Faculty

To contact faculty and staff, please visit Faculty and Staff Directory.

Bethany Adams

Christopher Adams (18-AUG-2011) Associate Professor of Chemistry. B.S. in Chemistry, Adams State College, 2006; Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, University of Colorado, 2011.

Stephen Aldrich ( 2000 ) Professor of Mathematics. B.A. in Mathematics, University of Southern Colorado, 1995; M.A. in Mathematics, University of Kentucky, 1997; Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Kentucky, 2000.

Courtney Allen (20-AUG-2015) Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in Psychology from University of Florida, 1998; M.Ed./Ed.S in School Counseling from University of Florida, 2002; Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education, University of Florida, 2015.

Meredith Anderson (20-AUG-2015) Assistant Professor of Mathematics. B.S. in Mathematics, Ohio State University, 2008; B.A. in Psychology w/ honors, Ohio State University, 2008; M.S. in Mathematics, New Mexico State University, 2011; Ph.D. in Mathematics, New Mexico State University, 2015.

David Bertolatus ( 2021 ) Assistant Professor of Biology. B.A. in Music Performance, University of Iowa, 2007; B.S. in Biology, Metropolitan State University of Denver, 2013; M.S. in Biology, University of Colorado Denver, 2016; Ph.D. in Integrative and Systems Biology, University of Colorado-Denver, 2021.

Umesh Bhattarai ( 2018 ) Assistant Professor of Chemistry. B.S. in Chemistry, Tribhuvan University – Nepal, 2006; M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Tribhuvan University – Nepal, 2012; Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of New Mexico, 2007. ePortfolio: https://ubhattarai.wixsite.com/website

Beth Bonnstetter (21-AUG-2008) Associate Professor of Communication. B.A. from Regis University, 1999; M.A. from Colorado State University, 2005, Ph.D. in Communications, University of Minnesota, 2008.

Benita Brink (08-JUL-1994) Professor of Biology. B.S. in Biology, Aquinas College, 1984; Ph.D. in Biology: Microbial Genetics, Marquette University, 1989.

Jessica Brown ( 2017 ) Assistant Professor of English. A.A./A.S. in English/Biology, Casper College; B.A. in English, BYU, 2006; M.A. in English, BYU, 2010; Ph.D. in English, Arizona State University, 2018. ePortfolio: https://jessbrown8.wixsite.com/eportfolio

Laura Bruneau (18-JULY-2007) Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in Psychology, Miami University, 1998; M.Ed. in Community Counseling, Kent State University, 2002; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Kent State University, 2007.

Alice Burch (16-AUG-2016) Assistant Professor of Nursing. B.S. in Nursing, University of Colorado, 1983; M.S. in Nursing, Chamberlain College of Nursing, 2011. D.N.P. from Regis University, 2018.

Zena Buser (16-AUG-2007) Professor of Business. B.S. in AgriBusiness, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 1996; M.S. in AgriBusiness and Economics, West Texas A&M University, 2002; Ph.D. in Systems Agriculture, West Texas A&M University, 2007.

Rebecca Caple

Lisa “Mari” Centeno (25-AUG-2004) Professor of Political Science. B.A. in Political Science, Purdue University, 1993; M.A. in Political Science, Arizona State University, 1996; Ph.D. in Political Science, Arizona State University, 2003.

Kimberly Chacon (16-AUG-16) Assistant Professor of Nursing. M.S. in Nursing, University of Colorado, 2012.

Kathleen Chavez (17-AUG-2012) Instructor of English. M.A. in Education, Adams State College, 2003; M.A. in Leadership/Principal License, Adams State College, 2010; M.A. in English – 18 hr. Credential Requirement, Western New Mexico University, 2020.

Ashley Clayton ( 2016 ) Assistant Professor of Mathematics. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Midwestern State University, 2010; M.S. in Applied Mathematics, Texas Tech University, 2016; Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Texas Tech University, 2016.

Annaliesa Connor-Meissner ( 2021 ) Assistant Professor of Art. B.A. in Visual Arts with History, University of the West Indies – Trinidad and Tobago, 2006; M.A. in Art, Adams State University, 2015.

Carol Cotter ( 2021 ) Counselor Ed Clinical Faculty, Counselor Education. B.A. in Psychology, University of Houston – Clear Lake, 1996. M.A. in Social Work, University of Houston, 1999. Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Adams State University, 2021.

Falon Crowther ( 2017 ) Assistant Professor of Nursing. B.S. in Commercial Recreation, Brigham Young University, 2008; B.S. in Nursing from Adams State University, 2015; M.S.N-Ed, Norwich University, 2019.

Morgan Cummons ( 2017 ) Visiting Assistant Professor of Nursing. B.S in Business, Adams State College, 2009; A.A.S. in Nursing, Fort Scott Community College, 2011;M.S. in Nursing, Grand Canyon University, 2017.

Beverly Devore-Wedding ( 2019 ) Assistant Professor of Teacher Education. B.S. in Botany, University of Wyoming, 1977; M.S. in Botany, University of Wyoming, 1980; B.S. in Science Education, University of Wyoming, 1985; M.S. in Science Education, Montana State University, 2000; Ph.D. in Teaching, Curriculum and Learning, University of Nebraska, 2017.

Terry Dupler ( 2019 ) Associate Professor of Human Performance and Physical Education. B.S. in Fitness and Human Performance, University of Houston – Clear Lake, 1989; M.S. in Fitness and Human Performance, University of Houston – Clear Lake, 1991; Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, Texas A&M University, 1996.

Jeff Elison (13-JAN-2011) Professor of Psychology. B.S. in Computer Science, Mathematics Minor, Kutztown University, 1983; M.A. in Educational Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, 2000; Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, 2003; Post-doc in Psychology, University of Denver, 2005.

Sara Erdner ( AUG-2019) Assistant Professor of Kinesiology. B.S. in Communication Studies, University of Alabama – Huntsville, 2012; M.S. in Communication Studies, University of Tennessee, 2015; Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior, University of Tennessee, 2018.

Melissa Freeman ( AUG-2020 ) Visiting Assistant Professor of HEAL. B.S.S. in Specialized Studies, Ohio University, 1997. M.A. in Political Science, Ohio University, 2000. Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, Ohio University, 2007.

Caroline Gabe ( 2019 ) Visiting Professor of Anthropology. B.A. in Classical Archaeology and History, University of Michigan, 2003; M.S. in Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 2008; Ph.D. in Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 2019; M.S. Higher Education Administration, Southern New Hampshire University, 2022. ePortfolio: https://cgabe8.wixsite.com/eportfolio

Jess Gagliardi ( AUG-2021 ) Director of First Year Seminars. B.A. in History, Government, Adams State University, 2011. M.A. in United States History, Adams State University, 2015. M.A. in Higher Education Administration, Louisiana State University, 2018. Ed.S. in Education Innovation & Leadership, Fort Hays State University, 2020. ePortfolio: https://jgagliardi0.wixsite.com/website

Curtis Garcia (AUG-2015) Assistant Professor of Education. B.A. in Political Science, Yale University, 2008; M.A. in Educational Leadership, Adams State University, 2011. Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Research and Policy, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, 2020.

Sandra Gavin ( 2021 ) Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. B.S. in Psychology and Human Services, Upper Iowa University, 2015; M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Northern Iowa, 2018; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Northern Illinois University, 2021.

David Gerke (16-AUG-2016) Assistant Professor of Speech/Theatre. B.A. in Theatre, Carroll College, 2007; M.F.A. in Theatre, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2011.

Kyle Glenn ( 2017 ) Assistant Professor of Economics. B.S. in Economics, Portland State University, 2010; M.A. in Economics, University of Denver, 2014; Ph.D. in Economics, The New School for Social Research, 2020.

Anthony Guntren ( 2021 ) Visiting Assistant Professor of Art. B.F.A. in Art, Western State College, 2000; M.A. in Art, Adams State University, 2011; M.F.A in Art (Sculpture), Colorado State University, 2015.

Christina Harrell ( 2020 ) Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in Business Administration, Adams State University, 2011; M.A. in Counseling, Adams State University, 2013; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Adams State University, 2020.

Sherie Hawkins ( 2013 ) Clinical Facility – Counselor Education. P.h.D in Counselor Education and Supervision, Regent University, 2014.

Janessa Henninger

Elizabeth Hensley (14-AUG-2008) Associate Professor of Business. B.S. in Business Administration (Emphasis in Marketing & Management), Adams State College, 2005; M.B.A. in Business Administration, Arizona State University, 2007; Ph.D. in Organization and Management, Capella University, 2016.

Stephanie Hilwig (21-AUG-2003) Professor of Sociology. B.A. in Sociology, Adams State College, 1994; M.A. in Sociology, California State University-Fullerton, 1999; Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 2003.

Curtis Howell (19-AUG-2013) Instructor of Academic Achievement Strategies. B.A. in Biblical Studies/Art, Hardin-Simmons University, 2003; M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Texas Tech University, 2011.

Lynnea King ( 2011 ) Assistant Professor of English. B.A. in English/Theatre, Wayland Baptist University, 1990; M.A. in English, Texas Tech University, 1993; Ph.D. in English (20th Century American Literature and Film),  Texas Tech University, 1998.

Rena Kirkland (AUG-2017) Assistant Professor of Psychology. B.A. University of California-San Diego, 1997; M.A. University of Northern Colorado, 2004; Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, 2013.

Angel Knoverek ( 2017 ) Counselor Education Clinical Faculty. B.S. in Psychology, Culver-Stockton College, 1993; B.A. in English, Culver-Stockton College, 1993; M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Benedictine University, 2000; Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, Regent University, 2012.

Chayan Lahiri ( 2018 ) Visiting Assistant Professor of Earth Science. B.S. in Geology, University of Calcutta, 2003; M.S. in Geosciences, University of Idaho, 2008; Ph.D. in Geosciences, University of Mississippi, 2018.

Michelle Le Blanc ( 2016 ) Instructor of English. B.S. in Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Colorado-Boulder, 1993; M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Antioch University, 2012; Cert. in Creative Writing Teaching Pedagogy, Antioch University, 2012.

Melinda Leoce ( AUG-2020 ) Visiting Assistant Professor of Music. B.M.E. from University of Central Florida, 2010; M.M. in Percussion Performance and Certificate in Ethnomusicology, Florida State University.

Michael Liebhaber ( 2019 ) Visiting Instructor of Psychology. B.A. in Wildlife Biology, University of Arizona, 1975; B.A. in Management Information Systems, University of Arizona, 1977; M.A. in Psychology, University of Kansas, 1986; Ph.D. in Child Language, University of Kansas, 1989; PostDoc in Psycholinguistics, University of California – San Diego, 1991; M.F.A in Painting, Western Connecticut State University, 2006.

Natasha Liebig ( 2018 ) Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy. B.A. in Philosophy, International Relations, and Political Science, Carroll College, 2001; M.A. in Philosophy, University of South Florida, 2010; Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of South Florida, 2016. ePortfolio: https://nliebig.wixsite.com/mysite

William Lipke (06-JUL-2001) Professor of Music. B.M. in Music Performance, University of Arizona, 1982; M.M. in Music Performance, University of Cincinnati, 1984; D.M.A. in Music Performance with a Doctoral Cogane in Music History, University of Cincinnati, 1990.

Richard Loosbrock (05-JUL-2000) Professor of History. B.A. in History, University of Kansas, 1988; M.A. in History, University of New Mexico, 1993; Ph.D. in History, University of New Mexico, 2005.

Michele Mann ( 2019 ) Assistant Professor of Teacher Education. B.S. in Biology, Furman University, 1986; M.A. in Biology/Science Education, University of South Florida, 2000; Ph.D. in STEM Education, University of Texas – Austin, 2019.

Mark Manzanares (25-AUG-1996) Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in Psychology, Adams State College, 1989; M.A. in Community Counseling, Adams State College, 1992; Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies, Colorado State University, 2004.

Maria Martinez ( 2014 ) Visiting Instructor of Human Performance and Physical Education. B.A. in Human Performance and Physical Education, Adams State University, 2012; M.S. in Human Performance and Exercise Science, Adams State University, 2014.

George McConnell ( 2019 ) Assistant Professor of Theatre. B.A. in Theatre Performance, Western Michigan University, 1997; M.A. in Theatre Studies, Florida State University, 2006; Ph.D. in Theatre Historiography, University of Minnesota, 2011.

Cheri Meder (15-AUG-2013) Chair and Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, Western State College, 2004; M.A. in School Counseling, Adams State College, 2008; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Regent University, 2013.

Rebecca Meidinger (2022) Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. B.S. in Psychology, North Dakota State University, 2012; M.S. in School Counseling, University of Ma…

Christina Miller (06-JUL-2001) Professor of Chemistry. B.S. in Chemistry, Adams State College, 1992; Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1998.

Gina Mitchell ( 2006 ) Visiting Professor of Psychology. B.A. in Psychology/Spanish, University of South Dakota, 2002; M.S. in Psychology, Developmental and Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 2004; Ph.D. in Psychology, Developmental and Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 2006.

Kieran Nduagbo ( 2019 ) Assistant Professor of Teacher Education. B.S.Ed. in Special Education, Loyola University, 2001; M.A. in Educational Administration, Governors State University, 2005; Ph.D. in Higher Education, Seaton Hall University, 2018.

Matthew Nehring (12-AUG-1998) Professor of Physics. B.S. in Physics Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1990; Ph.D. in Physics, University of Colorado-Boulder, 1995.

Jenna Neilsen (16-AUG-2007) Associate Professor of Theatre. B.A. in Theatre and Psychology, Ohio Northern University, 2001; M.F.A. in Theatre, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007.

Frank Novotny (16-AUG-2004) Professor of Chemistry. B.S. in Chemistry, St. Norbert College, 1989; Ph.D. in Chemistry, South Dakota State University, 1993.

Theresa O’Halloran ( 2001 ) Counselor Education Clinical Faculty. B.S. in Communication, Arizona State University, 1988; M.C. in Counseling, Arizona State University, 1992; Ed.D in Counselor Education, University of Northern Colorado, 1998.

Melissa ONeill ( 2021 ) Counselor Education Clinical Faculty. B.A. in Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009; M.A. in Counseling, Eastern New Mexico University, 2013; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Adams State University, 2021.

Johnsa Phares ( 2019 ) Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in Psychology, Ouachita Baptist University, 2002; M.A. in Counseling, Adams State University, 2015; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Adams State University, 2019.

Eva Rayas Solis (10-AUG-1993) Associate Professor of Spanish. B.A. Universidad de Sonora, 1980; M.A. University of Kansas, 1987; Ph.D. in Spanish Literature, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1994.

Blaine Reilly ( 2016 ) Counselor Education Clinical Faculty. B.A. in Psychology, Gonzaga University, 1999; M.C. in Counseling, Idaho State University, 2007; Ph.D. in Counselor Education, Idaho State University, 2016.

Leslie Macklin-Rice (16-AUG-2016) Assistant Professor of Art. M.F.A. in Ceramics, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, 2014.

Neil Rigsbee (17-AUG-2015) Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in Psychology, College of Santa Fe; M.A. in Counseling, Webster University; Ph.D. in Counselor Education, University of New Mexico.

Tracey Robinson (25-JUL-2001) Professor of Human Performance and Physical Education. B.S. in Human Kinetics, University of Guelph, 1985; M.S. in Physical Education and Biology, New Mexico State University, 1987; Ph.D. in Human Performance, Oregon State University, 1994.

Beth Robison (20-AUG-2009) Professor of Music. B.M. in Vocal Performance, Ohio University, 1986; M.M. in Choral Conducting, Ohio University, 2005; D.M.A. in Choral Conducting, University of Kansas, 2008.

Natalie Rogers ( 2014 ) Assistant Professor of Business. CPA; M.B.A. in Business Administration, Adams State College, 2011; M.S. in Accounting, Grand Canyon University, 2018.

Charles (Nick) Saenz (19-AUG-2013) Assistant Professor of History. B.A. in History and Political Science, University of Chicago, 2005; M.A. in History, University of California-San Diego, 2009; Ph.D. in History, University of California-San Diego, 2013.

Penny Sanders (16-AUG-2013) Counselor Education Clinical Faculty. B.S. in Radio/TV Communication, Eastern New Mexico University, 1984; M.A. in Counseling/Student Personnel, Northern Arizona University, 1988; Ed.D. in Counseling, Texas A&M – Commerce, 1999.

Colleen Schaffner ( 2018 ) Professor of Psychology. B.A. in Psychology, George Washington University, 1985; M.A. in Animal Behavior, Bucknell University, 1991; Ph.D. in Biological Psychology, University of Nebraska, 1996.

Matthew Schildt (25-AUG-2005) Professor of Music. B.M. in Music Recording Technology and Composition, Lebanon Valley College, 1998; M.A. in Music Composition, Kent State University, 2000; Ph.D. in Music Theory and Composition, Kent State University, 2005.

Eugene Schilling (14-AUG-1996) Professor of Art. B.F.A. in Painting, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1982; M.F.A. in Painting, Colorado State University, 1986.

Heidi Schneider ( 2018 ) Assistant Professor of Sociology. A.A. in Criminology and Justice Studies, Mira Costa Community College, 2007; B.A. in Criminology and Justice Studies, California State University-San Marcos, 2009; M.A. in Sociology, University of California-San Diego, 2013; Ph.D. in Sociology, University of California-San Diego, 2016.

Ahmed Shafee ( 2021 ) Assistant Professor of Computer Science. B.S. in Communication and Information, Helwan University (Egypt), 2011; M.S. in Computer Engineering, Helwan University (Egypt), 2018; ABD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, 2022 (Expected in Spring).

Madeleine Stevens ( 2017 ) Counselor Education Clinical Faculty. B.A. in Liberal Arts with emphasis in Studio Arts, University of Colorado-Denver, 1994; M.A. in Art Therapy, Southwestern College, 2005; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Adams State University, 2020.

Michael Stewart ( 2017 ) Assistant Professor of Sociology. B.S. in Sociology/Psychology, East Central University, 1996; M.S. in Sociology, Florida State University, 2003; Ph.D. in Sociology, Florida State University, 2008.

John Taylor (16-AUG-1999) Professor of Theatre. B.S. in Theatre, Wichita State University, 1988; M.A. in Theatre (Hist. Lit. Crit.), Ohio State University, 1990; Ph.D. in Theatre (Hist. Lit. Crit.), Ohio State University, 1994.

Jared Thiemann (21-AUG-2014) Associate Professor of Counselor Education. B.A. in General Studies, Idaho State University, 2007; M.C. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling, Idaho State University, 2009; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling, Idaho State University, 2013.

Kirk Thiemann

William (Bill) Tite ( 2019 ) Assistant Professor of Art. B.F.A. in Graphic Communications, Center of Creative Studies, 1980; M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, 2016.

Aaron Tuioti-Mariner ( 2018 ) Visiting Assistant Professor of Sports Management. A.A. in Business Administration, Brigham Young University, 2000; B.S. in Business Administration, Adams State College, 2002; M.A. in Sports Administration, Adams State University, 2011; M.B.A. in Leadership, Adams State University, 2012; E.L.I. in Educational Leadership, Adams State University, 2013.

Paul Tunis ( 2020 ) Assistant Professor of Communications. B.A. in English Literature, Arizona State University, 2006; M.F.A. in Writing (Fiction), Sarah Lawrence College, 2009.

Billy Ulibarri ( 2021 ) Assistant Professor of Sociology. B.A. in Sociology/Social Welfare, University of New Mexico, 2001; M.A. in Sociology, University of New Mexico, 2004; Ph.D. in Sociology, University of New Mexico, 2015.

Matthew Valverde ( AUG-2016 ) Associate Professor of Voice. B.A. in Music, Texas Christian University, 2007; B.A. in Biology, Texas Christian University, 2007; M.M. in Choral Conducting, Texas Christian University, 2009; M.M. in Vocal Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), 2009; M.M. in Vocal Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music, 2012; D.M.A. in Vocal Performance and Literature (minor in Vocal Pedagogy), Eastman School of Music, 2016.

Mark Vander Ley ( 2019 ) Counselor Education Clinical Faculty. B.A. in Business Administration, Dordt University, 1999; M.C. in Counseling, University of Phoenix, 2006; Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Adams State University, 2018.

Joaquin Vila ( 2019 ) Professor of Teacher Education. B.A. in English, University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, 1975; M.A. in Linguistics, Michigan State University, 1983; Ph.D. in Linguistics, Michigan State University, 1991.

Tony Weathers (25-AUG-2005) Professor of Mathematics. B.S. in Mathematics (Minor in Physics), Mercer University, 1991; M.S. in Mathematics, Auburn University, 1993; Ph.D. in Mathematics, Auburn University, 1998.

Anthony (AJ) Webb ( 2017 ) Business Assistant Professor. B.S. in Business Administration (Emphasis in Healthcare, Minor in Marketing and Management), Adams State University, 2010; M.B.A. in Leadership Track, Adams State University, 2013.

Angela Winter (20-AUG-2015) Director of Bands, Assistant Professor of Music. B.M.E. in Music Education, University of Memphis, 1999; M.M. in Performance/Horn, University of North Texas, 2002; D.M.A. in Performance/Horn, University of North Texas, 2014.

Mohamed Yusri Zaro (23-AUG-2010) Assistant Professor of Finance. M.B.A. in Finance, California State University, 1984; CAGS (Doctoral Level) Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Financial Management, North Central University, 2015.

Brian Zuleger (21-AUG-2014) Associate Professor of Human Performance and Physical Education. B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science, Western Washington University, 2009; M.S. in Human Movement and Performance, Western Washington University, 2011; Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion, University of Missouri, 2014.