11 Sep 20 New Faculty and Staff at HU

Huntington University has welcome 20 new faculty and staff this year. Here’s a look at each of them, starting with the teaching faculty.

Amy Biegel, assistant professor of Social Work. Amy worked in her field for 13 years, mostly with children, adolescents ,and their families. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master’s in Social Work from Indiana University. She was recently accepted to begin doctoral studies at Indiana University.

Dawn Ford, associate professor of Digital Media Arts. Dawn is an independent producer/director of films, TV series, and new media. Career highlights include her early work as a broadcast recording engineer on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” in sound post-production at Lucasfilm on “Return of the Jedi,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “The Right Stuff,” and “Star Trek III.” She holds a Master of Fine Arts in professional screenwriting from National University in La Jolla, Calif.; an M.A. in television, film and new media from San Diego State University; and a B.A. in radio, television, and film from the University of Maryland.

Bo Helmich, assistant professor of Worship Leadership. Bo holds degrees from Stanford, Oxford, and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and is currently his doctorate in Theology at Duke University. Prior to coming to Huntington, he served for a number of years as a local church pastor, teacher, and worship leader.

John Noble, assistant professor of Bible and Religion. A candidate for the PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University, John holds MDiv and MA degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and the BA from Taylor University.

Dr. Timothy Troyer, assistant professor of Chemistry. He earned a B.A. in Chemistry and Physics from Goshen College in 1996, an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1999, and a PhD. in Chemistry from Vanderbilt University in 2008. He worked for Bristol-Myers Squibb pharmaceutical company for several years in new drug development.

Tyler Welker, visiting instructor of Digital Media Arts. He was one of HU’s first graduates from the program in 2008, and then worked as the lead animator at Sound Ideas in Columbia City, Ind. He is working on his masters in 3D Animation at the Academy of Art University and owns his own freelance business called Infused Digital Media Inc.

Shelly Francka, director of the Adult Degree Programs. Shelly came to HU in September 2011. She holds a Master in Business Administration from Southwest Baptist University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and an Associate in Science degree in Practical Nursing. She is currently working on her doctorate in Business Administration.

Amber Prather, Adult Degree Programs online course designer. Amber, who took this position in January 2012, is certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist and completed her Associate of Applied Science degree from Ivy Tech Community College.

Kristi Welker, online program admission counselor for the Adult Degree Programs. Before taking this position in February 2012, Kristi worked for the United Way of Huntington. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministries from Huntington, and has started on a Masters in Higher Education from Geneva College.

Shoshannah McKinney, associate director of the Institute for TESOL Studies and as the international admissions counselor. Shoshannah is a 2003 graduate of Huntington with a bachelor’s degree in Math Education. Upon graduating, she moved to China to teach English at Liaocheng University. While there, she earned her Master of Arts degree in TESOL from Azusa Pacific University.

Pamela Anderson, nursing lab coordinator. She has worked part-time in this position since October 2011, and has been a Registered Nurse since 1992.

Kahle Bryant, residence director of Livingston Hall. Kahle has worked at HU as a graduate student for the past two years, but took this new fulltime position this summer.

Kathryn Eckert, Learning Center secretary. Kathryn holds an associate’s degree in Elementary Education and previously worked as the program support assistant at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

Nathan Hartman, Digital Media Arts studio supervisor. Nathan came to HU in November 2011 as the Digital Media Arts recruiter, and also helped plan the Fandana Film Festival. He is a 2010 film studies and broadcasting graduate from Huntington.

Kyle Metzger, coordinator of student activities/multicultural activities. Kyle graduated from Bluffton University in 2008 with a degree in Social Work.

Mark Schenkel, director of community relations and a major gifts officer. Mark is a lifelong resident of Huntington and carries a wealth of experience in management and sales and marketing. He is a graduate of Ball State University and Taylor University.

Rachel Whitehurst, PRIME coordinator. In her position, Rachel helps find internships for ministry students. Previously, she served as a Communications and Media Consultant for Wycliffe. She and her husband, Colin, documented the ongoing work of various Wycliffe language projects scattered around the Asia Pacific.

Rachel Wust, director of human resources. Rachel has worked in human resources for the past 20 years in the automotive and food manufacturing industries. She is a graduate of Ball State University, and holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Katie Martin, admissions counselor. Katie is a 2012 HU graduate with a degree in Elementary and Middle Grades Education.

Andrew Freehauf, admissions counselor. Andrew earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Indiana-Purdue/Fort Wayne.