By Mitch Holt, Opinion Editor
The English, sociology and theatre departments have made several faculty and staff changes this semester, adding new professors and replacing ones who left for various reasons.
The Sociology and Social Work Department added one professor this semester, and one more will join the faculty next semester, said Dr. David Gotcher, interim chair of the department.
Jennifer Dillman will be a professor of sociology here while finishing her doctorate at the University of North Texas. Dillman replaces Amanda Carol, who left the university to begin her course work at Texas Women’s University.
In the spring semester, the Sociology and Social Work Department will add Dr. Paul Ammons to direct the master of Social Work Program. He is currently at the University of Georgia.
The Theatre Department is undergoing some faculty changes as well. Dawne Swearingen has replaced Dr. Eric Harrell and is a professor of movement and acting classes in the department. Sandy Freeman, previously a staff member in the department, has become a faculty member and is teaching costuming and makeup classes.
Dr. Nancy Shankle, chair of the English Department, said that three new professors were added to the department this fall.
Joe Stephenson, who is finishing up his doctorate from the University of Connecticut, has been appointed to be a professor of English and the Honors Program. Stephenson has also worked as a professor in London and at a Christian university in Kiev, Ukraine, and is currently writing his dissertation on topics relating to Shakespeare.
“[Stevenson] is a great addition to the department because of his versatility and knowledge of Shakespeare,” Shankle said. The English Department was in need of someone who could teach poetry and Shakespeare, and she said he is a good match.
Stevenson is a replacement for Dr. Jonathan Wade, who recently took an education position in North Carolina.
Two more professors in the English Department have been hired temporarily while other professors are taking time off. Jonne Akens is a professor of developmental writing and has a master’s degree in English, and Gary Willis is teaching freshman English, sophomore literature and classes relating to business writing, Shankle said.
“We’ve chosen each of these professors because they are well-rounded, capable professors,” Shankle said.
