Faculty members take on new roles

Two Westminster faculty members have been promoted to positions within the College’s administration while another has been tapped to lead the All-College Honors Program.

Dr. Karen Resendes, professor of biology and director of the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research, has been appointed associate dean of assessment and the FirstYear Experience.

In her new role, which begins this summer, Resendes will oversee the process of academic program review and work closely with Middle States on accreditation matters.

Resendes, a member of the faculty since 2009, earned an undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary and her Ph.D. from Brown University. She performed post-doctoral research at the University of California, San Diego.

Dr. Kristen Amick was named the College’s registrar, succeeding interim registrar Dr. Rose Reinhart. Amick, whose duties began Jan. 1, maintains the College’s class schedule, registers students for classes, prepares grade reports and verifies completion of degree requirements, schedules classrooms for instructional use

Promotions, tenure granted

and provides official transcripts to current students and alumni.

Amick, who previously served as associate professor of biology, joined the faculty in 2018. She earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State Behrend and a Ph.D. from The George Washington University.

Dr. Jamie Chapman, associate professor of sociology, will begin her duties as director of the All-College Honors Program this summer. She succeeds former director Dr. Kristianne Kalata

The All-College Honors Program provides opportunities for selected students to gain a deep appreciation of the multiple dimensions of knowledge by creating a community of honors scholars and promoting intellectual vitality and academic rigor. Honors students complete an enhanced curriculum that includes research, thesis preparation, problem solving, independent investigation and travel abroad opportunities, including an annual educational trip to Greece.

Chapman joined the faculty in 2014. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Akron.

The Westminster College Board of Trustees approved faculty promotions and tenure at its February meeting.

Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, music, earned the rank of full professor. Promoted to associate professor and earning tenure were Dr. Trisha Cowen, English; Dr. Patrick Lackey, chemistry; Brian Petrus ’10, business administration; and Dr. Jessica Rhodes, psychology.