University Awards Promotions to Faculty Members

College of Saint Mary (CSM) awarded promotions to four faculty members, while two received extended contract reviews in April. Drs. Whitney Rubin, Celeste Harvey, Emily Kahm and Molly Brost were promoted to associate professor. Drs. Molly Mahoney and Jennifer Reed-Bouley received extended contract reviews.

Dr. Whitney Rubin, who began at CSM in an adjunct role in 2015, is a member of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program faculty. She earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communications from the University of Nebraska Omaha and her doctoral degree in occupational therapy from Creighton University. She has served as Nebraska’s representative for the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Representative Assembly.

“Dr. Rubin strives to accelerate learning, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and increase levels of advocacy,” said Dr. Kimberly Allen, vice president for academic and student affairs.

Dr. Celeste Harvey, a faculty member since 2017, teaches philosophy. She received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Bethel University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Marquette University.

“Dr. Harvey is recognized for her strong teaching philosophy, which embodies effective and purposeful teaching practices,” Dr. Allen said. “Though students regularly affirm her teaching abilities, she shows a history of consistent and continuous improvement.”

Dr. Emily Kahm, a faculty member since 2019, teaches theology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in theology and English from Rockhurst University, her master’s degree in theological studies from Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and her doctoral degree in religious and theological studies from Iliff School of Theology and University of Denver. She participated in the President’s Initiative for Inclusive Excellence in the Classroom and the Wabash Center’s Early Career Religion Faculty Teaching Undergraduates. She was recently honored with the Catherine McAuley Award for Excellence in Teaching.

“It is more than evident that teaching is her first love as she has demonstrated a significant commitment to the success of women on campus and within the greater Omaha community,” Dr. Allen said.

Dr. Molly Brost, a faculty member since 2020, teaches English. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and English from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, her master’s degree in English from Colorado State University and a doctoral degree in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University.

“Students praise Dr. Brost for providing clear expectations and a supportive learning environment,” Dr. Allen said. “More so, her classes are described as interactive, focused, and productive. Engaged learning increases the likeliness to learn, retain the content and grow.”

Dr. Molly Mahoney, a faculty member since 2004, is a professor of psychology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska Omaha. She received her master’s and doctoral degrees in developmental psychology from the University of Nebraska Omaha and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, respectively.

“Dr. Mahoney has continued to provide evidence of outstanding contributions to teaching effectiveness, professional development and service to CSM and the Omaha community,” Dr. Allen said.

Dr. Jennifer Reed-Bouley also joined the CSM faculty in 2004. She is a professor and director of the theology program. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from the University of Notre Dame. She earned both her master’s degree in theology and doctoral degree in Christian ethics from Loyola University.

“Dr. Reed-Bouley brings a vibrant presence to the classroom that allows students to succeed whether they face to face or online,” Dr. Allen said. “She effortlessly brings the integration of leadership and Catholic social teachings into the curriculum, adopts of best practices in online education and incorporates topics related to the Mercy mission into her classroom experiences.

The faculty members were recognized at a reception on April 25.