Though the past year brought the challenges of COVID, online classes, and endless zoom meetings, the faculty at Union College did not let it get in the way of pursuing their goals and “unlocking” their potential.
In the past year, several faculty members have completed advanced degrees. Kristine Follett and Larinda Fandrich, professors of nursing, graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Susan Byers, professor of education, also completed a doctorate in Educational Technology.
Communications faculty member Lori Peckham was featured in several publications, including The Journal, Outlook Magazine, and the 2021 women’s devotional Color My World With Love. She also served as the editor of the latest Guide’s Greatest story book that was published this year, Guide’s Greatest Brave Believer Stories. Peckham is not the only high achiever in the Communications Department. In addition to the publication of his book, Seeking an understanding: how to have difficult conversations without destroying your relationships, Dr. Seth Pierce had articles featured in Concordia University’s Journal of Religion and Culture, Outlook, Spectrum, and Signs of the Times.
Edward Allen, Religion Program faculty, wrote “Law, Keem or Liu Jian (1867-1919),” a biography of the pioneering Chinese Seventh-day Adventist pastor and physician in the Seventh-day Adventist Encyclopedia. Adding to the achievements of the Religion Program, Dr. Benjamin Holdsworth’s article “The Environment: Should Adventists Care?” was published in Rocky Mountain Views, addressing the Adventist church’s engagement and impact in climate and environmental matters and Thomas Toews gave a three-part presentation to the Texico Conference of Seventh-day Adventists on the challenges of anti-trinitarian thinking.
Science, physicians assistant, and IRR faculty members have been busy as well. Chemistry professor Dr. Carrie Wolfe wrote “Membrane Asymmetry Points to the Creator”, a chapter in the recently published book Design and Catastrophe: 51 Scientists Explore Evidence in Nature. Physicians assistant faculty Tim Kuntz and Megan Heitbrink contributed and reviewed the book 101 Primary Care Case Studies. Lastly, International Rescue and Relief faculty member Kyle Kuehmichel wrote “Calling all Volunteers: 3 ways to increase the volunteer member pool” for EMS1.com.
Representing the music department, Ricky Little gave a lecture entitled “Who’s Rocking the House?,” during the six-part series Music of the World in the World of the Church, which aired on SUMTV. Not to leave art behind, Bruce Forbes had several photos featured in the Norfolk Arts Center’s 14th Annual Juried Visual Arts Exhibit and in the Hays Arts Council 37th Annual Five State Photography Competition/Exhibition.
The hard work and dedication of these individuals is an outward representation of their commitment to learning and sharing their knowledge, enriching the educational experience of their students and those beyond the classroom. They embody Union’s goal of unlocking potential, proving that Union is a place of learning and growth not just for students, but employees as well!
By Hannah Olin, junior history education major