New Faculty

College of Arts and Letters

Ms. Catie Berkenfield, Lecturer of English, received a M.A. in Linguistics in 200 from the University of New Mexico, a B.A. in English in 1994 from the University of Montana and is a Ph.D. candidate in Linguistics at the University of New Mexico. Since 2002, she has been an Instructor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of New Mexico.

Mr. Michael Blumenthal, Visiting Associate Professor of Englisha nd designated as the Mina Hohenberg Darden Endowed Chair in Creative Writing, received a J.D. in 1974 from Cornell Law School, a M.A. in Equiv. Clinical Psychology (Psy.D. Program) from Antioch University and a B.A. in 1969 from the State University of New York at Binghamton. From 2004-2005, he was Acuff Chair of Excellence in the Creative Arts at Austin Peay State University. Prior to that, Mr. Blumenthal was a tenured Professor of American Civilization, Literature & Translation at Université Francois Rebelais, France.

Dr. Timothy B. Bostic, Visiting Assistant Professor of English, received a Ph.D. in Education, Instructional Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a M.A. in Humanities and a B.A. in Speech Communication and Theatre Arts, in 1995 and 1993 respectively from Old Dominion University and a B.B.A. in Finance in 1988 from George Washington University. Since 2004, he has been an Instructor for Foundation of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Kelly Ann Cheeseman, Assistant Professor of Sociology, received a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice in 2006 from Sam Houston State University, and a M.S. in Criminal Justice/Criminology in 1999 from Sam Houston State University, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections with a double major in Psychology from Youngstown State University. Since 2005 she has been Unit Culture Profile Coordinator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Institutional Division, Safe Prison Program. Dr. Cheeseman is also an Assistant Instructor and Teaching Fellow in the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University.

Ms. Patricia Edwards, Lecturer of Art, Received a M.F.A. in Painting in 1991 from the State University of New York at New Paltz and a B.F.A. in Illustration in 1986 from Rhode Island School of Design. Since 1999, She has been an Art Teacher at Ingleside Elementary School, Norfolk Public Schools. Ms. Edwards is also an Art Teacher at the Ghent Studio of Fine Arts.

Dr. Jennifer N. Fish, Associate rpfoessor of Women's Studies, received a Ph.D. in Sociology in 2003 from American University and a M.A. in Counseling and Higher Education and a B.A. in Psychology, in 1993 and 1991 respectively, from Bowling Green State University. Since 2004, she has been Chair of Women's Studies and Professor of Sociology at Warren Wilson College. Prior to that, Dr. fish was a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Syracuse University.

Dr. Andrew Gordus, Assistant Professor of foreign Languages and Literatures, received a Ph.D. in Spanish in 2003 from Arizona State University, a M.A. in Spanish in 1993 from Bowling Green State University and a B.A. in Chemistry and Sanish in 1990 from Wabash College. since 2003, He has been an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Hampton University. Dr. Gordus has also been an Adjunct Faculty in Sanish at Irvine Valley College, Golden West College, Chapman University and Cypress College.

Dr. Michael Hall, Assistant Professor of Music, recieved a Doctor of Musical Arts in 1998 from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Music in 1992 from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Music Education in 1989 from the Univeristy of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Since 200, he has been an Assistant Professor of Trombone at the University of Kansas. Dr. Hall is also a faculty member for the International Music Camp, the Midwestern Music Camp and the KU Jazz Workshop.

Ms. Katherine Hammond, Lecturer of Communication and Theatre Arts, received a M.F.A in Drama, Film and Media/Dramatic Media in 2002 from the University of Geogia, a two-year post-graduate diploma in performance from the Webber Doublas Academy of Dramatic Arts and Music, London, England and a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Theatre in 1983 from the University of Louisville. Since 2004, she has been an Assistant Professor in Theatre at Bellarmine University. Prior to that, Ms. Hammond was a Teaching Assistant and Instructor in the Department of Theatre, Film and Media at the University of Georgia.

Dr. Kerry Lee Jennings, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, received a D.M.A. in Vocal Performance in 2004 from the University of Maryland at College Park, and a M.M. and a B.M. in Vocal Performance, in 200 and 1998 respectively, from the University of Washington. Since 2004, he has been a Lecturer at Frostburg State University.

Mr. Timothy C. Kidd, Lecturer of Political Science and Georgraphy, received a M.S. in Geography and a B.A. in International Studies, in 2003 and 1992 respectively, from the University of Alabama. Since 200, he has been an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Political Science and Geography at Old Dominion University.

Dr. Lucy Manning, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, received a D.M.A. in Conducting in 2005 from the University of South Carolina, a M.M in Violin Performance in 1970 from the Univerity of Illinois and a B.M. in Violin Performance in 1969 from West Virginia University. Since 1992, she has been Orchestra Director at Saraoga Springs High School and has sixteen years of teaching experience at every level of orchestra. Her conducting experience includes serving as assistant Conductor of the USC Symphony and Chamber Orchestras fro several productions.

Ms. Julie A. Manthey, Lecturer of English, received a M.A. in English in 2002 from Wright State University  and a B.S. in Education in 1991 from Eastern Michigan University. Since 2002, she has been an Instructor and an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of English at Old Dominion University. 

Dr. Mary E. Marshall, Lecturer of Philosophy and Religious Studies, received a Ph.D. and a M.A. in Philosophy , in 2001 and 1996 respectively, from the University of Virginia, a M.F.A. in Theatre Arts in 1995 from the University of Arizona and a B.A. in Philosophy in 1989 from Old Dominion University. Since 2003, she has been a Lecturer at Old Dominion University in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies.

Ms. Tracey Mershon, Lecturer of English, received a M.F.A. in Creative Writing in 2003 from Brooklyn College and a B.F.A. in Theatre/Directing in 1994 from New York University. Since 2004, she has been an Adjunct Instructor from English and an EOP Tutor at Dutchess Community College. She has also been an ESL Instructor at Orange County Community College.

Mr. Daniel E. O'Leary, Lecturer of Sociology and Criminal Justice, received a M.A. in 2000 from The American University, School of International Service and a B.A. in 1996 from The Evergreen State College. He is currently pursuing a d Ph.D. from the Department of Social Science at Syracuse University with an expected completion in May 2007. Since 2005, he has been a Research Associate, Project Manager for the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center and an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Sociology at the University of North Carolina Asheville.

Dr. Jonathan F. Phillips, Assistant Professor of History, received a Ph.D. in American History in 2003 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a M.L.A. in History, Literature from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since 2005, he ahs been a Post-Doctoral Fellow for the Institute for Southern Studies at the University of South Carolina. In 2004-2005, he was a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Texas A&M University.

Dr. Margaret J. Pitts, Assistant Professor of Communication and Theatre Arts, received a Ph.D. in Communication Arts and Sciences and a M.S. in Speech Communication, in 2005 and 2001 respectively, from The Pennsylvania State University and a B.A. in Human Communication and a B.A. in Modern French Language in 1999 from Arizona State University. Since 2005, she has been a Visiting Scholar/Lecturer in the Department of Communication at The University of California Santa Barbara. Prior to that, she was a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at The Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Jesse T. Richman, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Geography, received a Ph.D. and a M.A. in Political Science, in 2005 and 2001 respectively, from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Philosophy in History and Political Science in 1999 from the University of Pittsburgh. Since 2005, he has been a Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University. Prior to that, he was an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Carnegie Mellon University.

Mr. Avi Santo, Instructor of Communication and Theatre Arts, received a M.A. in Radio-Television-Film in 2002 from the University of Texas at Austin, a B.F.A. in Film Studies in 1999 from Concordia University and is expected to receive a Ph.D. in Radio-Television-Film in 2006 from the University of Texas at Austin. Since 2004, he has been an Assistant Instructor of Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Craig O. Stewart, Assistant Professor of English, received a Ph.D. in Rhetoric in 2006 from Carnegie Mellon University, a M.S. in Cognitive Psychology in 2000 from the University of Memphis, and a B.S. in Psychology in 1997 from Lambuth University. Since 2005, he has been an Editorial Assistnat, Language in Society, for Barbara Johnstone, Editor. Dr. Stewart has also been a Research Associate, Graduate Instructor and and Website Writer at Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Alfred S. Townsend, Associate Professor of Music and designated as the F. Ludwig Diehn Endowed Chair in Instrumental Music Education, received a Ph.D. in Music Education in 1986 from New York University, a M.S. in Music Education in 1973 from the State University of New York at Potsdam and a B.M. in Music Education in 1969 from Nyack College. Since 2001, he has been Dean of Graduate Studies, Director of Music Education and Professor of Music at Five Towns College.

Ms. Virginia M. Tucker, Instructor of English, received a M.A. in Professional Writing in 2004 from Old Dominion University and a B.A. in English in 2002 from Christopher Newport University. Since 2004, she has been an Adjunct Instructor and Instructor of English at Old Dominion University. Prior to that, Ms. Tucker was an Instructional Designer for the Center for Learning Technologies at Old Dominion University.