Nursing at Eastern Mennonite University – the most in-demand field of study at this university – leads the way in welcoming three new faculty members out of 11 teachers in eight specialties joining EMU for 2014-15. Music is gaining two assistant professors. The other newcomers are in political science, chemistry, social work, psychology, history and the seminary.
Monica Comparagni, assistant professor of the practice of nursing
Comparagni earned a BS in nursing from EMU and a family nurse practitioner master’s degree from the University of Virginia. She brings experience as a local nurse practitioner and a practicing nurse in various areas. She was previously a nursing adjunct instructor at EMU.
DeAnne Chenoweth, instructor of political science
Chenoweth earned a BA in political science from Bethany College and holds two master’s degrees – an MA in international studies from the Claremont Graduate School and an MA in political science from the University of Maryland at College Park. She has been an adjunct instructor at James Madison University for the past 10 years. She has also taught at Indiana University in Bloomington, Illinois. Her research has focused on the politics of foreign and comparative official development assistance practices.
Marcy Dean, instructor of nursing
Dean earned a BS in nursing at Shepherd University and an MS in nursing at Marshall University. She brings nursing experience in the hospital, along with specific training and certification in advanced cardiac life support and end of life and pain management. She was previously an adjunct nursing instructor at EMU.
Janet Hostetter, assistant professor of the practice, artistic director of Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir
Hostetter earned a BA in music education from EMU and completed an MM in choral conducting at James Madison University. She has served as music instructor and choral conductor in a variety of settings: elementary, middle and high schools, and churches. In addition, she led EMU’s university chorale for several years. She is the second artistic director of the acclaimed Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir since its founding in 1992 by Julia J. White.
Carol Grace Hurst, associate professor and director of social work
Hurst earned a BA in sociology from EMU, and an MSW and a PhD in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She brings many years of experience in the field and in educational settings. Most recently, she was director of continuing education and evaluation within the Corporate University of Providence, designing continuing education curriculum and teaching continuing education classes.
Ryan Keebaugh, assistant professor of music
Keebaugh earned a BA in music from Bridgewater College, an MM in composition from Shenandoah University, and a DMA in composition from the Catholic University of America. Beginning in 2008, Keebaugh taught in the Clarke County (Va.) Public School system and as an adjunct at several colleges. Keebaugh has won awards for his musical composition skills; in addition, he is an instrumentalist (euphonium, trombone and piano) and a vocalist.
Gregory Koop, assistant professor of psychology
Koop earned a BA from Goshen College with majors in psychology and history, and an MA and PhD in psychology from Miami University. He completed a post-doctoral position at Syracuse University where he worked in the memory modeling lab.
Emily Peck-McClain, instructor of Christian formation, preaching and worship
Peck-McClain earned a BA in religion from Washington and Lee University and an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary. She is finishing her ThD in Christian education and New Testament from Duke Divinity School, where she has been a teaching assistant. Peck-McClain recently received the honor of a fellowship from the American Association of University Women. During 2014-15, she will teach part time at the seminary.
Holly Scott, assistant professor of history
Scott earned a BA in English and justice, peace and conflict studies from EMU, an MA in American Studies from Pennsylvania State University, and a PhD in history from American University. She has previously taught as an adjunct at both EMU and American University. Her interests lie in the areas of youth, generational culture and student protest and activism.
Nancy Wise, instructor of nursing at Lancaster
Wise earned a BS in nursing from Millersville University and an MA in nursing education at Villanova University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in nursing at Villanova. Wise brings many years of nursing experience to the classroom, both in the hospital setting and as a nurse educator. She has been an adjunct nursing instructor at EMU’s Lancaster site as well as at Alvernia University.