Full-Time Faculty

The date shown in parentheses represents the year in which the faculty member joined the College Faculty.

ABDELNASER AL-HASAN, Professor of Mathematics (2012)
B.A., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 1992
M.S., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 1994
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 1998

JAMES CLAY BARTON, Assistant Professor of Education (2023)
B.S., Lander University, 2006
M.Ed., Abilene Christian University, 2010

LINDSY BOATENG, Interim Dean of Health Professions, Sciences, and Mathematics; Associate Professor of Biology (2018, 2025)
B.S., University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, 2005
M.S., University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, 2009
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin – Madison, 2015

ALISON BRANHAM, Instructor of Music (2025)
B.M., Columbia College, 2000
M.M., University of South Carolina, 2003

JAMISON BRIDGES, Assistant Professor of Business (2023)
B.S., Francis Marion University, 2014
M.B.A., Southern New Hampshire University, 2019
Ph.D., Columbia International University, 2025

CANDACE BRINK, Assistant Professor of Physical Education (2025)
B.S., Oregon State University, 2015
M.S., Oregon State University, 2017
Ph.D., West Virginia University, 2025

HENRY BUI, Assistant Professor of Accounting (2023)
B.S., National Economics University, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2016
M.B.A., Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 2020
Ph.D. Candidate in Accounting, University of Scranton

VALARIE BURNETT, Associate Professor of Biology (2011)
B.S., University of South Carolina, 1998
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2004

MANDY L. BUTLER, Professor of Theatre and Speech (2012)
B.A., Georgia College & State University, 2003
M.F.A., Virginia Commonwealth University 2011

CARRIE CAUDILL, Associate Professor of Psychology (2017)
B.A., Columbia International University, 2003
Ed.S., University of South Carolina, 2005
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2012

BRET A. CLARK, Professor of Biology (1995)
B.S., Furman University, 1988
Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, 1995

GREGORY K. COLE, Professor of Spanish (2002)
B.A., University of Toledo, 1985
M.A., Miami University of Ohio, 1987
Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 1993

TRACY L. COOK, Director of Health Science; Assistant Professor of Respiratory Therapy (2021)
A.A.S., Midlands Technical College, 2010
B.A., Columbia College, 1998
M.S., Northern University, 2019

AL De LACHICA, Assistant Professor of Communications (2008)
B.J., University of Texas-Austin, 1990
M.A., University of Texas-Austin, 1992

MILAN DHAMEJA, Instructor of Biology (2025)
B.T., IILM Institute for Higher Education, 2007
M.S., University of South Carolina, 2010

REBEKAH DIXON, Assistant Professor of Sports Management (2004)
B.S., Western Carolina University, 2000
M.S., Winthrop University, 2003
Ed.D., National University, 2025

TIMOTHY DUPONT, Assistant Professor of Business Administration (2021)
B.S., Lander University, 2001
M.B.A., Clemson University, 2003
Ph.D., Clemson University, 2018

GORDON "JOE" EDENFIELD, Professor of Accounting (2023)
B.S., University of South Carolina, 1985
M.A.C.C., University of Georgia, 1989
Ph.D., Old Dominion University, 2010

DIMUTHU EDIRISINGHE, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (2025)
 

DONNA ELSENHEIMER, Assistant Professor of Nursing (2023)
A.A.S., Niagara County Community College, 1980
B.S.N., State University of New York, 1987
M.S.N., State University of New York, 2000

TIMOTHY G. ELSTON, Professor of History; College Ombudsman (2004)
B.A., Abilene Christian University, 1989
B.A., Western Oregon University, 1997
M.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1999
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2004

CYNTHIA HAYNES ESHLEMAN, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice (2018)
B.S., Appalachian State University, 1999
J.D., NC Central University School of Law, 2002
M.S., West Chester University, 2005

MARJORIE "JORIE" FREEMAN, Assistant Professor of Nursing (2025)
B.S., Georgia Regents University, 2015
M.S.N., Augusta University, 2016

MATTHEW FULLER, Professor of Theatre (2005)
B.A., Wake Forest University, 2001
M.F.A. Design, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2005

PAT GAGLIANO, Professor of Theatre/Speech; Department Chair Arts (1994)
B.A., University of South Florida, 1985
M.F.A., Florida State University, 1991

ANDERS GARDESTIG, Assistant Professor of Physics (2023)
M.S., Uppsala University, 1996
Ph.D., Uppsala University, 2000

JONATHAN HALL, Assistant Professor of Music; Assistant Dean of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences (2023, 2025)
B.M.E, Winthrop University, 2007
M.M., Winthrop University, 2009
D.M.A., University of South Carolina, 2020

EDWINA HALLMAN, Assistant Professor of Nursing (2023)
B.A., Purdue University, 2007
B.S.N., Loyola University Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, 2014
M.S.N., F.N.P., Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, 2018  

DAVID HARPOOL, Transitional President; Professor of Business; Director of Newberry College Speech & Debate (2021, 2025)
B.S., Missouri State University, 1983
J.D., School of Law, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1989
Ph.D., Saint Louis University, 1992

JULIA HAYES, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science (2022)
B.S., University of Florida, 2009
M.S., Johns Hopkins University, 2014

MARK HENNION, Director of the Writing Center; Assistant Professor of English; Military Services Coordinator (2024)
A.A., Harrisburg Area Community College, 2010
B.A., Columbia University, 2014
M.F.A., University of Oregon, 2020

BETH HINGA, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Professor of Geology (2024)
B.S., Baylor University, 1993
M.S., Baylor University, 1995
Ph.D., Southern Methodist University, 2004

AVINASH HINGORANI, Assistant Professor of History (2024)
B.A., Tulane University, 2014
M.A., University of Amsterdam, 2016
Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, 2022

AMANDA HODGES, Associate Professor of English; Director of the Summerland Honors Program (2011)
B.A., Agnes Scott College, 1997
M.A.T., Agnes Scott College, 1998
Ph.D., University of Georgia, 2011

CHARLES N. HORN, Professor of Biology (1986)
B.S., George Mason University, 1976
M.S., Ohio State University, 1980
Ph.D., University of Alabama, 1985

ANDREW HUTTO, Instructor of English (2023, 2024)
B.A., University of Louisville, 2019
M.A., Southern Illinois University, 2022

LORRAINE KIBLER, Assistant Professor of Education (2024)
B.S., Ithaca College, 1987
M.S., SUNY, 1991
Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University, 2012

MATTHEW KIDDER, Assistant Professor of Business Administration (2020)
B.S., American University, 2003
Ph.D., University of California Irvine, 2016

STEVEN LAMBERT, Associate Professor of Chemistry; Department Chair Chemistry (2013)
B.S., Mars Hill, 1983
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1990

DENNIS LAMBRIES, Associate Professor of Political Science (2016)
B.A., Chapman University, 1980
M.A., University of South Carolina, 1981
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2009

JOHN LANEAR, Associate Vice President of Online and Graduate Programs (2024)
B.A., Missouri State University, 1991
J.D., University of Missouri, 1994
M.S., University of Wisconsin, 2004
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 2005

LEN LAWSON, Assistant Professor of English (2021)
B.S., Winthrop University, 2002
M.A., National University, 2007
Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2021

JOHN A. LESAINE, Associate Professor of Physical Education; Associate Dean for Student Athlete Success (2012, 2023)
B.S., Newberry College, 2007
M.Ed., Valdosta State University, 2009
Ed.D., United States Sports Academy, 2015
M.S., Capella University, 2017

PATRICIA "DANIELLE" LEWIS, Assistant Professor of Sociology (2016, 2022)
B.A., University of South Carolina, 2006
M.A., University of South Carolina, 2009
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2015

JENNY LINDLER, Director of Nursing; Associate Professor of Nursing (2017, 2022)
B.S., Newberry College, 2011
M.S.N., South University, 2016
D.N.P, American Sentinel University, 2020

EMILY LIVINGSTON, Assistant Professor of Nursing (2019)
B.S.N., Medical University of South Carolina, 2005
M.S.N., Medical University of South Carolina, 2007
D.N.P., Medical University of South Carolina, 2020

SARAH MASTERSON, Associate Professor of Music (2014)
B.A., DePauw University, 2006
M.M., University of Connecticut, 2008
D.M.A., University of Connecticut, 2011

STEVEN MCCLUNG, Dean of Business and Communications; Professor of Communications (2023)
B.A., Marshall University, 1984
M.A., Marshall University, 1986
Ph.D., University of Tennessee, 1999

BARRY MCGINNIS, Professor of Music (2002)
B.S., Towson State University, 1991
M.M., East Carolina University, 1993
D.M.A., University of Georgia, 2002

ELYSSA MERSDORF, Instructor of Speech (2024)
A.A., American Academy of Dramatic Arts, 2007
B.A., San Francisco State University, 2017
M.F.A., Virginia Commonwealth University, 2020

WARREN S. MOORE, III, Professor of English (2003)
B.A., Excelsior College, 1987
M.A., University of Kentucky, 1992
Ph.D., Ball State University, 2002

ISAAC MVULA, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice (2025)
B.Comm., university of Malawi, 1993
M.S., Minot State University, 2002
M.S., Minot State University, 2011
Ph.D., University of North Dakota, 2023

KIM NEAL, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education (2023)
B.A., Florida Atlantic University, 1990
M.S., Lander University, 1997
M.Ed., Grand Canyon University, 2007
Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University, 2004

WANDA NEESE, Instructor of Music (1988)
B.M., Columbia College, 1988
M.M., Columbia College, 1993

TYLER NUNGESSER, Assistant Professor of Chemistry (2023)
B.S., Christopher Newport University, 2015
Ph.D., University of Georgia, 2021

APRIL PADGETT, Instructor of Psychology (2023)
B.A., Newberry College, 2014
M.S., Southern New Hampshire University, 2017
Ph.D., Capella University, pending

SID PARRISH, Jr., Vice President for Administration; Associate Professor of Chemistry (2006, 2025)
B.S., Furman University, 1995
Ph.D., University of Florida, 2001

JODIE PEELER, Professor of Communications; Department Chair Communications (2001)
B.S., Lander University, 1995
M.A., University of South Carolina,1998
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2001

DEBBIE POSTON, Associate Professor of Education; Clinical Experiences Coordinator (2010)
B.S., Winthrop University, 1985
M.Ed., University of South Carolina, 1994
Masters+ 30, University of South Carolina, 1998

J. TRACY POWER, Associate Professor of History; Director of Newberry College Archives (2014)
B.A., Emory University, 1980
M.A., University of South Carolina, 1984
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1993

JENNIFER PRESSLEY, Instructor of Mathematics (2023)
B.S., Presbyterian College, 1996
M.Ed., Bob Jones University, 2002 

DAVID RACHELS, Professor of English  (2013)
B.A., Emory University, 1989   
M.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1991
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1996

ROMY RAJAN, Assistant Professor of English (2024)
B.A., Hindu College, University of Delhi, 2010
M.A., University of Delhi, 2012
M.Phil., University of Delhi, 2014
Ph.D., University of Florida, 2021

PAULA RIDDLE, Associate Professor of Art (2005)
B.A., Lander University, 1986
M.A.T., University of South Carolina, 1988

DAVID SANTIAGO, Instructor of Bands (2018)
B.M.E., University of South Carolina, 1985
M.M.E., University of Southern Mississippi, 1986

GERALD SEALS, Associate Professor of Business Administration (2005)
B.A., University of South Carolina, 1975
M.A., University of Denver, 1976
Ph.D., Columbia International University, 2023

CHRIS SHEPPARD, Associate Professor of Music (2010)
B.F.A., Marshall University, 1994
M.M., University of Northern Colorado, 1997
D.M.A., University of Wisconsin, 2005

PAUL D. SMITH, Assistant Professor of Business Administration (2004)
B.S.B.A., University of South Carolina, 2000
M.B.A., Webster University, 2004

TANIA SOSIAK, Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Digital Marketing (2003)
B.F.A., Syracuse University, 1988
M.I.D., North Carolina State University, 1996

JULIE STEVENSON, Assistant Professor of Physical Education (2024)
B.S., Ball State University, 2000
M.Ed., American College of Education, 2010

WIEBKE STREHL, Dean of the Division of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Professor of German (2023)
B.A., Padagogische Hochschule Flensburg, 1986
M.A., Pennsylvania State University, 1988
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1992

MATTHEW SYNO, Instructor of Exercise Science (2024)
B.S., Elon University, 2000
M.S.Ed., Old Dominion University, 2004

JODY THOMPSON, Associate Professor of Psychology; Department Chair Social Sciences (2019)
B.A., The University of Alabama, 2008
M.S., Jacksonville State University, 2010
Ph.D., Central Michigan University, 2017

JACQUELINE TOWNSEND, Assistant Professor of Music; Director of Bands (2025)
B.M. - Music Education, Bowling Green State University, 2008
M.M., Bowling Green State University, 2011
D.M.A., University of North Texas, 2018

CY WAINWRIGHT, Assistant Professor of Sports Management (2021)
B.S., Newberry College, 2009
M.S., St. Cloud State University, 2011

JOHN WALLIS, Speech and Debate Coach; Instructor of Speech (2025)
B.A., Webster University, 2021
M.A., Webster University, 2024

CHRISTINA L. WENDLAND, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; Associate Professor of Religion (2007, 2022)
B.S., The Ohio State University, 1992
M.Div., Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 1997
Ph.D., Luther Seminary, 2007
M.S., Newberry College, 2022

LERONE J. WILDER, Assistant Professor of Religion; Director Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week (2021)
B.A., University of South Carolina, 2005
M.Div., Interdenominational Theological Center, 2010
Ph.D., Union Institute and University, 2019

PEGGY L. BARNES-WINDER, Director of the Muller Center for Campus and Community Engagement; Professor of Physical Education (1990, 2024)
B.A., Newberry College, 1987
M.S., Western Kentucky University, 1988
Ph.D., Touro University International, 2006

MICHELLE ZORNES, Instructor of Business Administration (2023, 2024)
A.A, Phillips College, 1991
B.A., University of South Carolina-Columbia, 2012
M.P.A., University of South Carolina-Columbia, 2014
J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 2017