EMU welcomes new faculty

Eastern Mennonite University and Eastern Mennonite Seminary welcome five new full-time faculty to the ranks for the 2024-25 academic year. 

Dr. Tamika Jackson, assistant professor of counseling
Jackson is an assistant professor in the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program. Her vocational journey has led to experience in many areas including finance, congregational ministry, program development, chaplaincy, counseling, and higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowie State University, an MBA from Loyola University Maryland, a Master of Divinity/MA in Counseling dual-degree from Wake Forest University, and a PhD in Counselor Education from William and Mary. In addition to training counselors, Jackson embraces the model of practitioner-scholar through her own work as a clinical mental health counselor and her research focusing on the integration of spirituality and religion in counseling. 

Ned Parker, assistant professor of preaching & worship; Seminary chaplain
Parker received his bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College with a focus in archaeology and storytelling as a cross-discipline approach to cultural studies. His Master of Divinity is from Andover Newton Theological School. Parker has a Doctor of Ministry from Seattle University, where his studies focused on storytelling in the contexts of preaching and worship to foster deeper community. He’s been in higher education for 25 years and pastored two churches. 

John Pescatore, associate professor of engineering
Pescatore, a native of Boston, holds degrees from Northeastern University, University of Cincinnati and Tennessee Technological University and is a registered professional engineer in Virginia and Ohio. He is an enthusiastic promoter of the engineering profession and is excited about joining other faculty in the mission of educating the next generation of engineers. Pescatore comes to EMU with a background in both professional engineering and academia in the U.S. and United Kingdom.

Stephanie Powell, assistant professor of Hebrew Bible
Powell holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Drew University and an MDiv from Chicago Theological Seminary. She is the author of Narrative Desire and the Book of Ruth from Bloomsbury T&T Clark Press (2018). As a feminist and literary critic of the Hebrew Bible, Powell’s research interests include the interrelationship between biblical narrative and history, with sustained attention to questions of sexuality, desire, trauma and identity formation.

For over a decade, Powell has taught courses in biblical studies, feminism and queer theory, Jewish/Christian studies, pastoral care, death and dying, and world religions. She is also the co-creator of restitutio divina, an embodied practice of biblical interpretation that builds on the insights of Somatic Experiencing coupled with the spiritual practices of lectio and visio divina. In addition to her work as a professor, Powell has worked as a professional chaplain in medical, psychiatric and academic settings.

Aundrea Smiley, assistant professor of teacher education
Smiley is a career educator with over 17 years of experience in the field. She has worked in all levels in the K-12 world, including as classroom teacher, coach, and division-level administrator (literacy coach). Prior to coming to EMU full-time she served as adjunct in the Graduate Teacher Education department for four years.

She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing/business administration from Ferrum College, a master’s in teaching from Mary Baldwin University, a graduate certificate in restorative justice in education from EMU, and a PhD in higher education administration/education leadership K-12 programs from Liberty University.

Smiley is an education consultant/RJ practitioner as well as the owner of a full-service literacy center/consulting firm.