Every August, I get to experience one of the highlights of my role as Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development: welcoming our newest faculty members to Xavier. There's something energizing about our New Faculty Orientation (NFO), bringing together scholars from different disciplines, watching them discover what makes this university special, and seeing the connections start to form.
Two weeks ago, over two intensive days, our CAT+FD team, along with dedicated Xavier community members, had the privilege of watching 17 exceptional new colleagues begin their journey at our institution. These two days are about transformation, connection, and laying the groundwork for the innovative teaching and scholarship that will shape our students' futures.
From seasoned scholars embarking on new chapters to freshly minted Ph.Ds., each new faculty member brought their own spark of curiosity and expertise. Watching them connect with our existing community, ask thoughtful questions, and share their visions for their work here reminded me exactly why I love what we do at the Center.
But enough about the process. Let me introduce you to the 17 remarkable individuals who are now a part of the Xavier family:
Photo credit: Bart Everson
- Dr. Mamta Dalal, Department of Mathematics
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University - Dr. Emily Highstreet, Physician Assistant Program
D. Pharm. from Xavier University of Louisiana - Mr. Jonathan Slaughter, Department of Languages
M.A. in French from Middlebury Language Schools and Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Dr. Alana Peck, Department of Sociology
Ph.D. in Sociology from Louisiana State University - Dr. Katherine Causey, Division of Business
DBA in Management from Argosy University - Dr. Steven Battin, Department of Theology
Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame - Dr. Cindy Chava, Physician Assistant Program
MHS from Duke University - Dr. Dodie Arnold, Department of Public Health Sciences
Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Washington - Dr. Dominique Townsend, Department of English
Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Rochester - Ms. Courtney Rookard, Archives & Special Collections
MLS from Indiana University - Dr. Brian Balog, Department of Biology
Ph.D. in Integrated Bioscience from the University of Akron - Dr. Lisa Cole, Division of Business
Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from St. Louis University - Dr. Leelannee Malin, Department of Mass Communication
Ph.D. in Mass Communication Media from Howard University - Dr. Ellen Walker, Department of Psychology
Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Texas at El Paso - Dr. Kenneth Rocker, Department of Mass Communication
Ph.D. in Communication from Massey University - Dr. Ezra Spira-Cohen, Department of Political Science
Ph.D. in Political Science from Tulane University - Dr. Hannah Baron, Department of Political Science
Ph.D. in Political Science, Comparative Politics and Political Methodology from Brown University