August 27, 2007

Seven join Applied Sciences and Arts' faculty

by Christi Mathis & Pete Rosenbery

 

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The College of Applied Sciences and Arts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale welcomed seven new tenure-track faculty members this fall.

Dean Paul D. Sarvela said the new faculty members will offer much-needed assistance and expertise in their respective programs.

"We are implementing several new programs this year, and student numbers in many of our existing programs are at or beyond capacity," Sarvela said. "The additional faculty members will allow us to continue to meet the demand for these very popular programs. In addition, the new faculty members will provide fresh ideas and insight regarding research activities and will help us continue our important college mission of meeting the needs of the people of Southern Illinois through our community service activities."

New faculty members include:

• Nancy L. Martin, assistant professor in the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies.

Martin earned her doctorate in business administration with a major in management information systems at SIUC. Her areas of expertise include project management, technical writing and statistics. She will teach applications of technical information and data interpretation. In addition to 14 years of management experience, Martin has four years of experience as a technology consultant.

• K. Thomas McPeek, assistant professor in the School of Architecture.

McPeek earned his master's degree in architecture from Texas A & M and is working on his doctorate there. He specializes in computer rendering and will teach mid-level design studies and computer application courses. McPeek was previously in private architectural practice in the Atlanta, Ga., area and has ample experience in architectural work and as a project manager on various commercial projects.

• Maria Del C. Vera, assistant professor in the School of Architecture.

Vera received her master's degree in architecture and urban studies earlier this year from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Her expertise focuses in the area of design and she will teach mid-level and graduate-level design studios. Prior to teaching at SIUC, she was in private practice in the New York City area and practiced in Massachusetts and Ecuador as well.

• Kevin Mitchell, assistant professor in the Department of Aviation Technologies.

Mitchell earned his master's degree in applied and natural sciences in aviation from Oklahoma State University. He comes to SIUC from Columbia Aircraft Co., in Bend, Ore., where he was production manager for the Columbia 350 and 400 lines. Enhancing Mitchell's industry knowledge is his prior experience as avionics manager with Commander Aircraft Co. and a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force.

* Daniel I. Mattingly, assistant instructor in the Department of Aviation Technologies.

Mattingly received his master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and his bachelor's in the former school of technical careers at SIUC. Mattingly worked in a variety of capacities during the past 21 years in Boeing's helicopter division. Most recently, he was a flight test engineer on the V-22 Osprey developmental test program at the Patuxent River, Md., naval air station. He will teach courses in the airframe and powerplant technician curriculum and the helicopter specialization at SIUC.

• Regina L. Pfister, assistant professor in the School of Allied Health.

Pfister earned her associates degree in dental hygiene and bachelor's of science in education and master of science in workforce education, all at SIUC. She has been in private practice as a clinical dental hygienist and came to SIUC as an assistant/clinical instructor in fall 2000. In 2004, she earned the Term Teacher of the Year award in both the School of Allied Health and the College of Applied Sciences and Arts. As a tenure-track assistant professor, she will teach patient assessment techniques and periodontics with sophomore and junior students. She will research the oral health needs of Head Start toddlers and other at-risk children.

• Jennifer S. Sherry, assistant professor in the School of Allied Health.

Sherry earned an associates degree in applied sciences in general studies at John A. Logan College in Carterville and associates in arts (dental hygiene) degree along with a bachelor's degree in health care management and master's degree in health education, all at SIUC. She's been in private practice as a clinical dental hygienist and since fall 2000 has been an assistant/clinical instructor for SIUC. Sherry, the School of Allied Health 2003 Term Teacher of the Year, will teach dental radiology, working primarily with sophomore students. She is particularly interested in school-based health clinics and nutrition.