New Full-Time Faculty
2006-2007

2006-2007 New Faculty

New Faculty 2006-2007: Pictured with Nan Thomas from the Center for Faculty Development

Name: Beverly Absher

Rank: Assistant Professor of Business, Chair, Department of Continuing Studies and Program Director of BSOL, Jackson Campus

Educational Background:

  • Ed.D., Union University, expected, 2007.
  • M.B.A., University of North Alabama, 1987.
  • B.S., University of North Alabama, 1981.

Experience:

  • Director of Human Resources, Union University, 2004-2006
  • President, Absher Group, LL, 2003-2004.
  • Senior Specialist, Tennessee Valley Authority, 1993-2003.
  • Vice President and Director of Marketing, SouthTrust Bank of the Quad Cities, 1986-1993.
  • Chief Accountant and Administrative Officer, Commerce Union Bank, 1981-1986.
  • Senior Consultant, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., 1974-1981.

Name: Michele Atkins

Rank: Associate Professor of Education

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. The University of Memphis, 2000.
  • Ed.S. The University of Memphis, 2006.
  • M.Ed. The University of Memphis, 1993.
  • B.S. Union University, 1989.

Experience:

  • Self-employed, Atkins Counseling, 2005-present.
  • Adjunct Professor and Consultant, Union University, 2005-present.
  • Director, Ed.S. and Ed.D. Programs, Jackson Campus, 2004-05.
  • Director, Graduate Studies in Education, Jackson Campus, 2000-04.
  • Associate Professor, Union University, 1998-2005.
  • Educational Consultant, Humboldt City Schools, 1998-99.
  • Director, School Psychology Services, Humboldt City Schools, 1994-98.
  • Special Education Teacher, Humboldt City Schools, 1990-96.
  • Special Education Teacher, Milan Special School District, 1989-90.

Name: Kevin Barksdale

Rank: Associate Professor of Business

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. Georgia State University, 1994.
  • B.B.A. Georgia State University, 1990.

Experience:

  • Vice President of Human Resources, General Manager of Chuck Hutton Toyota and Assistant
  • General Manager; Chuck Horton Chevrolet Company, 01/98-06/05.
  • Assistant Professor of Management, The University of Memphis, 08/94-12/97.
  • Graduate Laboratory Assistant, Georgia State University, 09/91-08/94.

Name: Jay Bernheisel

Rank: Assistant Professor of Engineering

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. Northwestern University, 2006.
  • M.S.M.E. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 1997.
  • B.S.M.E. Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, 1996.

Experience:

  • Research Assistant, Northwestern University, 2001-present.
  • Adjunct faculty, Chapman University, 2000-2001.
  • Engineer, Cobotics, Summer 2001.

Name: Mark Bolyard

Rank: Professor of Biology and Department Chair (beginning January, 2007)

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. University of North Carolina, 1989.
  • B.A. Hanover College, 1984.

Experience:

  • Professor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1991-present.
  • Director, Office of Science and Math Education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 2001-2004.
  • Assistant Director, Office of Science and Math Education, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, 2000-2001.
  • Research Assistant, Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences and Entomology, Pesticide Research Center, Michigan State University, 1989-1991.

Name: Jeannie Byrd

Rank: Assistant Professor of Library Services

Educational Background:

  • M.S., University of Tennessee, 2006.
  • M.A., University of Mississippi, 1978.
  • B.A., Union University, 1986.
  • B.A., Union University, 1975.

Experience:

  • Coordinator, Serials and Electronic Resources, Union University, 2002-present.
  • Visiting Instructor, Union University, 1998-2002.
  • Adjunct Instructor, Union University, 1984-1986.

Name: Kathie Chute (Beginning February, 2007)

Rank: Associate Professor of Communication Arts

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi, 1995.
  • M.A., Missouri State University, 1981.
  • B.A., University of Southern Mississippi, 1987.
  • B.A., William Carey College, 1973.

Experience:

  • Associate Professor, Virginia State University, 2005-present.
  • Associate Vice President for University Communication and Enrollment Services and Assistant Professor, Union University, 2003-2005.
  • Executive Assistant to the President for External Relations and Assistant Professor, William Carey College, 2001-2003.
  • Assistant Professor, Jacksonville University, 1998-2001.
  • Communication Consultant, 1995-1998.
  • Director of Corporate and Foundation Gifts, Oklahoma Baptist University, 1994-1995.
  • News Director, Oklahoma Baptist University, 1993-1994.

Name: Michael Chute (beginning February, 2007)

Rank: Professor of Communication Arts

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. University of Southern Mississippi, 2001.
  • M.A. Southwest Missouri State University, 1986.
  • B.A. Oklahoma Baptist University, 1972.

Experience:

  • Publishing Director, International Mission Board, 2005-present.
  • Associate Professor, Union University, 2003-2005.
  • Associate Professor, William Carey College, 2001-2003.
  • Executive Editor, Florida Baptist Witness, 1995-2001.
  • Assistant Professor, Oklahoma Baptist University, 1993-1995.
  • Overseas Correspondent/Communication Consultant, International Mission Board, 1985-1993.
  • Communications Consultant, South Brazil Mission, 1982-1985.

Name: Kathryn Cooper

Rank: Assistant Professor of Nursing

Educational Background:

  • M.S.N., University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 2005.
  • B.S.N., Union University, 2003.

Experience:

  • Medical Response Team, Methodist LeBonhuer, Germantown, 2002-present.
  • Emergency Room Staff, St. Francis Hospital, 2001-2002.
  • Charge Nurse, Trauma Center Emergency Department, Grady Memorial Hospital, 1997-2000.

Name: Judy Cravens

Rank: Visiting Instructor of English

Educational Background:

  • M.L.S., University of North Texas, 1997.
  • M.A., University of Texas, El Paso, 1992.
  • M.S.N., University of Texas, Austin, 1972.
  • B.S.N., Texas Christian University, 1964.

Experience:

  • Part-time, Substitute Teacher, University School of Jackson, 2003-2006.
  • Developmental Reading Lab Assistant, Jackson State Community College, 2005.
  • Children's Librarian, Jackson Madison County Library, 1998-2003.
  • Library Medial Specialist, Dallas Public Schools, 1994-1998.
  • Media Secretary, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, 1992-1994.
  • English teacher, Coronado High School, 1983-1992.

Name: Kendell Easley

Rank: Professor of Christian Studies and Program Director

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1978.
  • M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1975.
  • B.A., John Brown University, 1970.

Experience:

  • Chairman and Professor of New Testament and Greek, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, 1988-2005.
  • Associate Professor, Toccoa Falls College, 1980-1988.
  • Teaching Fellow, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1977-78.

Name: Jonathan Gillette

Rank: Assistant Professor of Art

Educational Background:

  • M.F.A. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2005.
  • B.S. Union University, 2002.

Experience:

  • Instructor, The School of Art Institute of Chicago, 2004-05.
  • Instructor, Cheekwood Education, 2000-01.

Name: Rhonda Hudson

Rank: Assistant Professor of Social Work

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. Barry University, 2006.
  • M.S.W. Barry University, 1998.
  • B.S. Florida A & M University, 1981.

Experience:

  • Adjunct Instructor, Barry University, 2004-2005.
  • Senior Research Associate, University of Miami, 2000-present.
  • Research Associate/Family Therapist, University of Miami, 1998-2000.
  • Clinical Coordinator, University of Miami, 1993-1996.
  • Recruiter, University of Miami, 1992-93.
  • Adjunct Professor, Lynn University, 1990-92.

Name: Lisa Medlin

Rank: Assistant Professor of Nursing

Educational Background:

  • M.S.N. Vanderbilt University, 2000.
  • B.S.N. Union University, 1995.

Experience:

  • Primary Care, Thomas McDonald, MD, PC, 2004-present.
  • Primary Care, Delta Clinic, 2003-2004.
  • Primary Care, The Rickard Clinic, 2000-2003.
  • Primary Care, The Ballard Clinic, 2000-2001.
  • Adjunct Instructor, Jackson State Community College, 2002.
  • Management and Staff Nurse, Medshares Home Care, 1999-2000.
  • Management and Staff Nurse, West Tennessee Skilled Nursing Center, 1998.
  • Management and Staff Nurse, Homecare Health Services, 1995-98.
  • Management and Staff Nurse, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, 1988-1991.
  • Research Assistant, Vanderbilt University, 1999.

Name: William Nettles

Rank: Professor of Physics

Educational Background:

Ph.D. Vanderbilt University, 1979.
M.S. Vanderbilt, University, 1979.
B.S. Mississippi College, 1975.

Experience:

Professor, Mississippi College, 1983-present.
Nuclear Engineer, Naval Reactors, USDOE & NAVSEA, 1979-1983.
Research Assistant, Vanderbilt University, 1977-79.
Laboratory Instructor, Vanderbilt University, 1975-77.

Name: Stephanie Nikbakht

Rank: Instructor of Nursing

Educational Experience:

  • M.S.N. University of Memphis, 2006.
  • B.S.N. Baptist College of Health Sciences, 2000.

Experience:

  • Staff RN, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 1989-present.
  • Clinical Adjunct Instructor, Murray State University, 2000-present.
  • Clinical Adjunct Instructor, Union University, 2005.

Name: Lori Nolen

Rank: Assistant Professor of Art

Educational Experience:

  • M.F.A. University of Georgia, 2006.
  • B.A. Union University, 2002.

Experience:

  • Teaching Assistant, University of Georgia, 2003-06.
  • Graduate Ceramics Assistant, University of Georgia, 2005.

Name: Kathy O�Connor

Rank: Assistant Professor of Nursing

Educational Experience:

  • M.S.N. Union University, 2006.
  • M.B.A. Union University, 2000.
  • B.S.N. Union University, 1998.

Experience:

  • Staff RN, Jackson Madison County General Hospital, 1988-present.
  • Procurement Technician, MidSouth Eye Bank for Sight Restoration, 1998-2005.
  • Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Naval Reserve, 1987-1995.

Name: Stacey Pirtle

Rank: Visiting Instructor of English

Educational Experience:

  • M.A. Texas A & M University, 1998.
  • B.A. Texas A & M University, 1996.

Experience:

  • Adjunct Instructor, Hardin-Simmons University, 2000-2003.
  • Adjunct Instructor, Texas A & M University, 1998.
  • Graduate Assistant, Texas A & M University, 1996-1998.

Name: Molly Wright

Rank: Assistant Professor of Nursing

Educational Experience:

  • M.S. Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, 1994.
  • B.S. University of St. Francis, 1992.

Experience:

  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Jackson Anesthesia Perioperative Consultants, 2002-present.
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Professional Anesthesia Associates, 1997-2002.
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Anesthesia Medical Group, 1994-97.

NEW PART-TIME FACULTY
FALL 2006

Name: Kelly Harden

Rank: Assistant Professor of Nursing

Educational Background:

  • DNSc., University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 2005.
  • M.S.N., University of Missouri, 1999.
  • B.S.N., Excelsior College, 1985.

Experience:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Care, PC, 1999-present.
  • Hospice Director, Methodist Alliance, 1998-1999.
  • Staff Nurse, Methodist Hospital, 1998.
  • Director of Patient Services, University Home Health & Hospice, 1996-1998.
  • CQI Coordinator, Century Home Health, 1995-1996.
  • Patient Care Coordinator, Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Missouri, 1985-1995.