FACULTY RECOGNITION 2025-2026
FACULTY RECOGNITION 2025-2026 CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
TO CELEBRATE PROMOTION, TENURE, SENIOR LECTURER, EMERITUS FACULTY, AND DISTINGUISHED FACULTY
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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
PROMOTED TO FULL PROFESSOR
M. Eliatamby-O'Brien — Department of English PhD in English, The University of British Columbia
Dr. M. Eliatamby-O’Brien, recipient of the 2025 CWU Distinguished Faculty Service Award, is now recognized for promotion to Full Professor. An Associate Professor of English since 2017, they have demonstrated exceptional service across departmental, university, and professional levels. Their leadership includes service on the Africana and Black Studies Steering Committee and directing Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies since 2020. Their most impactful work is with the LGBTQ+ community. Through the Trans Rural Lives project, they document the stories of rural transgender elders, creating vital intergenerational connections and support for LGBTQ+ youth. Colleagues consistently praise their integration of teaching, research, and service, and their commitment to inclusive, community-engaged scholarship.
Melissa Schiel — Department of Music DMA, University of Maryland
Dr. Melissa Schiel is now recognized for promotion to Full Professor of voice at Central Washington University, where she has taught since 2011. She specializes in applied voice, diction, and vocal pedagogy, bringing dynamic energy to her teaching. She holds degrees from the University of Maryland (DMA), the University of Toronto (MM), and McGill University (BM). An accomplished mezzo-soprano, Schiel has performed with orchestras across the Pacific Northwest and at prestigious festivals such as Tanglewood and Aspen. Active in professional organizations like NATS, she is also a sought-after recitalist, clinician, and adjudicator dedicated to advancing vocal performance and education.
PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Jiyoun Chung — Department of Music DMA in Music Composition, University of Missouri-Kansas City
The work of pianist and composer Jiyoun Chung has received numerous distinctions and awards and is frequently featured in international festivals and concerts. Reflecting her identity as a Korean American, her current compositional interests lie in integrating diverse cultural influences. She draws much of her inspiration from East Asian philosophy, religion, and cultural practices as well as from a wide array of musical styles and genres. Jiyoun is also a passionate advocate for using music as a force for good, often writing pieces that call for equity and the restoration of justice. She earned her BM in Composition from Hanyang University and her MM in Composition and Piano Performance from Illinois State University, where she studied with Carl Schimmel and Martha Horst. She received her DMA in Composition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, studying with Chen Yi, Zhou Long, and James Mobberley. Andrea Herrera-Dulcet — Department of World Languages and Cultures PhD in Spanish, The University of Arizona Andrea Herrera Dulcet holds a PhD in Hispanic Linguistics from the University of Arizona. Her research in sociolinguistics and language teaching focuses on embedding social justice and critical pedagogies into the language classroom. At Central Washington University, she has grown as both an educator and scholar through coordinating Spanish heritage language courses, creating the Spanish Linguistics track, and revitalizing the Spanish Teaching BA. Two key initiatives emerging from these programs are CECWA, the Corpus del Español de Central Washington, which collects and preserves samples of the Spanish spoken in Central Washington, and Wildcat Spanish, a project in which Spanish Teaching students provide Spanish instruction to CWU administrators and staff.
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Nicole Lamartine — Department of Music DMA in Choral Conducting, The University of Arizona
Nicole C. Lamartine creates innovative and engaging choral experiences as the Director of Choirs at Central Washington University. She conducts the flagship CWU Chamber Choir, integrates modern relevancy into MM choral studies, and teaches conducting, voice, and music education. She has conducted over twenty- five All-State, international, and ACDA honor choirs, and her own ensembles have appeared on regional and national conferences of ACDA, CMS, NCCO, and NAfME. She has headlined conferences in Hong Kong and Costa Rica, and seven US states. She is slated to conduct the AMIS Honor Choir in Jakarta, Indonesia and the Singapore Festival of Choirs in 2027. Lamartine conducts Chor Anno, comprised of choral music educators in the NW, and as a professional singer, she has sung with Conspirare, The Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and Bach ensembles.
Joshua Nelson-Ichido — Department of Communication PhD in Communication, Michigan State University
Joshua Nelson-Ichido is an assistant professor of communication studies at Central Washington University, where he specializes in intercultural and interpersonal communication. A graduate of CWU’s Communication Studies and Japanese Foreign Language programs, he later earned a master’s degree from San Diego State University and a PhD from Michigan State University. Nelson-Ichido lived and worked in Japan for two years, experiences that inform his research on Japan–U.S. communication, multiethnic identity, and relational communication. He has also worked as a professional communication consultant and contributes to Asian Studies and intercultural education initiatives at CWU. Erika Pazian — Department of Art + Design PhD in Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art, The Graduate Center, City University of New York Erika Pazian earned her Ph.D. in art history from The Graduate Center, City University of New York, specializing in Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art. Pazian's current research focuses on nineteenth-century Mexican visual culture, with a specific interest in transnational artistic exchange between the U.S. and Mexico during the U.S.-Mexican War (1846-1848). Pazian teaches a variety of art history classes, including a globalized survey that visits art museums in Seattle each quarter, and a study abroad course that travels to Mexico City. She helped establish the Art History BA, and delights in watching the major (and Art History minor) grow in numbers each year. The amazing students of CWU motivate Pazian to bring her very best to the classroom each and every day.
James Reddan — Department of Music DMA in Music Education, Boston University
James Reddan serves as Music Education faculty and coordinator at Central Washington University. An active scholar, pedagogue, adjudicator, and clinician, his research explores DEIA in music education curriculum, partnerships serving migrant populations through music education, music perception, gender, and assessment. Reddan is editor and contributor of the Routledge Companion to Jazz and Gender and serves on the editorial board of JazzEd. He is also WMEA Collegiate Curriculum Officer and Northwest representative for the National Association for Music Education Collegiate Advisory Board. Reddan received the American Prize citation for Excellence in Music Education and was a quarterfinalist for the 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award and a current nominee for 2027.
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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
PROMOTED TO SENIOR LECTURER
Shane Johnson — Department of Art + Design BFA, Pacific Northwest College of Art
Since 2001 Shane Johnson has worked as a freelance illustrator specializing in young adult and children’s publishing, licensed characters, character design and sequential art. This experience has allowed him to apply a wide range of artistic styles to meet the needs of his clients. Inspired by a lifetime love of comics and animation, Shane approaches each project from a visual storyteller’s perspective; utilizing point of view, lighting, pacing and framing techniques to create narrative connections in the mind of the reader. Shane’s clients include Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Dreamworks, Hasbro and more. Throughout his career he has worked for national publishers, magazines, tech companies, advertising and marketing agencies. Shane joined Central’s Department of Art and Design as a Guest Lecturer in 2020. His goal as an instructor is to provide students insight into the commercial art field from a professional perspective.
AWARDED EMERITUS STATUS
Joan Cawley Crane — Department of Art + Design MA in Art, Central Washington University
Joan Cawley-Crane is a retired professor of art at Central Washington University whose work as an artist and educator centered on papermaking, book arts, printmaking, and mixed-media installation. Over her career at CWU, she taught through hands-on studio instruction that emphasized material exploration, craftsmanship, and creative inquiry. Her artistic practice focused on handmade paper, artist books, and sculptural forms that combined visual storytelling with tactile processes. Cawley-Crane also exhibited her work regionally and contributed to collaborative arts programming within the university and broader community. Her teaching and artwork reflected a lifelong commitment to experimentation, process, and the transformative possibilities of handmade media.
Mark Goodenberger — Department of Music Master of Music, University of Michigan
Mark Goodenberger, percussionist and composer, has served as Chair of the Music Department at Central Washington University for the past four years. Prior to that, he spent 20 years as Director of Percussion Studies. Goodenberger remains active as a performer in both modern and period instrument orchestras, with appearances including the Portland Baroque Orchestra, Seattle Bach Festival, and the Oregon Bach Festival. He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and is endorsed by Vic Firth/Zildjian and Amy Putnam mallets. His compositions are published by MalletWorks Percussion, Marimba Productions Inc., HoneyRock Publishing, and Wild Cheetah Productions. Upon retirement, he is moving to Astoria, Oregon, where he looks forward to spending time with his wife, Denise, practicing, writing, playing gigs, hiking, canoeing—and not making decisions! Marc Haniuk — Department of Theatre and Film MFA, San Diego State University Marc Haniuk is a retired professor of theatre arts and longtime resident scenic designer at Central Washington University. During his career at CWU, he helped shape the university’s theatre program through teaching, stage design, and mentorship of student performers and designers. Known for his creativity and collaborative approach, Haniuk contributed to numerous campus productions and earned respect for blending technical expertise with artistic vision. Before retiring in 2023, he spent decades supporting the growth of CWU’s performing arts community and fostering hands-on learning experiences for students pursuing careers in theatre and production design.
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John Harbaugh — Department of Music Master of Music Education, University of North Texas
Professor Harbaugh has over 45 years of college teaching experience. His professional experience includes touring two years each with Tom Jones and Paul Anka, and touring with Buddy Rich. He appears on three Grammy nominated albums, on a Dove Award album, and has recorded as a jazz soloist with the London Symphony. In 2010 he released his first solo trumpet CD ‘New Vistas” and in 2016 his first jazz CD. He continues to tour with IHS World Orchestra performing in Israel, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cuba, and Taiwan. His students serve in the Army and Marine bands, have completed doctorates, toured on Broadway musicals, worked on cruise ships, were awarded teaching assistantships and won the 2024 undergraduate solo division of the National Trumpet Competition.
Laurie Moshier — Department of World Languages and Cultures DA in Germanics, University of Washington
Dr. Laurie Moshier directed the German program while also teaching French language courses for the Department of World Languages and Cultures for over a decade. During her time at CWU, she developed innovative courses such as WLC 341: Spells of Enchantment: Re-interpreting the Fairy Tale. In 2018, CWU awarded Dr. Moshier the Distinguished Non-Tenure Track Teaching Award. Thank you, Laurie, for your commitment to CWU!
Karen Turcotte — Department of Philosophy and Comparative Religion MA History of Continental Philosophy, Central Washington University
Karen Turcotte came to Central as an undergraduate in 1992, eventually earning her BA in Philosophy with a Religious Studies Specialization. She went on to get an MA degree in Individual Studies at Central, specializing in the History of Continental Philosophy. Since getting her MA in 2000, Professor Turcotte has taught as a non-tenure-track faculty member in the department, earning the title of Senior Lecturer in 2007. She has mostly taught introductory courses in both philosophy and religion, although she has occasionally taught upper-division courses (Philosophy of Love, Religions of India, and Special Topics: Religion and Humor) and a course in the Douglas Honors College. She will retire at the end of the spring term.
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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
PROMOTED TO FULL PROFESSOR
Todd Weber — Department of Management and Marketing PhD, Organizational Behavior, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
CWU proudly recognizes Dr. Todd Weber on his promotion to Full Professor. Dr. Weber exemplifies academic leadership through excellence in teaching, research, and service. A management scholar, his instruction in organizational behavior, leadership, and training and development reflects a sustained commitment to active learning and student engagement. He has served as a long-standing faculty advisor for the CB SHRM student club and as a CWU Faculty Senator. Dr. Weber’s research on culture, leadership, and management education has made significant contributions to the field, including a highly influential article cited over 8,000 times. He has received university awards recognizing both his research and service. Throughout these accomplishments, Dr. Weber remains deeply supportive of students and colleagues, generously sharing his expertise in technology and photography with patience and collegiality. The department is grateful to count him among its most valued colleagues.
Terry Wilson — Department of Management and Marketing PhD, Business Administration, University of Washington
We recognize Dr. Terry Wilson on her promotion to Full Professor of Marketing. She teaches consumer behavior, international marketing, and marketing strategy demonstrating a strong commitment to having students apply theory to practice. Her research focuses on marketing strategy and AI in education, with particular emphasis on simulations. She received the 2024 Best Paper of the Year award from the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management. Dr. Wilson has also been honored with CWU awards for excellence in teaching and advising and is currently serving as Management and Marketing Department chair. When not trying to figure out how to get her students to do assigned work before they come to class, Terry can be found hiking and camping with her dogs and enjoying the gift of time with her parents. She aspires to spend more time taking vacations and less time planning them. We congratulate Dr. Wilson on her accomplishment.
PROMOTED TO SENIOR LECTURER
Jared Vallejo — Department of Management and Marketing Executive MBA, Quantic School of Business & Technology
It is my pleasure to recognize Jared Vallejo on his promotion to Senior Lecturer. Jared has distinguished himself through innovative, student-centered teaching that combines entrepreneurship, active learning, and emerging technologies in ways that deeply engage students and prepare them for professional success. He consistently creates supportive, collaborative learning environments where students are challenged to think critically, solve real-world problems, and grow through experience. His willingness to adapt, innovate, and respond to student needs reflects an exceptional commitment to teaching excellence. Jared’s impact on his students and the College of Business has been significant, and this promotion is richly deserved.
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AWARDED EMERITUS STATUS
Jenny Cravens — Department of Accounting Masters of Accounting, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jenny Cravens is being recognized for emeritus status at Central Washington University. Since 2016, Jenny has served with distinction as Senior Lecturer and Patrick R. O’Shaughnessy Executive Professor of Accounting, making a lasting impact through exceptional teaching, advising, and professional engagement. She has connected countless students to internships, mentorships, and careers through innovative programs and strong industry partnerships. Her leadership within the Accounting Department, the Washington Society of CPAs, and the broader community reflects her deep commitment to student success and the profession. Jenny’s legacy will continue through the many students she has mentored and inspired.
Koushik Ghosh — Department of Economics PhD, Economics, Washington State University
It is an honor to recognize Koushik Ghosh with the title of Professor Emeritus at Central Washington University. Since joining CWU in 1993, Dr. Ghosh has dedicated more than three decades to excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and institutional service. His leadership within the Economics Department, commitment to interdisciplinary and globally informed education, and sustained support of students and colleagues have left a lasting impact on the university community. Through his scholarship, governance work, and mentorship of junior faculty, Dr. Ghosh has exemplified the values of academic leadership, collegiality, and student-centered engagement that emeritus status is intended to honor.
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COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
PROMOTED TO FULL PROFESSOR
Eric Foch — Department of Health Sciences PhD, Biomechanics, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Dr. Foch has served CWU and the Department of Health Sciences for 12 years, during which he has made incredible contributions to the Department, College, University, and our students. He has published over 10 peer-reviewed manuscripts and contributed to over 15 conference proceedings. He has helped develop courses in Biomechanics, Clinical Biomechanics, and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics. Dr. Foch supports graduate students' projects and serves as a faculty supervisor for student clinical field experiences. He currently serves as the Chair of the Human Subjects Research Council and the Academic Affairs Committee, and he is a co-program coordinator for the Clinical Physiology Bachelor's degree program. Congratulations and well deserved, Dr. Foch! Greg Lyman — Department of Engineering, Technologies, Safety, and Construction Master of Science, Engineering Technology, Central Washington University Greg Lyman is an Electrical Engineer and is currently serving as Chair of the Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction Department. Greg has held many roles at CWU for 18 years, including faculty senate chair and program coordinator for the Electrical Engineering Technology program. He teaches classes with active learning practices, conducts innovative research, and received a large National Science Foundation grant studying the wind-loading effects on solar panel arrays. His other research and interest areas mostly center around laboratory innovations in electrical engineering courses, including audio electronics and instrumentation systems.
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AWARDED EMERITUS STATUS
Lad Holden — Department of Engineering, Technologies, Safety and Construction Master of Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Central Washington University Associate Professor Lad Holden has provided excellent service to CWU for 32 years, primarily teaching courses in the Electrical Engineering Technology program within the ETSC department. He has taught roughly 300 courses, specializing in microcontrollers, computer networks, and electrical networks. He also provided leadership as program coordinator, department chair, faculty senate chair, amongst many other committees. Students appreciate his humorous teaching style and his ability to teach complicated topics in an approachable way. Many alumni of the program often comment on how well Lad prepared them for their careers and how impactful he was in their lives. The ETSC department greatly appreciates everything Lad has done for CWU over the years and wishes him all the best in retirement. Terrance McCain — Department of Education, Development, Teaching, and Learning PhD, Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Bilingual Education and ESL from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico Dr. Terrance McCain’s career reflects a longstanding commitment to teaching, scholarship, and service in bilingual and multicultural education. Over many years at Central Washington University, he has shaped the experiences of countless students through his teaching, international practicum leadership, and dedication to inclusive learning environments. Colleagues consistently describe him as compassionate, helpful, and deeply invested in the success and well-being of others, reflecting both his professional expertise and his humanity. Dr. McCain’s contributions extend beyond the classroom through research, advising support, and service. His leadership in study abroad and international teaching experiences provided students with meaningful opportunities to engage across cultures and contexts. Through his advocacy and enduring commitment to education, Dr. McCain has left a lasting impact on the Department of Education, Development, Teaching, and Learning, the College, and the university. Robert Trumpy — Department of Information Technology and Management Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Seattle University Dr. Robert Trumpy has been granted the title of Faculty Emeritus at Central Washington University in recognition of his distinguished career in the IT Management Department and his impactful service to CWU Health and Counseling. Holding a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Seattle University, Dr. Trumpy made significant contributions to student success through his research on academic recovery programs and retention. As an Associate Professor, he played a key role in developing and delivering core curriculum in Organizational Development, Leading Change, and Leadership and Supervision across undergraduate and graduate programs. He also served in leadership roles, including Assistant Chair of the IT Management Department. A two-time recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award, Dr. Trumpy is widely recognized for his mentorship, approachability, and commitment to student well-being. His scholarship, service, and leadership leave a lasting legacy at CWU.
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COLLEGE OF THE SCIENCES
PROMOTED TO FULL PROFESSOR
Gil Belofsky — Department of Chemistry PhD, The University of Tulsa
Dr. Gil Belofsky, a member of the Department of Chemistry since 2008, has advanced from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in 2014 and now to Full Professor in recognition of his outstanding contributions. His teaching portfolio spans undergraduate, graduate, and honors courses, including innovative curriculum development and extensive student mentorship. A productive scholar, he has published multiple peer-reviewed works with student collaborators and secured external funding, including a major NIH grant. Dr. Belofsky has also demonstrated strong leadership and service within the department and broader academic community. His sustained excellence in teaching, research, and service merits his promotion to Full Professor.
Tonya Buchanan — Department of Psychology PhD Social Psychology, Miami University
Dr. Tonya Buchanan received her B.S. in Psychology at Arizona State University in 2008, and her PhD in Social Psychology from Miami University in 2014. She joined CWU in 2015 where she shares her passion for social science research with both graduate and undergraduate students in classes such as social cognition, research methods, and statistics. Her own work focuses on judgment and decision-making and how people make sense of inequality. She teaches and mentors undergraduate and graduate students in her active research lab where they empirically examine topics such as imposter feelings, structural bias, and dehumanization, with an emphasis on real-world impact. She currently serves as the Coordinator of the Psychological Science MS program, is actively involved in service and faculty governance, and is committed to elevating student and faculty voices across the university.
Ralf Greenwald — Department of Psychology PhD Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Greenwald is a Gulf War and U.S. Navy veteran. He received his doctorate in Cognition and Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas. He did his postdoc at the University of Washington, where he was a Senior Fellow in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Neuroimaging Core). Before joining CWU, he worked as an Intraoperative Surgical Neurophysiologist and was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UT Dallas. Dr. Greenwald began at CWU as an Assistant Professor in 2008 and is part of the Psychological Sciences graduate program. He mainly teaches courses centered on cognition and neuroscience.
Sterling Quinn — Department of Geography PhD, Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Sterling Quinn grew up in central Washington state and worked in software development before transitioning to a career in higher education. At CWU he teaches courses on geographic information systems (GIS), Latin American society, and resource management. He researches the kinds of things we put on maps, the things we leave off, and why. His commentary on the geopolitical and economic impacts of online maps has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, NPR, and numerous academic journals. Most importantly, Dr. Quinn holds a reputation as being difficult to beat at Geoguessr, although that hasn’t stopped a lab full of students from trying.
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Roger Schaefer — Department of Law and Justice PhD, Washington State University
Dr. Roger Schaefer has been with the CWU Department of Law and Justice for 10 years. He completed his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Washington State University where he focused on the area of corrections, theory, and research methodology with a particular focus on sex offense research. He is currently the Associate Editor for the Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Criminology, he is the co-editor and contributor of “Washington State’s Criminal Justice System” forthcoming with Carolina Academic Press, and was the principal researcher in the assessment of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program in Kittitas County that was funded by the National Institute of Justice. He currently serves as the Graduate Director for the Law and Justice MS program served as the Co-Chair for the Graduate Curriculum committee as well as the Graduate Council Executive Committee.
Szilard VAJDA — Department of Computer Science PhD, Henri Poincaré University
Professor Szilard VAJDA joined the Computer Science Department in 2015 and since then has consistently proven himself to be a valued and respected colleague both in the department and within the greater field. His research focuses on advancing methods in pattern recognition, medical imaging, and artificial intelligence. He has amassed an extensive and impressive scholarship record focusing on which, I am very pleased to say, includes many student contributors. He is a highly dedicated, reflective, innovative teacher who actively improves his courses while carefully maintaining rigor. Dr. VAJDA has also, of course, contributed significant leadership at departmental, state, and international levels.
PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Brent Hancock — Department of Mathematics PhD, University of Northern Colorado
Dr. Brent Hancock joined the CWU Mathematics Department in Fall 2018 as a lecturer and transitioned to an Assistant Professor role in Fall 2020. As a mathematics educator, he believes that teaching, scholarship, and service are most impactful when integrated to support student success. Brent has collaborated with colleagues across the university on multiple National Science Foundation grants, including establishing a new master’s program in STEM Leadership. More recently, he serves as lead PI on a major six‑year NSF grant supporting STEM teacher leaders throughout Washington State. Outside of work, Brent enjoys hiking and skiing with family.
Samuel Lohse — Department of Chemistry PhD, University of Oregon
Dr. Samuel Lohse joined the Department of Chemistry in 2020 as an Assistant Professor and has earned promotion to Associate Professor with tenure in recognition of his exceptional contributions. He is an outstanding educator, known for innovative course redesigns that provide for student engagement and consistently reflected in his high student evaluations of instruction. A dedicated mentor, he has guided numerous undergraduate and graduate researchers, earning national recognition this mentorship. His scholarship includes work ranging from peer-reviewed publications to competitive external funding from the National Science Foundation. Dr. Lohse has also demonstrated impactful leadership through departmental and university service. His excellence in teaching, research, and service fully supports his advancement to Associate Professor.
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COLLEGE OF THE SCIENCES
PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Hannah Shamloo — Department of Geological Sciences PhD, Arizona State University
Dr. Shamloo joined the CWU Geological Sciences Department in 2022 following a National Science Foundation Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship at Oregon State University. Her research investigates the "how and when" of volcanic eruptions, focusing on volcanoes in Washington State and involving a vigorous group of undergraduate and graduate student researchers. She also created the Koma Kulshan (Mount Baker) Summer Institute, a week-long field and lab experience for students from marginalized groups in STEM that she has run annually since 2023 in collaboration with three other regional colleges and universities.
Sara Toto — Department of Law and Justice PhD, University of Nebraska – Omaha
Dr. Sara Toto has been with the Department of Law and Justice for six years. She completed her PhD from the University of Nebraska—Omaha in Criminal Justice with a focus on corrections and victimization. She has worked with a wide range of groups, including private research firms to municipal and county governments, on topics from correctional institution practices to drug treatment in rural communities. Dr. Toto has made lasting contributions across campus, mentoring graduate and honors students, founding the annual Women of Law and Justice event, and supporting efforts to prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence. She is also widely recognized for her innovative teaching and commitment to creating exceptional learning experiences for students.
Sahadeb Uptree — Department of Mathematics PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Dr. Sahadeb Upretee joined the CWU faculty in 2020. He has become a valuable member of the mathematics department and a popular professor. A tireless promoter of actuarial science and mathematics, as program coordinator Dr. Upretee has overseen the largest increase in student enrollment in the program in over a decade. His research focuses on risk and uncertainty, and he has published papers in some of the leading journals in actuarial science. Despite a heavy teaching load, he has completed nearly all the requirements to become an Associate of the Society of Actuaries in a very short time.
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AWARDED EMERITUS STATUS
Sarah Abdul-Wahid — Department of Computer Science MS Microbiology, Idaho State University
Sarah Abdul-Wahid is being recognized with emeritus status for her many years of distinguished service to the Department of Computer Science at CWU. A dedicated educator and mentor, Sarah made a lasting impact through her commitment to student success, excellence in teaching, and support of foundational courses within the curriculum. She was also a valued colleague whose collaborative spirit helped foster a welcoming and inclusive department community. We are grateful for her enduring contributions to CWU and are honored to recognize her remarkable career.
Kris Ernest — Department of Biological Sciences PhD, University of New Mexico
Kris began her CWU career in 1994 and built a remarkable 31-year legacy as a mammalogist, community ecologist, researcher, and mentor. Her work focused on species including bats, marmots, shrews, and the American pika. For the past 16 years, she played a critical role in CWU’s I-90 Snoqualmie Pass habitat connectivity research, a major project that brought millions in funding and created hands-on research opportunities for dozens of students. Deeply committed to student success, Kris supervised 17 completed M.S. theses, supported many more graduate projects, and mentored more than 50 undergraduate research efforts. Her dedication to experiential learning and ecological research helped shape the careers of students now working in graduate programs and across state, federal, and nonprofit organizations. Her impact on CWU students and the Biology Department is profound.
Jean Marie Linhart — Department of Mathematics PhD, University of Texas at Austin
Professor Jean Marie Linhart has taught at CWU since 2014. During that time, she has served as a Program Coordinator and Department Chair and has facilitated the Mount Stuart Mathematics Seminar. Her championship of alternative and Mastery-Based grading systems has had a profound impact on the department of mathematics at all levels of the curriculum. Her teaching has been widely recognized for excellence; among other accomplishments, she has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Pacific Northwest Section of the Mathematical Association of American and the Award for Excellent in Teaching and Student Success from the College of the Sciences. Pat McCutcheon — Department of Anthropology and Museum Studies PhD, University of Washington Dr. Patrick T. McCutcheon is Professor of Anthropology and Museum Studies at Central Washington University, where he has taught since 1997. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Washington. Dr. McCutcheon’s archaeological research emphasizes lithic technology, geoarchaeology, chronometric dating, and Indigenous land use in the Pacific Northwest, with extensive fieldwork at Mount Rainier National Park and across central Washington. Working in close collaboration with graduate and undergraduate students, he has authored numerous peer reviewed articles, technical reports, and professional presentations, and has secured substantial external funding for archaeological research and field schools. A committed mentor, he has guided dozens of undergraduate and graduate research projects and theses. His teaching and service have been widely recognized, including CWU’s Distinguished Professor for Teaching award and statewide recognition for historic preservation and public archaeology leadership.
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COLLEGE OF THE SCIENCES
AWARDED EMERITUS STATUS
Steve Schepman — Department of Psychology PhD Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Purdue University
Dr. Steve Schepman is retiring after more than three decades of distinguished service to Central Washington University, where he began in 1990. A specialist in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, he taught across psychology and business, bringing valuable real-world perspective from his industry experience at Hewlett- Packard. As Academic Coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Studies Social Sciences program, he helped grow it into a thriving program serving hundreds of place-bound and nontraditional students through innovative online learning. His scholarly work includes numerous publications and presentations on workplace behavior, decision-making, motivation, and burnout. Dr. Schepman also served 11 years as Assistant Chair of Psychology, directed the M.S. in Organizational Development program, and chaired the Personnel Committee, mentoring and supporting faculty development throughout his career.
Wendy Williams — Department of Psychology PhD Psychology, University of California, San Diego
Dr. Wendy Williams earned her doctorate in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. Her research interests included applied behavior analysis, experimental psychology, human cognition, and decision-making. Hired as an Assistant Professor in 1995 and promoted to Associate Professor in 2000, Dr. Williams became a deeply respected and valued member of the Department of Psychology. She was widely admired for her dedication to students and made lasting contributions as Psi Chi National Honor Society Faculty Advisor for 24 years. Dr. Williams taught an impressive range of undergraduate and graduate courses while also serving terms as Director of the Experimental Psychology Graduate Program and ABA Program Director. From 1996–2015, she chaired or served on thesis committees for 28 graduate students. Her remarkable 29-year career at CWU left a meaningful and enduring impact on both students and colleagues.
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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PROGRAMS
AWARDED EMERITUS STATUS
Matthew Britschgi — Office of International Studies and Programs MA, Teaching English as a Second Language, University of Idaho
Matthew Britschgi first began teaching at Central Washington University in September 1997, when he joined the University of English as a Second Language (UESL) program faculty. Prior to that, he had taught in the U.S. at Southern Oregon University and later abroad, serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand for two years, followed by five years in Hungary where he trained English language teachers as a US Information Agency EFL Fellow. After eight years with the UESL program, he and his family returned to Hungary where they lived for ten years, but during that time Matthew continued to teach for UESL every summer until eventually returning to CWU full time in 2015. Matthew served as UESL’s curriculum coordinator for three years until taking over as program director in 2018.
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DISTINGUISHED NON-TENURE-TRACK FACULTY TEACHING AWARD
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Cassandra Koefod — Department of Economics MS, Cultural and Environment Resource Management, Central Washington University BS, Economics, Central Washington University
After careful consideration, the Distinguished Faculty Awards Selection Committee selected Cassandra (Cassie) Koefod as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Teaching Award. Her work at Central Washington University exemplifies teaching excellence both inside and outside the classroom, earning consistent respect from students and colleagues alike. Faculty code defines teaching excellence through subject mastery, scholarly engagement, effective instruction, and ongoing support for students, and in each of these areas, Ms. Koefod exceeds expectations. Ms. Koefod demonstrates exceptional depth of knowledge across economics, statistical reasoning, and applied analytics. In 2025, she co-authored three economics publications, reflecting both her scholarly engagement and passion for her field. She also works as a consultant outside academia, allowing her to bring current, real-world examples and industry-informed practices directly into her courses. Her commitment to growth extends to her teaching practices as well. In 2024, she earned both the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate and CWU’s High Impact Practices Certificate to ensure her instruction reflects evolving technologies and best practices. Her dedication to continuous improvement previously earned her the College of Business’s 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award.
Whether teaching online or in person, Koefod creates student- centered, highly scaffolded learning experiences that help students master difficult material through a balance of encouragement and challenge. Students consistently praise her clarity, organization, and passion for teaching. One student wrote that while her courses are challenging, “she teaches it in a great way,” adding, “I wish more teachers had her passion and understanding.” Her impact also extends beyond the classroom. Koefod teaches courses ranging from ECON 101 to BUAN 507, has created three courses for her department, and serves as the department’s College in the High School Liaison. Former and current students continually point to the practical skills, confidence, and support they gained through her instruction. One student credited her Business Analytics course with helping them develop a preventative tracking system for blood cancer treatment workflows. Another summarized her impact by writing that she fosters “an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued” and described her as “a truly outstanding educator and mentor.” Our committee seconds these sentiments and is pleased to recommend Cassie Koefod for the 2026 Distinguished Non-Tenure- Track Faculty Teaching Award.
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Distinguished Teaching Awards are given for teaching excellence, as demonstrated by breadth and depth of knowledge; clarity in methodology and organization of materials, and effective methods of presentation; continued scholarship and integration of scholarship into course work; assistance to students in understanding the value and relevance of the subject matter and course materials, both within the discipline and in a broader context.
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DISTINGUISHED FACULTY OF SCHOLARSHIP/ARTISTIC ACCOMPLISHMENT AWARD
COLLEGE OF THE SCIENCES Dominic Klyve — Department of Mathematics PhD, Mathematics, Dartmouth
Dr. Klyve has also made substantial contributions to the broader scholarly community. He has served in multiple editorial leadership roles for the College Mathematics Journal and received the Paul R. Halmos–Lester R. Ford Award for outstanding mathematical exposition. As Lead Principal Investigator for the NSF-funded TRIUMPHS project, he helped develop innovative mathematics curriculum materials now used at more than 100 institutions across the United States and Canada. His leadership helped establish both the TRIUMPHS Society and a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to this work. Beyond mathematics, Dr. Klyve has built a strong interdisciplinary research profile in applied statistics and data science, authoring more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with researchers in medicine, engineering, and public health. His work has also extended into the humanities, including publications in Shakespeare studies that combine statistical analysis with literary interpretation. In summary, the committee finds that Dr. Dominic Klyve exemplifies the highest standards of scholarly achievement at Central Washington University. His publication record, interdisciplinary impact, mentorship of students, grant leadership, and service to the academic community represent an exceptional and distinguished career. For these reasons, the committee unanimously recommends Dr. Klyve for the Distinguished Faculty of Scholarship/Artistic Accomplishment Award.
After extensive review and deliberation, the Distinguished Faculty Awards Selection Committee recommends Dr. Dominic Klyve for the Distinguished Faculty of Scholarship/Artistic Accomplishment Award. His remarkable record of research productivity, interdisciplinary scholarship, student mentorship, and national and international recognition places him among the most accomplished scholars at Central Washington University. His work not only meets but exceeds the standards expected for this distinction. Dr. Klyve has produced an extraordinary body of scholarship, including more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and patents spanning mathematics, statistics, biomedical data science, Shakespeare studies, linguistics, and the digital humanities. His work has appeared in highly respected journals across multiple disciplines, reflecting both intellectual range and scholarly rigor. According to Google Scholar, his publications have been cited more than 600 times, demonstrating the broad influence of his research. He has also delivered invited lectures and presentations throughout North America, Europe, and New Zealand, and has held visiting appointments internationally, further underscoring the reputation of his scholarship. A defining feature of Dr. Klyve’s career is his commitment to involving students in authentic research. He has supervised 37 undergraduate research projects, served on 13 master’s thesis committees, and coauthored 18 peer-reviewed publications with undergraduate students. His mentorship has been recognized through awards such as the 2022 National Faculty Mentoring Award from the Council on Undergraduate Research and CWU’s SOURCE Mentor of the Year Award.
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The Distinguished Faculty of Scholarship/ Artistic Accomplishment Award recognizes scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry, conducted to advance the state of knowledge of the discipline. Artistic accomplishment is defined as the composition, creation, production or other significant and/or innovative contribution to an artistic event.
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DISTINGUISHED FACULTY SERVICE AWARD
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES Bret Smith — Department of Music PhD, Music Education, University of Michigan Master of Music, University of Michigan Music and Systematic Musicology, University of Washington
It is our pleasure to recommend Dr. Bret Smith, Professor of Music, for the CWU 2026 Distinguished Faculty Service Award. Since joining Central Washington University in 2005, Dr. Smith has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service that has significantly strengthened the Department of Music, the College of Arts and Humanities, the university, and the broader field of music education. His career reflects a sustained dedication to leadership, institutional improvement, and professional engagement that has directly benefited students, faculty, and educators throughout the region. Dr. Smith’s service record spans nearly two decades of leadership across departmental, university, and professional settings. Within the Department of Music, he has served as Music Education Coordinator, Departmental Assessment Coordinator, and Associate Chair, while also leading curriculum, assessment, personnel, and search committees. One of his most significant contributions was serving as the primary author of the National Association of Schools of Music accreditation self-study, helping ensure the department met rigorous national standards. His work in accreditation, assessment, and curriculum alignment has strengthened the department’s long-term stability and academic quality. At the university level, Dr. Smith has played a major role in advancing institutional effectiveness and shared governance. As University Assessment Coordinator from 2012 to 2021, he helped guide the development of assessment systems that supported accreditation and institutional planning. He also served as CWU’s
Faculty Legislative Representative, advocating for higher education and strengthening relationships between the university and state policymakers. His service on Faculty Senate committees, strategic planning initiatives, accreditation work groups, and university task forces demonstrates a deep commitment to improving university processes and supporting CWU’s long-term goals. Beyond the university, Dr. Smith has made meaningful contributions to the field of music education through service with organizations such as the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Professional Educator Standards Board, and national assessment initiatives. He has also served as a journal reviewer, editorial board member, and external evaluator for promotion and tenure reviews at other institutions, reflecting his respected leadership within the profession. Dr. Smith has also led innovative initiatives that expanded opportunities for educators and students. He created a summer master’s program in music education that served approximately 100 practicing teachers and helped establish CWU’s partnership with the American Band College, strengthening the university’s regional reputation and professional outreach. In summary, Dr. Bret Smith exemplifies the highest ideals of faculty service. His leadership, institutional impact, and dedication to students, faculty, and the broader educational community make him exceptionally deserving of the 2026 Distinguished Faculty Service Award.
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The Distinguished Service Award recognizes endeavors that contribute to the welfare of individuals, professional organizations, university groups, the community at large, or the university.
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CWU is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, email Disability Services at DS@cwu.edu. 26PRES-197BB
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