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COLUMBIA, S.C., August 15, 2024 – Encouraged by continued increasing enrollment, ������Ƶ is excited to introduce 11 new faculty in the 2024-2025 academic year. The team in Academic Affairs has worked tirelessly throughout the spring and summer to seek out the best and brightest to “prepare every student personally and professionally for success through liberal arts and professional programs emphasizing service, social justice, and leadership development.”

������Ƶ Provost Kristine Barnett shared, “We are constantly seeking opportunities to improve the academic experience for our students. This team of new faculty has the professional expertise to provide new educational experiences, fresh perspective, and passion for their respective fields, and we can’t wait to see the impact they have on our student body.”

The Division of Arts and Humanities welcomes Laurel Steckle Archie, M.F.A., James Sullivan, M.F.A., and Lindsey Carman Williams, Ph.D. The Division of Education welcomes Kaitlyn Evans, M.A., Alexandra Jenkins, Ed.D., Rebecca Raab, Ph.D., Julie Porth Smith, MCD, and Leigh Ann Spell, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. Finally, the Division of Health, Mathematics, and Sciences will add Katherine DeVivo, MPH, and Asole TaQue’sa McLeod, Ph.D. 

The Division of Business, Leadership, and Communication will add a new Dean, Lisa Assante, Ph.D., who will also serve as a Senior Lecturer. Dr. Assante has over 30 years of vast international experience in higher education, hospitality and tourism management, and the food and beverage industry, most recently serving as Head of Academics and Research and Associate Professor for Al Rayyan International University College in partnership with the University of Derby (ARIU with the University of Derby) in Doha, Qatar. With a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, a Master of Science in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration from Texas Tech University, her academic background speaks for itself, displaying her breadth of knowledge surrounding management at all levels and organizational leadership that will undoubtedly serve the students of the Division well.

������Ƶ is thrilled to have assembled such an impressive group of educators to inspire, equip, and lead a new generation of students filled with Koala Pride.