Faculty and Staff

This year’s White Award for Internationalization went to a particularly polyglot professor. Modern Language Department Chair Jo Ann Fuess, Ph.D. teaches German courses at all levels, including German literature, culture, media and film.

She also teaches intermediate Spanish and coordinates ���߲ݴ�ý’s International Film Series. 

When a ���߲ݴ�ý student fell sick and was hospitalized during fall finals, the impact on her semester could have been tremendous. But Samantha Wilson, her academic advisor, stepped in to minimize the damage. “She helped me communicate with professors. She guided me through the steps in getting my finals done, or taking an incomplete so I could finish them another time.”

���߲ݴ�ý University’s Forum Committee presented its Faculty Scholarship Presentation Award this spring to a professor studying international democratic backsliding. 

“I’m a sociologist of law, and my research explores how the law is used and abused for antidemocratic purposes here and around the world,” said Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology Heba Khalil.

At ���߲ݴ�ý University, two pianists are making a big impact, both in the classroom and on stage. Feifei Jiang and her husband Peter, piano faculty members at the University, are not just colleagues but also an inspiring musical duo, blending their shared love for music and education.

���߲ݴ�ý University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration event is dedicated to reflection and recognition of individuals who embody Dr. King’s legacy of equity, inclusion and service. 

���߲ݴ�ý University Athletics has appointed Kean Kontor as the new head men's and women's golf coach. 

Kontor joins the Prairie Wolves with a wealth of experience in collegiate coaching and golf operations, most recently serving as the head men's and women's golf coach at Midland University.

���߲ݴ�ý University has promoted Jason Ensrud to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. 

Dr. Sarah Kelen’s teaching and research on medieval and early modern English literature and culture have earned her one of the highest academic honors at ���߲ݴ�ý University.

Kelen has been chosen as the inaugural holder of the Dr. Roger A. Cognard Professorship in the Liberal Arts. 

Kara Cavel, associate professor of social work, has been named the 2024-2025 Faculty Mentor of the Year. 

The honor recognizes faculty who dedicate their time and expertise to mentoring their colleagues, fostering professional growth, and enhancing the teaching and service environment on campus.

Dr. Jonathan Redding’s influential research on Biblical interpretation and unwavering support of students has earned him one of the highest honors in academia at ���߲ݴ�ý University. 

Redding has been chosen as the inaugural holder of the Dr. Anne MacLeod Cognard Professorship in the Humanities.

���߲ݴ�ý University has named Colton McCrystal as the new head wrestling coach, Director of Athletics Dwight Merilatt announced today.

���߲ݴ�ý University has named Jim Wiedie as the new head women's basketball coach, Director of Athletics Dwight Merilatt announced today.

���߲ݴ�ý University has named Jeff Christy as the twelfth head baseball coach in program history, Dwight Merilatt, director of athletics, announced Tuesday.