Mat-Su College adds six to faculty

During a time when many colleges are facing severe fiscal issues and the inability to recruit new faculty, Matanuska-Susitna College has announced the hiring of five new tenure track faculty and a senior administrative appointment.

The pool of candidates for each position was broad and representative of the various professions and disciplines, Mat-Su College officials said.

Students played an active part in the search committees for all of the positions. The new faculty members have come from a variety of locations with impressive credentials.

Hires were made in math, English, social sciences, communications and computer office Information systems. A new assistant director for academic affairs was also hired.

The new additions to Mat-Su College came from a variety of sources such as UAA, Montana Tech, the University of South Dakota, Georgia Middle College and St. Cloud State University. The new members have doctorates from the University of Washington, North Dakota State University, Michigan Tech, the Ohio State University and the University of New Mexico.

Charles Snare accepted the position of assistant director for academic affairs. Snare holds a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University. He was at Georgia Middle College for the last decade and was a tenured associate professor of political science. Snare has extensive experience working with student satisfaction and retention.

Jan Vandever accepted a post as an associate professor of mathematics.

She earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota and was formerly a full professor with tenure at South Dakota State University before coming to Mat-Su College.

Vandever has taught a wide range of courses at South Dakota State University and has strong preparation in the area of statistics.

Peter Praetorius has been hired as assistant professor of communications. Praetorius holds a Ph.D. from Michigan Technical University. He was previously at Montana Tech for several years and has taught a variety of communications courses and possesses particular strength in technical communications.

Erik Hirschmann has been hired as assistant professor of social sciences. Hirschmann was awarded his Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. He has taught at the University of New Mexico and St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. He has taught U.S. history and history of the American West. He conducted his doctoral research on the sale of Alaska from Russia to the United States and its affect on the Native peoples. His dissertation is currently in press and should be published as a book soon.

Joan O'Leary has accepted an appointment as assistant professor of English.

She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Washington. O'Leary has taught at UAA, APU and was most recently a member of the Work Force Development grant. Her prior work and experience has been predominantly in developmental/preparatory English.

Brenda Forsythe has been appointed as instructor of computer office information systems. Forsythe earned her degree from Colorado State University and has been employed at Mat-Su College for some time as part of the college's Title III grant. Forsythe has extensive experience in technology training, distance learning, and technology applications.