September 3, 2024 — Marist faculty are committed to academic vibrancy and bringing innovation and expertise to the classroom. Their student-centered approach fosters personalized guidance and mentorship that helps students thrive.

As we begin a new academic year, Marist is proud to welcome 38 new full-time faculty and celebrate several of its educators who help advance this mission.

Dr. Patricia Tarantello was honored last week with the Board of Trustees’ Faculty Award for Distinguished Teaching at last week’s Faculty and Staff Convocation.

Dr. Patricia Tarantello (second from left) receives the Board of Trustees Faculty Award for Distinguished Teaching, joined by President Kevin Weinman, Dr. Leigh Graham (far left), and Provost Catherine Gunther Kodat (far right). Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

Additionally, at the end of the last academic year, four faculty members were honored at the annual Academic Achievement Award Ceremony. Dr. Duy Nguyen, Donald Meltz, Dr. Lee Miringoff, and Dr. Victoria Ingalls were recognized for their respective contributions in research, innovative instruction, enhancing the academic experience, and advising.

Welcoming 38 New Faculty

This year, Marist welcomes 38 new full-time faculty across all six academic schools, including a new dean for the School of Computer Science and Mathematics. The new faculty members continue Marist’s tradition of excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring, building on a legacy of empowering students to succeed.

“This dynamic cohort embodies our mission to improve the world through education,” said Dr. Addrain Conyers, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development. “They have the intellect, character, and skills to cultivate tomorrow's leaders while modeling the enlightened, ethical, and productive lives we want our students to emulate. They also bring a sense of joy and camaraderie to our environment. It's rewarding to see Marist 100 in action.”

As we begin a new academic year, we’d like to introduce you to the new cohort of faculty members at Marist. Can you tell they had some fun during their orientation? Learn more below!

New faculty Dr. Ramesh Laungani, Dr. Sierra Trudel, and Dr. Yasmine Awais, have some fun during orientation. Photos by Megan Dwyer/Marist College.

School of Communication and the Arts

• Malinda Behrens, Interim Director of Fashion Career Development, Internships and External Partnerships and Professional Lecturer
• Yasemin Beykont, Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication
• Jessica Crawford, Lecturer, Media Studies and Production
• Andrew Elrick, Director of the Center for Sports Communication, Instructor
• Bradley Erickson, Visiting Professional Lecturer, Fashion
• Amy Finkel, Assistant Professor, Art and Digital Media
• Mindy Stockfield, Visiting Lecturer, Communication

School of Computer Science and Mathematics

• Ron Buckmire, Dean

School of Liberal Arts

• Jeffrey Canino, Lecturer, English
• Christian Elguera Olortegui, Assistant Professor, Spanish
• Rocky Love, Lecturer, English
• Kristian Sheeley, Lecturer, Philosophy
• Stacy Wittstock, Assistant Professor, English

School of Management

• Gladys Antonio, Lecturer, International Business and Communication
• Heather Hallenbeck, Director of Experiential Learning, Professional Lecturer, Management
• Jin Lau, Assistant Professor, Economics
• Ibrahim Shaikh, Associate Professor, Strategy
• Saurabh Singh, Assistant Professor, Marketing

School of Science

• Matthew Bolssen, Professional Lecturer, Medical Technology
• Jeanne Devine, Visiting Lecturer, Biology
• Navneet Kaur, Visiting Lecturer, Chemistry
• Ramesh Laungani, Associate Professor, Environmental Science and Policy
• Matthew Pennachio, Visiting Lecturer, Chemistry
• Heather Schiller, Lecturer, Biology
• Katherine Weiss, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science
• Bill Zhao, Visiting Lecturer, Chemistry

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

• Yasmine Awais, Professional Lecturer, Psychology
• Kristi Biolsi, Associate Professor, Psychology
• Anna Blumenthal, Associate Professor, Psychology
• Sarah DeLucca, Visiting Professional Lecturer, Criminal Justice
• Katharine Dill, Program Director, Master of Social Work and Associate Professor
• Maurya Glaude, Professional Lecturer, Social Work
• Katie Harlan Eller, Assistant Professor, Education
• Christian Heasley, Assistant Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Psychology
• Sierra Trudel, Assistant Professor, Psychology
• Matteo Undici Spitzer, Professional Lecturer, Social Work and Sociology
• Andrew Weaver, Assistant Professor, Education
• Alyssa Yetter, Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice