., University of Alabama, 2001.

Jennifer Jackson, Svend and Elizabeth Bramsen Professor in the Humanities; Associate Professor of English. 1996. B.A., 1979, M.A., 1985, Miami University, Ohio; Ph.D., Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, 1992.

Cameron Jadali, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. 2021. B.S., Truman State University, 2013; DPT, Washington University in St. Louis; 2016.

Supna Jain, Senior Lecturer in Communication. 2014. B.A., University of Illinois, 1996; J.D., DePaul University, 2003; M.S., Illinois State University, 2011.

Bruce Janacek, Professor of History. 1999. B.A., University of Pittsburgh, 1984; M.A., The George Washington University, 1987; Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 1996.

Jeffrey A. Jankowski, Professor of Chemistry. 2003. B.S., Illinois Benedictine College, 1988; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1993.

Christine Johnson, Assistant Professor of Nursing. 2023. BSN, 2006, MSN, 2011, University of St. Francis; DNP, Governors State University, 2019.

Steve D. Johnston, Roger and Nadeane Hruby Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biology. 1999. B.S., 1990, M.S., 1991, Iowa State University; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1996.

Tamara Kadera, Lecturer in Health Science. 2022. B.S., North Central College, 2003; M.S.Ed., Northern Illinois University, 2007.

Jennifer Kang, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 2023. B.S., Syracuse University, 2012; MOT, Nova Southeastern University, 2016.

Ranju Karki, Assistant Professor of Mathematics. 2023. B.S., 2011, M.S., 2014, Tribhuvan University; M.S., Arkansas State University, 2018; Ph.D., University of South Florida, 2023*.

Ann Durkin Keating, Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of History. 1991. B.A., University of Illinois, 1978; M.A., 1979, Ph.D., 1984, University of Chicago.

Karl N. Kelley, Professor of Psychology. 1988. B.S., 1982, M.S., 1985, Ph.D., 1987, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Sean Kelley, Associate Professor of Music. 2015. B.M.E., Wittenberg University, 2001; M.M., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, 2011; M.M., Wright State University, 2013; Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 2015.

Courtney Kelly, Visiting Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. 2023. B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2005; M.M.Sc., Midwestern University, 2007.

Susan Kempinger, Assistant Professor of Physics. 2019. B.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2013; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 2019.

Najrin Khanom, Associate Professor of Finance. 2016. B.S., North South University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2011; M.A., 2013, Ph.D., 2016, University of California, Riverside.

Doh-Khul Kim, Professor of Economics and Finance. 2008. B.A., Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea, 1989; M.A., Temple University, 1992; Ph.D., University of Georgia, 2001.

Sun-il Kim, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering. 2016. B.S., Binghamton University, State University of New York, 2000; M.S., 2001, Ph.D., 2008, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Kathleen King, Associate Professor of Education. 2006. B.A., Loras College, 1987; M.Ed., DePaul University, 1997.

Jonathon J. Kirk, Professor of Music. 2010. B.A., Augustana College, 1997; M.M. Eastman School of Music, 1999; M.A., Brown University, 2004; D.Mus., Northwestern University, 2008.

Sarah Kostelny, Associate Professor of Accounting. 2008. B.S., Marist College, 2005; M.A.S., Northern Illinois University, 2006.

Adam Kotsko, Assistant Professor in the Shimer School of Great Books. 2017. B.A., Olivet Nazarene University, 2002; M.A., 2005, Ph.D., 2009, Chicago Theological Seminary.

Matthew B. Krystal, Professor of Anthropology. 2003. B.A., Washington University, 1990; M.A., 1993, Ph.D., 2001, Tulane University.

Donghwoon Kwon, Assistant Professor of Computer Science. 2022. Bachelor of English, Daegu University, 2008; M.S., University of Alaska Anchorage, 2010; Doctor of Science, Towson University, 2015.

Bonnie Kyburz, Visiting Associate Professor of English. 2022. B.A., 1989, M.A., 1993, Ph.D., 1998, University of South Florida.

Sue Lafferty, Lecturer in Leadership, Ethics & Values. 2022. B.A., Franklin College; Master of Arts, 1996, M.B.A., 1996, Indiana University; Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2002.

Yimai Lewis, Assistant Professor of Management. 2019. B.S., Tianjin Foreign University, 2013; M.S., Colorado State University, 2014; Ph.D., Georgia State University, 2019.

John Littner, Lecturer in Exercise Science. 2023. B.S., 2020, M.S.Ed., 2022, Northern Illinois University.

Laura A. Lodewyck, Associate Professor of Theatre. 2015. B.A., University of Notre Dame, 2000; M.F.A., Roosevelt University, 2004; Ph.D., Northwestern University, 2015.

Lisa A. Long, Professor of English. 1998. B.A., University of Minnesota, 1989; M.A., 1991, Ph.D., 1997, University of Wisconsin.

Rachel Luehrs, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science. 2020. B.S., St. Ambrose University, 2013; M.S., East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, 2014; Ph.D., The Univerity of Iowa, 2020

Greg Lynch, Associate Professor of Philosophy. 2014. B.A., Cedarville University, 2006; M.A., 2009, Ph.D., 2013, Fordham University.

Mary Jean Lynch, Professor of Psychology. 1986. B.A., Northwestern University, 1976; M.A., University of Chicago, 1977; Ph.D., Northwestern University, 1982.

Steve Macek, Professor of Communication. 2002. B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1987; M.A., 1993, Ph.D., 2001, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Georgine Maisch, Associate Professor of Nursing. 2023. BSN, Widener University, 1987; MSN, Purdue Global University, 2012; DNP, Rush University, 2021.

Maud Makoni, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 2022. B.S., University of Zimbabwe, 1996; OTD, University of St. Augustine, 2021.

Marco V. Martinez, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Actuarial Science. 2013. B.Sc., Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 2005; M.S., Ph.D., 2013, The University of Tennessee.

Brenden Mason, Assistant Professor of Economics. 2018. B.A., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2008; M.S. Marquette University, 2012; Ph.D. Temple University, 2018.

Gillian McLean, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. 2023. B.S., 2015, DPT, 2018, Wingate University.

Mary T. McMahon, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education Coordinator. 1986. B.A., St. John’s University, 1969; M.S., Queens College of the City University of New York, 1972.

Miranda Mendiola Valdez, Assistant Professor of Economics. 2023. B.S., 2018, B.A., 2018, University of Kansas; M.A., 2020, Ph.D., 2023, University of Connecticut.

Beverly Menninger, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Master of Occupational Therapy Program; Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 2017. B.A., Linfield College; M.A., University of Phoenix, 1997; MOT, University of Southern California, 2008.

Kim O. Milano, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences; Program Director of Nutrition and Wellness Program. 2020. B.S., Pennsylvania State University, 1980; M.S., University of Kansas, 1983; Ph.D., Northern Illinois University, 2019.

Scott Milkovich, Senior Lecturer in Engineering. 2022. M.B.A., Roosevelt University, 1991; B.S., 1980, M.S., 1981, Ph.D., 1984, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Chandreyee Mitra, Associate Professor of Biology. 2015. B.A., College of the Atlantic, 2001; M.S., 2005, Ph.D., 2011, University of Nebraska.

Michael Montanye, Assistant Professor of Management. 2023. B.S., 2014, B.B.A., 2014, M.B.A., 2015, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; Ph.D., University of Iowa, 2023*.

Christina Shaheen Moosa, Associate Professor of Philosophy. 2016. B.A., Sweet Briar College, 2007; M.A., University of Memphis, 2009; Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University, 2015.

Robert Moussetis, Professor of International Business. 1998. B.S., San Diego State University, 1987; M.B.A., 1991, D.B.A., 1996, United States International University.

William Muck, Professor of Political Science. 2008. B.A., Valparaiso University, 1997; M.A., Marquette University, 1999; M.A., 2001, Ph.D., 2005, University of Colorado at Boulder.

Julie Nagashima, Assistant Professor of Ethical Leadership; Coordinator, Character Education Certificate Program. 2019. B.A., Soka University of America, 2005; M.A., 2008, Ph.D., 2016, University of Pittsburgh.

Nnamdi Nwanze, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering. 2018. B.S., 2001, M.S., 2003, Ph.D., 2009, Binghamton University, State University of New York.

Kristin Paloncy-Patel, Assistant Professor of Health Science; Program Director of Health Sciences for BA and BS programs. 2017. B.S., North Central College, 2004; M.S., University of Central Missouri, 2013; Ph.D., Creighton University, 2017.

Stuart Patterson, Associate Professor in the Shimer Great Books School. 2017. B.A., St. John’s College, 1992; Ph.D., Emory University, 2006.

Megan C. Paustian, Associate Professor of English. 2013. B.A., University of Wisconsin, 2007; M.A., 2011, Ph.D., 2013, Rutgers University.

Orion Pearce, Lecturer in Chemistry. 2022. B.S., Beloit College, 2013; Ph.D., University of Colorado, 2019.

Reed Perkins, Professor of Environmental Studies. 2020. A.B., 1986; M.S., 1991, The University of Michigan Ann Arbor; Ph.D., Oregon State University, 1997.

Claudia Liana Peter-Hagene, Assistant Professor of Psychology. 2020. B.A., 2009; M.A., 2011; M.A., 2013; Ph.D., 2016, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Nancy L. Peterson, Professor of Chemistry. 1994. B.A., Concordia College, 1986; M.S., 1989, Ph.D. 1992, University of Minnesota.

Kevin Pietro, Visiting Assistant Professor of Nutrition Science. 2023. B.S., 2010, M.S., 2012, Illinois State University; Ph.D., University of New Hampshire, 2023.

Hannah Plummer, Assistant Professor of Sport Management. 2023. B.Ed., Bowling Green State University, 2016; M.S., 2017, Ph.D., 2023*, Florida State University.

Wioleta Polinska, Professor of Religious Studies. 2000. Magister of Microbiology, Warsaw University, 1986; M.Div., Bethel Theological Seminary, 1991; Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary, 1997.

Matthew A. Pons, Professor of Mathematics. 2007. B.A., University of North Carolina, 2002; M.S., 2005, Ph.D., 2007, University of Virginia.

Jenna Potokar, Visiting Assistant Professor of Management. 2023. B.A., 2010, M.A., 2013, M.A., 2017, North Central College; D.B.A., Saint Leo University, 2022.

Christine Rabenold, Associate Professor of Art. 2007. B.A., Temple University, 1997; M.F.A., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2001.

Brian Redfern, Assistant Professor of Theatre. 2019. B.A., Point Loma Nazarene University, 2001; M.T.S., Southern Oregon University, 2010; M.F.A., San Diego State University, 2012.

Mary Beth Ressler, Professor of Education. 2010. B.A., Loyola University, 2002; M.A., Northern Illinois University, 2007; Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2010.

Jason A. Rice, Associate Professor of Sport Management. 2015. B.A., Translyvania University, 1999; M.S., 2002, Ph.D., 2015, University of Louisville.

Hector Daniel Rico-Aniles, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering. 2020. B.S., Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, 2012; M.S., Instituto Nacional de Astrofisica Optica y Electronica, 2014; Ph.D., New Mexico State University, 2020.

Nicole R. Rivera, Associate Professor of Psychology. 2008, 2012. B.M., Illinois State University, 1991; M.S.Ed., Northern Illinois University, 2001.

Sohinee Roy, Associate Professor of English. 2011. B.A., 2000, M.A., 2002, Jadavpur University; Ph.D., West Virginia University, 2011.

Gregory Ruthig, Professor of Biology. 2011. B.S., Washington and Lee University, 1998; Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2006.

Whitney Sage, Assistant Professor of Art and Design. 2019. B.F.A., 2008, B.S., 2008, Miami University; M.F.A., Washington University, 2011.

Jennifer Sallee, Associate Professor of Biology. 2013. B.S., Roger Williams University, 2002; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008.

Jelena Sanchez, Associate Professor of Spanish. 2007. B.A., 1995, M.A., 1997, Ph.D., 2012, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Rebecca L. Sanders, Associate Professor of Chemistry. 2014. B.S., Bradley University, 2006; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 2011.

Krystina B. Sarff, Assistant Professor of Sport Management and Clinical Coordinator. 2021. B.A., 2007, M.A., 2009, University of Central Florida; Ph.D., University of Florida, 2015.

Patricia M. Schacht, Professor of Psychology. 2008. B.A., University of Notre Dame, 2001; M.S., University of Cardiff, Wales, 2005; Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 2007.

David J. Schmitz, Professor of Mathematics. 2001. B.S., The University of Notre Dame, 1990; S.M., 1991, Ph.D., 2001, The University of Chicago.

Sara A. Scholtes, Professor and Chair, Department of Physical Therapy; Founding Director of Physical Therapy Program. 2020. B.A., Luther College, 2001; DPT, 2004, Ph.D., 2009, Washington University in St. Louis.

Julie Sedlacek, Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. 2022. B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010; M.S., University of Wisconsin La Crosse 2013.

Kendall L. Selsky, Associate Professor of Athletic Training. 2009. B.A., North Central College, 1993; M.S., Illinois State University, 1994; D.H.Sc., A. T. Still University, 2018.

Suzanne Seymoure, Associate Professor of Accounting. 2017. B.S., Ball State University, 2000; M.S., University of Notre Dame, 2001; Ph.D., Virginia Tech, 2009.

Jennifer Shah, Assistant Professor of Education. 2018. B.S., Indiana University, 2004; M.Ed., 2009, Ed.D., 2017, Loyola University Chicago.

Lindsay E. Shannon, Associate Professor of Art History. 2015. B.F.A., Iowa State University, 2004; M.A., Richmond, The American International University in London, 2006; Ph.D., University of Iowa, 2013.

Michelle Sheperd, Associate Professor and Program Director, Masters in Occupational Therapy. 2017. B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana and Chicago, 1982; M.Ed., University of Phoenix, 2007; Ed.D., Argosy University, 2012.

Marilyn Skarbek, Associate Professor of Exercise Science. 2012. B.S., 1991; M.S., 1994, Benedictine University.

Donnavieve N. Smith, Associate Professor of Marketing. 2005. B.S., 1990, M.B.A., 1993, University of Illinois; Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, 2002.

Jennifer Smith, Professor of English. 2020. B.A., Ball State University, 2003; M.A., 2005, Ph.D., 2011, Indiana University.

Mitzi Smith, Assistant Professor of Theatre. 2019. B.F.A, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, 2005; M.F.A., San Diego State University, 2012.

Julia Sonnichsen, Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. 2022. B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1995; M.S., Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Heath Sciences, 2004; D.M.S., University of Lynchburg, 2022.

Maureen Spelman, Professor of Education; Coordinator of Character Initiatives. 2019. B.S., Chicago State University, 1972; M.S., 1976, Ed.D., 2006, Loyola University.

Bruce A. Spitzer, Professor of Education. 2017. B.A., McPherson College; M.A., Fort Hays State University; Ed.D., Oklahoma State University.

Rebecca Hazelton Stafford, Associate Professor of English. 2015. B.A., Davidson College, 2000; M.F.A., University of Notre Dame, 2005; Ph.D., Florida State University, 2010.

John Stanley, Professor of Communication. 2000. B.S., Central Missouri State University, 1998; M.A., Eastern Illinois University, 1999.

Michael Stefanik, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience. 2018. B.A. Middlebury College, 2009; Ph.D., Medical University of South Carolina, 2014.

Lauren Stone, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 2019. B.A., DePaul University, 2007; M.S., Washington University in St. Louis, 2012; OTD, Boston University, 2018.

Jinai Sun, Associate Professor of Chinese. 2011. B.A., Harbin Normal University, 2001; M.Ed., 2009; Ph.D., 2011, The Pennsylvania State University.

Gwendolyn Tedeschi, Professor of Economics. 2019. B.A., Illinois Wesleyan University, 1996; M.A., 1999, Ph.D., 2001, University of Maryland College Park.

Gerald A. Thalmann, Associate Professor of Accounting. 1996. B.S., University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1978; M.B.A., University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1985; CPA.

Jessy Thomas, Assistant Professor of Nursing. 2023. BSN, 2001, MPH, 2005, MSN, 2005, University of Texas; DNP, Rush University, 2018.

Madelyn Nave Tortelli, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy. 2024. B.L.A., Xavier University, 2016; OTD, Drake University, 2019.

Sara Tylkowski, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. 2022. B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 2007; DPT, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 2010.

Daniel R. VanHorn, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience. 2009. B.S., Wittenberg University, 2003; M.S., 2005, Ph.D., 2009, Purdue University.

Lawrence G. Van Oyen, Professor of Music and Director of Bands. 1993. B.M., Michigan State University, 1982; M.A., Eastern Michigan University, 1987; Ph.D., University of Nebraska, 1994.

Jonathan Visick, Professor of Biology. 2000. B.S., Brigham Young University, 1984; M.S., 1985, Ph.D., 1991, University of Washington.

John A. Warrick, Professor of Theatre. 2017. B.A., College of Charleston, 1993; M.A., University of South Carolina, 2000; Ph.D., University of Washington, 2006.

Joanna Weremijewicz, Associate Professor of Biology. 2017. B.S., Loyola University Chicago, 2009; Ph.D., University of Miami, 2016.

Lindsay Wexler, Associate Professor of Education. 2018. B.S., Vanderbilt University, 2008; M.A., Concordia University Chicago, 2012; Ph.D., Michigan State University­­­, 2018.

Cheryl Widman, Visiting Assistant Professor of Education. 2021. B.A., 1991, Ph.D., 2020 University of Illinois at Chicago; M.A.T., National Louis University, 2009.

Ramona M. Wis, Mimi Roland Professor in the Fine Arts and Professor of Music. 1994. B.S., University of Illinois, 1977; M.M., Northern Illinois University, 1983; Ph.D., Northwestern University, 1993.

Gregory H. Wolf, Dennis and Jean Bauman Professor in the Humanities and Professor of German. 2005. B.A., The University of the South, 1989; M.A., 1991, Ph.D., 1996, The Ohio State University.

Timothy M. Woods, Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. 2020. A.B., Princeton University, 1993; Ph.D., University of California, Irvine, 1998.

Daria Wrobel, Assistant Professor of Nursing. 2023. BSN, 2016, MSN, 2019, DNP, 2023, Chamberlain University.

Tammy Wynard, Associate Professor of Health Science. 2011. B.S., Illinois State University, 1997; M.S., Indiana University, 2002.

John J. Zenchak, Professor of Biology. 1978. B.A., Youngstown State University, 1966; M.S., 1970, Ph.D., 1976, West Virginia University.

Faculty Emeriti

Emeriti professors are listed alphabetically. The dates which follow the name and title indicate the beginning and end of active service to North Central College.

Marti S. Bogart, Associate Professor of Economics Emerita. 1982–2017. B.S., John Carroll University, 1978; M.S., 1980, Ph.D., 1985, Purdue University.

Martha Bohrer, Professor of English Emerita. 2004–2018. B.S.S., Cornell College, 1978; M.A., Miami University, Ohio, 1996; Ph.D., University of Chicago, 2003.

Judith Brodhead, Associate Professor of English Emeritus and Administrative Coordinator of Cultural Events. 1989-2022. B.A., 1973, M.A., 1976, Rutgers University.

Eileen Buchanan, Professor of Humanities Emerita (Shimer). B.S., 1961, M.A., 1962, Northwestern University.

Kenneth D. Campbell, Associate Professor of Management Emeritus. 1990–2017. B.S., Miami University, 1976; M.B.A., University of Phoenix, 1982; Ph.D., Georgia State University, 1989.

Nancy C. Chapman, Associate Professor of English Emerita. 1989–2000. B.A., North Central College, 1960; M.S., Northern Illinois University, 1983.

Rebecca Clemente, Professor of Education Emerita. 1997–2017. B.S., Ashland University, 1971; M.Ed., 1988, Ph.D., 1992, Kent State University.

Jean Clifton, Associate Professor of Management Emerita. 2000–2018. B.A., 1981, M.A., 1988, University of Minnesota; Ph.D., Cornell University, 1999.

Thomas Clifton, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems Emeritus. 2000–2018. B.S., 1982, Ph.D., 1990, University of Minnesota.

Beverly Richard Cook, Professor of Spanish Emerita. 1989–2018. B.A., 1979, M.A., 1983, Ph.D., 1988, University of Kentucky.

Joan M. Vargovcik Der, Professor of Accounting Emerita. 1984–2008. B.S., Illinois State University, 1974; M.S., DePaul University, 1980; CPA, CMA.

James Donovan, Professor in the Shimer Great Books School Emeritus. 2017–2019. B.S., University of Notre Dame, 1975; Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1979.

Diane Duvigneaud, Professor of Art Emerita. 1945–1983. B.S., Massachusetts School of Art, 1939; M.F.A., Northwestern University, 1950.

Gary Ernst, Professor of International Business and Marketing Emeritus. 1986–2011. B.S., 1968, M.S., 1982, Roosevelt University; Ed.D., Northern Illinois University, 1992.

Margery Fetters, Associate Professor of Management and Marketing Emerita. 1989–2005. B.S., 1978, M.B.A., 1982, DePaul University; M.S., Illinois Benedictine College, 1993.

Albert Bades Fernandez, Professor of Cultural History and Humanities Emeritus (Shimer). B.A., Columbia College (New York), 1969; M.A., 1971, M. Phil., 1974, Ph.D., 1982, Columbia University.

Sheryl L. Finkle, Professor of Education Emerita. 1996–2018. B.S., 1975, M.S., 1981, Illinois State University; Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1990.

David H. Fisher, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus. 1988–2014. B.A., Carleton College, 1965; M.A., Columbia University-Union Theological Seminary, 1967; M.A., 1973, Ph.D., 1976, Vanderbilt University.

David A. Frolick, Professor of Political Science Emeritus. 1971–2007. B.A., Quincy College, 1965; M.A., 1967, Ph.D., 1971, American University.

Linda Qinglin Gao, Professor of Mathematics Emerita. 1992–2012. B.S., Beijing Normal University, 1982; M.S., Beijing Institute of Technology, 1984; M. S., 1987, Ph.D. , 1992, University of Iowa.

Gerald R. Gems, Professor of Health and Physical Education Ermeritus. 1988–2017. B.A., Northeastern Illinois University, 1977; M.S., University of Arizona, 1980; Ph.D., University of Maryland, 1989.

Priscilla N. Grundy, Professor of English Emerita. 1969–1999. A.B., Middlebury College, 1957; M.A., 1969, Ph.D., 1978, Northern Illinois University.

Richard R. Guzman, Professor of English Emeritus. 1977–2018. B.A., University of California at Berkeley, 1971; M.A., California State University at Hayward, 1973; Ph.D., University of Virginia, 1977.

Gerald D. Hamsmith, Professor of Accounting Emeritus. 1988–2009. B.A., Aurora College, 1971; M.S., Northern Illinois University, 1973; CPA.

David A. Horner, Harold and Eva White Distinguished Professor in the Liberal Arts Emeritus. 1983–2019. B.A., Otterbein College, 1977; M.S., 1979, Ph.D., 1984, University of California at Berkeley.

Donald E. Johnson, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Emeritus. 1961–1997. B.A., North Central College, 1957; M.S., University of Wisconsin, 1959; Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology, 1973.

Bernard P. Izzo, Professor of Music Emeritus. 1961–1986. B.M.E., Heidelberg College, 1948; M.M., American Conservatory of Music, 1949.

Nancy J. Keiser, Professor of Education Emerita. 2002–2017. B.A., Luther College, 1976; M.S., Ed.D., 1997, Northern Illinois University.

Daphne Lee, Associate Professor of Accounting Emerita. 1989–2005. B.A., Spalding College, 1960; M.A., 1963, M.M., 1980, Northwestern University; CPA.

Robert Tad Lehe, Professor of Philosophy. 1983-2023. A.B., Wheaton College, 1971; M.A., Northern Illinois University, 1979; Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1980.

Yueh-Ping Liaw, Professor of Physics Emerita. 1980–2005. B.S., Tunghai University, Taiwan, China, 1970; M.S., University of Oregon, 1972; Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 1982.

Thomas M. Love, Professor of Economics Emeritus. 1972–2004. B.S., University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1962; M.S., 1965, Ph.D. 1967, University of Wisconsin.

David Lukens, Professor of the History of Science and Natural Sciences Emeritus (Shimer). B.Sc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1957; A.M.T., Harvard Graduate School of Education, 1957; M.A., University of Toronto, 1976; Ph.D., University of Toronto, 1979.

John V. Madormo, Assistant Professor of Broadcast Communication Emeritus. 1980–2018. B.A., Northern Illinois University, 1974.

Winifred M. Makowski, Associate Professor of Education Emerita. 1989–2005. B.S., Chicago Teachers College North, 1963; M.Ed., 1969, Ed.D., 1988, Loyola University.

Terrence G. Marsh, Professor of Biology and Harold and Eva White Distinguished Professor in the Liberal Arts Emeritus. 1969–2002. A.B., Earlham College, 1963; M.S., Oregon State University, 1965; Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1969.

Jeordano Martinez, Professor of Music Emeritus. 1986–2013. B.M., Baylor University, 1964; M.M., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1971.

Fukumi Matsubara, Professor of Japanese Emeritus. 1995-2022. B.A., Nara Women’s University, 1981; M.S., George State University, 1990; Ph.D., Indiana University, 1997.

Heidi M. Matthews, Professor of Health and Physical Education Emerita. 1993–2018. B.S., University of Wisconsin, 1981; M.S., University of Arizona, 1982.

Thomas R. McFaul, Professor of Ethics and Religious Studies Emeritus. 1986–2003. B.A., Northern Illinois University, 1964; M.Div., Pacific School of Religion, 1967; Ph.D., Boston University, 1972.

Don Moon, Professor of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Emeritus (Shimer). B.A., Cornell University, 1957; M.A., New York University, 1958; M. Divinity, Nashotah Seminary, 1965.

Timothy Morris, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus. 1978–2016. B.A., University of Iowa, 1973; A.M., 1976, Ph.D., 1984, University of Chicago.

Howard E. Mueller, Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus. 1976-2005. B.A., North Central College, 1958; B.D., Evangelical Theological Seminary, 1961; S.T.M., Yale University Divinity School, 1962; Ph.D., Northwestern University, 1973.

Jon F. Mueller, Professor of Psychology Emeritus. 1983-2022. B.A., 1978, M.A.T., 1979, Beloit College; M.A., 1981, Ph.D., 1985, Northern Illinois University.

Godfrey A. Muganda, Professor of Computer Science Emeritus. 1990–2018. B.S., Eastern Mennonite College, 1979; M.S., College of William and Mary, 1980; Ph.D., Lehigh University, 1984.

Francine G. Navakas, Svend and Elizabeth Bramsen Professor in the Humanities Emerita. 1978–2017. B.A., University of Chicago, 1968; M.A., University of California at Berkeley, 1969; Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1972.

William H. Naumann, Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus. 1960–1990. B.A., Asbury College, 1951; M.A., Kent State University, 1954; B.D., Oberlin College, 1957; M.A., 1959, Ph.D., 1966, Yale University.

Richard E. Paine, Professor of Speech Communication/Theatre Emeritus. 1983–2019. B.A., Harding University, 1976; M.A., Western Kentucky University, 1979; Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 1989.

R. Devadoss Pandian, Professor of Mathematics and Dean of Faculty Emeritus. 1985–2015. B.S., 1963, M.S., 1966, Madas University, India; M.Phil., Madurai University, India, 1917; Ph.D., George Washington University, 1983.

John L. Phend, Associate Professor of Speech Communication/Theatre Emeritus. 1978–2007. B.A., Valparaiso University, 1969; M.A., Northwestern University, 1973.

Stephen C. Renk, Professor of Computer Science Emeritus. 1990–2017. B.A., 1973, M.S., 1979, Ph.D., 1986, University of Iowa.

Caroline St. Clair, Professor of Computer Science Emeritus. 2000-2022. B.S., Loyola University, 1984; M.S., 1991, Ph.D., 2000, DePaul University.

Thomas F. Sawyer, Professor of Psychology Emeritus. 1978–2015. B.A., Ball State University, 1972; Ph.D., Bowling Green State University, 1979.

Barbara Sciacchitano, Professor of History Emerita. 1975–2008. B.A., Vassar College, 1956; M.A., 1971, Ph.D., 1979, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Carolyn A. Sheehy, Clare and Lucy Osterle Director of Library Services Emerita. 1990–2008. B.A., Scripps College, 1964; M.A., Mills College, 1973; M.A., Northern Illinois University, 1987.

Anne T. Sherren, Professor of Chemistry Emerita. 1966–2001. B.A., Agnes Scott College, 1957; Ph.D., University of Florida, 1961.

John H. Shindler, Professor of English Emeritus. 1981–2018. B.A., Williams College, 1968; Ph.D., Rutgers University, 1975.

David Shiner, Professor of Humanities and the History of Ideas Emeritus (Shimer). BA, Temple University; Ph.D., California Miramar, 1983.

Richard E. Slovacek, Professor of Management and Marketing Emeritus. 1970–2002. B.S., University of Illinois, 1963; M.B.A., Loyola University, 1970; Ph.D., California Coastal University, 1986.

Roger D. Smitter, Professor of Speech Communication/Theatre Emeritus. 1988–2004. B.A., Taylor University, 1969; M.A., Ball State University, 1970; Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 1977.

Barbara Stone, Professor of German and Humanities Emerita (Shimer). B.A., University of Massachusetts at Boston, 1972; M.A., 1976, Ph. D., 1985, Northwestern University.

Harold Stone, Professor of the Shimer Great Books School Emeritus. 2017-2021. B.A., St. John’s College, 1971; M.A., 1972, Ph.D., 1981, University of Chicago.

Thomas Sweeney, Professor of Political Science Emeritus. 1987–2006. B.S., North Central College, 1965; M.A., Georgetown University, 1968; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law, 1969; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1976.

James A. Taylor, Dean of the Faculty Emeritus. 1976–1989. B.A., Kent State University; M.S., 1956; Ph.D., 1962, University of Illinois.

Judy C. Walters, Associate Professor of Computer Science Emerita. 1983–2015. B.A., University of Iowa, 1968; M.S., Illinois Institute of Technology, 1984.

Harold R. Wilde, President Emeritus. 1991–2012. A.B., Amherst College, 1967; A.M., Ph.D., 1973, Harvard University.

Richard J. Wilders, Marie and Bernice Gantzert Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Emeritus. 1975-2020. B.S., Carnegie-Mellon University, 1967; M.S., 1969, Ph.D., 1975, The Ohio State University.

Thomas A. Williams, Associate Professor of Biology Emeritus. 1981–2010. B.A., Willamette University, 1971; M.A., Drake University, 1975; Ph.D., Washington State University, 1984.

Shirley Anne Wilson, Professor of Mathematics Emerita. 1984–2006. B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1972; M.S., University of Illinois, 1974; Ed.D., Auburn University, 1985.