University awards promotions, extended contracts to faculty
College of Saint Mary recognized the promotions and extended contracts for several faculty members for 2020, 2021 and 2022 at a reception on April 19.
“The promotion process acknowledges selected faculty who advance our institution’s mission through their scholarly endeavors, commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community, and steadfast commitment to teaching, learning and discovery,” said. Dr. Kimberly Allen, vice president of academic affairs. “We commend these faculty members for their years of hard work to become scholars of distinction and exceptional educators.”
Those honored were:
2020 promotions
Assistant professor to associate professor with extended contract
Dr. Amanda Roe has served as a professor of biology at CSM since 2014. She received her Bachelor of Science in agroecology from the University of Wyoming, her Master of Science in entomology and her Ph.D in applied ecology, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Associate to full professor with extended contract
Dr. Jing Chang began teaching at CSM in 2008. Serving as a professor of mathematics, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Central South University in China, her master’s in mathematics from Tennessee Technological University, and her doctorate in mathematics from Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Kristi Preisman, the director of the Doctor of Education program, has been at CSM since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, her master’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska Omaha and her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas-Austin.
Extended contract
Dr. Mark Sand has been a faculty member at CSM since 2010. He serves as the director of the mathematics and physical science programs and as a professor of mathematics. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Drake University and both his master’s and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Kathleen Zajic has been a faculty member at CSM since 1991. Serving as a nursing professor, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Creighton University, her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and her doctorate in health professions education from College of Saint Mary.
2021 promotions
Assistant professor to associate professor with extended contract
Dr. Maureen Hoppe, an occupational therapy professor with CSM since 2011, received her bachelor’s degree in OT from Creighton University, a master’s in health education and a graduate certificate of specialization in gerontology from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and a doctorate in health professions from College of Saint Mary.
Dr. Christopher Krampe has been a faculty member since 2015. He is the director of the fine arts program. Dr. Krampe earned his bachelor’s degree in church music from Drake University, his master’s degree in church music and his doctorate degree in chorale directing from the University of Kansas.
Dr. Dunesh Kumari has served as a professor of chemistry since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Delhi University, and master’s and doctorate degrees in chemistry from Northeastern University.
2022 promotions
Assistant professor to associate professor with extended contract
Dr. Jaime Garafalo-Peterson, a professor of occupational therapy and the fieldwork coordinator for the program, has been a faculty member since 2014. She earned bachelor’s degrees in OT and psychology from College of Saint Mary and her doctorate from the University of Saint Augustine.
Dr. Jennifer Grove has been a faculty member since 2016. She is a professor of biology. Dr. Grove earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Nebraska Omaha and her doctorate degree in medical sciences, genetics, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Dr. Tara Ruppert has served as a professor of occupational therapy since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in OT from Creighton University, certificate in upper quarter rehabilitation from Drexel University and her doctorate in OT from George Washington University.
Jeff Spencer has been a faculty member since 2005. He is a professor of art and director of Hillmer Art Gallery. He earned his bachelor’s degree in painting and printmaking from the University of Nebraska Omaha and his master’s of fine art in printing and drawing from the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Heather Stigge has been a professor of biology since 2016. She earned her bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from Peru State College, her master’s in biology from Sam Houston State University and her doctorate in zoology and parasitology from Oklahoma State University.
