Judson College welcomes new faculty

Judson College welcomed new and returning faculty members this month for New Faculty Orientation and Faculty/Staff Institute.

The Equine Science Department welcomed a new Department Head, Dr. Pamela Mitcham, who holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Louisiana State University. Mitcham also completed her master and bachelor of science degrees at LSU.

The English Department added a new Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Laura Schrock, who completed her Ph.D. in English at the University of Mississippi in May. Schrock holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Mobile and a master of arts degree from Baylor University.

Larissa Clachar also joins the Humanities Division as Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish. A native of San Jose, Costa Rica, and a Judson graduate, Clachar holds a master of arts degree and is working toward completion of her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama.

Cindy St. Clair joins the Music Department as Assistant Professor of Music (Piano Performance). St. Clair is completing her D.M.A. at the University of Alabama, after receiving bachelor of music and bachelor of science degrees from Samford University and a master of music degree from the University of Alabama.

Dr. Sadie Frazier was welcomed to the Music faculty in January and is continuing this fall as Assistant Professor of Music (Vocal Performance). Frazier received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Samford University and a master’s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She received her doctoral degree in vocal performance at the University of Alabama.

Dr. Linda Childers joined the Nursing faculty in January as Assistant Professor of Nursing. Childers holds a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Auburn University and master and doctorate degrees from Troy University.

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(Photo: Judson’s newest faculty members. From left: Sadie Frazier, Cindy St. Clair, Larissa Clachar, Laura Schrock, Linda Childers, and Pamela Mitcham)

Along with typical orientation activities, Judson’s newest faculty members read and discussed Dr. Susan VanZanten’s book “Joining the Mission,” a guide for new faculty and staff at religious universities. Each imagined her place in Judson’s mission and considered how to best employ her own unique experiences and strengths to contribute to Judson’s mission.

Clachar remembered her experience as a Judson student and expressed excitement at returning to her Alma Mater, whose mission of education for ‘the greater good’ informed her own life: “I am excited to be able to give back to Judson and to invest in our students in the same way that my professors invested in me. I believe that through teaching Spanish I can help students accomplish their goals of service–in professional settings, on mission trips, or in their communities.”

Mitcham considered her unique combination of academic interests and desire to join a mission-driven college community: “Judson is the kind of place I always envisioned myself. I have always wanted to join the faculty at an institution that puts students first. To be able to combine my passion for horses and science with my love for students is simply a dream come true. I couldn’t be more excited!”

Judson’s new and returning faculty and staff met on August 20 for Faculty/Staff Institute. The keynote speaker was Susan VanZanten, Professor of English at Seattle Pacific University and “Joining the Mission” author. In the morning session, VanZanten spoke with staff and faculty about considering one’s work as vocation and employing storytelling as a way of realizing one’s place in the College’s mission. In the afternoon VanZanten led a special faculty session about using storytelling as an effective tool in teaching.

Schrock situated her own narrative in the context of vocation and Judson’s mission: “My undergraduate years were the most formative period of my education; they shaped my vocation both academically and spiritually. I am overjoyed that my work at Judson will be centered on the holistic development of students’ lives.”

Judson’s classes began August 27, and the College community looks forward to a successful, mission-driven academic year.

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