New Faculty

ASHLEY CAIN | Assistant Professor, Sign Language Interpreting

Cain, a South Dakota native, returns to the state and Augustana University after teaching all levels of ASL at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She holds her Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in American Sign Language Studies. She later obtained her Master of Science in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

ANISSA GOEHRING | Assistant Professor, MBA Program Director

Dr. Goehring will help launch the Augustana MBA degree program with its integration of a Leadership Academy, while seeking accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). She comes to Augustana University after spending time developing undergraduate programming for a community college in Washington state. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University and four graduate degrees: education from the University of Nebraska; business administration from Strayer University, project management from Keller Graduate School, and strategic leadership from Mountain State University. She soon expects to complete her Doctorate in Education, specializing in leadership in higher education.

VIKKI HENNARD | Assistant Professor, Education

Dr. Hennard has been promoted to assistant professor after spending four years as an adjunct professor at Augustana University in the Master of Education program. Before that, she was named as a tenured teacher at East Detroit Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, and Charlevoix-Emmet ISD, in K-12. She holds her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Michigan State University and her Master of Arts in Education from Oakland University in Michigan, both with an emphasis in special education. She received her doctoral degree from Eastern Michigan University in Michigan in Educational Leadership.

ANDREA MIERAU | Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy/Director, Clinical Education

Dr. Mierau graduated from Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She then went on to attend St. Catherine University, where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She practiced as a physical therapist in multiple settings with an emphasis on neurologic rehabilitation and vestibular rehabilitation. She began her career in education with instructing and managing clinical education in a hybrid physical therapist assistant program at Rasmussen College in Minneapolis, Minn. Andrea is also working toward her Doctor of Education degree with a focus in healthcare professions.

TANYA MILLER | Assistant Professor, Sign Language Interpreting

Miller, a California native, received her Bachelor of Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Business Administration. She later settled in Sioux Falls, and worked in the business sector for more than 10 years. Her master’s studies were through Gallaudet University where she earned a degree in Sign Language Instruction. Tanya, who is deaf, has served Augustana throughout the years by working in the ASL lab, mentoring emerging interpreters, and teaching adjunct courses. Her most recent position has been at Harrisburg High School where she taught American Sign Language.

KEVIN NATUKUNDA | Assistant Professor, Biology/Nursing

Dr. Natukunda comes to Augustana University as a continuing track assistant professor from South Dakota State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the 12 month accelerated program. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Makerere University in Uganda, and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Iowa State University.

MARTI SILVIDI | Assistant Professor, Director of Graduate Nursing Program

Originally from Sioux Falls, Dr. Silvidi comes to Augustana University from Indiana, where she was most recently teaching at Ball State University. She received her doctorate in nursing practice from Concordia University of Wisconsin and has two post-master’s certificates. The first is from the University of Massachusetts Boston for family nurse practitioner; the second is from Kent State University for an adult/gerontology acute care practitioner. She has her master’s degree in nursing education, which she received from the University of North Dakota.