Augustana celebrates faculty promotions and tenure

Augustana College is celebrating nine faculty members whose teaching, scholarship and mentorship strengthen the student-centered learning experience. At its annual spring meeting on May 15, the Augustana College Board of Trustees unanimously approved promotion and tenure for the nine faculty members. 

Augustana President Andrea Talentino said faculty members help create the engaged, student-centered learning environment that defines the Augustana experience.

“Faculty members are essential in helping Augustana students grow as thinkers, leaders and people,” President Talentino said. “These promotions celebrate educators and scholars whose work advances their disciplines and prepares students for lives of purpose and impact.”

The faculty members represent fields central to Augustana’s academic strength, including the sciences, health care preparation, civic learning, engineering, environmental studies, history, religion and communication sciences and disorders.

Promotion to full professor:

• Dr. José R. Boquin, chemistry and biochemistry
• Dr. Brian Leech, history
• Dr. Michael Reisner, environmental studies
• Dr. Christopher Strunk, geography

Received tenure and promoted to associate professor:

• Dr. Khalil Andani, religion
• Dr. Mike Augspurger, engineering
• Dr. Paul Baumgardner, political science
• Dr. Stacie Hatfield, communication sciences and disorders
• Dr. Cathy Webb, communication sciences and disorders

Dr. Dianna Shandy, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said recognizing faculty achievements is an important part of supporting excellence in teaching and mentorship.

“Faculty promotions are an important recognition of sustained excellence and impact,” Dr. Shandy said. “The professors honored this year have helped shape transformative learning experiences for students while advancing the strength of our academic community.”

Their work reflects the priorities of Augustana’s strategic plan, Bold & Boundless: engaged learning, student success and community partnerships. Through classroom teaching, research, labs, mentorship and community-based projects, faculty help students build the knowledge, confidence and judgment needed for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.