The Faculty Senate announced on April 19 the election of five new members, as well as the selection of the 2010-11 Senate chair-elect, Dr. Rusty Towell.

Towell served as a senator three years ago and is the chair of the Department of Physics. Towell joins Dr. Kim Pamplin, who will serve as chair next year, and Dr. Tracy Shilcutt who will serve as past chair. Towell will become chair for the 2011-12 school year.

“I’m honored that my fellow faculty have enough trust in me to allow me to help lead in the Senate,” Towell said. “It’s exciting to get to work with the new administration to make sure the faculty voice is heard.”

Pamplin said he has full confidence in Towell’s abilities.

“I think he is a very well-respected and able teacher. He is well thought of throughout the community,” Pamplin said. “He served on the Presidential Search Committee last fall, and you don’t get tagged for stuff like that for nothing.”

Assisting the chair and attending meetings of faculty interest will be among Towell’s responsibilities.

Dr. Jerry Taylor, assistant professor of Bible, is among the five new senators with whom Towell will work. Taylor was elected by fellow faculty; this will be his first term. He said looks forward to serving in an important role.

“I believe my responsibilities will involve helping to think through some of the difficult issues facing ACU faculty in general and trying to be a part of a the discussion to take place between administration, faculty and the Board of Trustees,” Taylor said.

Taylor joins Dr. Matt Dodd, Dr. Jason Morris, Dr. Donnie Snider and Cathy Northrup RN as new senators. Pamplin said the newly elected senators will enhance an already well-run Faculty Senate.

“I know each one of them to varying degrees, but I have confidence that they will represent very well,” Pamplin said. “All indications are that this will be a good Senate to work with.”

New Senators:

Dr. Jerry Taylor, assistant professor of Bible, missions and ministry

Dr. Matt Dodd, assistant professor of conflict resolution

Dr. Jason Morris, assistant professor of higher education

Dr. Donnie Snider, associate professor of education

Cathy Northrup RN, assistant professor of nursing