New Faculty Join UNCA

Several new faculty members have joined UNC Asheville this fall.

-- Joseph Berryhill, who holds a Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina, has joined UNCA as an assistant professor of psychology. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Yale University School of Medicine’s Program on Poverty, Disability and Urban Health. Berryhill’s research interests include cross-cultural psychology, promotion of wellness in children and adolescents, and creation of valued roles for seriously mentally ill and formerly homeless persons. Previously, he taught at the University of South Carolina.

-- Lora Holland, who holds a Ph.D. in classics from UNC-Chapel Hill, has joined UNCA as an assistant professor of classics. Holland’s areas of specialization include Roman and Greek religions, Greek and Latin literature and material culture. She previously taught at UNC-CH and at the Ravenscroft School in Raleigh and the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans.

-- Brian Hook, who holds a Ph.D. in classical studies from Duke University, has also joined UNCA as an assistant professor of classics. His areas of special interest include Greek and Roman tragedy, Etruscan art, epic, rhetoric and the heroic in classical and Christian thought. Previously, Hook taught at Creighton University and at Christ School.

-- Tammy Huffman has joined UNCA as a lecturer in management and accountancy. She is a doctoral candidate in business administration at the University of Kentucky. Huffman’s special research areas include strategic management, entrepreneurship and health care.

-- Bonny Ibhawho, who holds a Ph.D. in African studies from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, has joined UNCA as a lecturer in political science. His areas of specialization include 19th and 20th century African history, human rights in Africa and law and justice in colonial West Africa. Ibhawho has held teaching positions at Dalhousie University; Edo State University in Ekpoma, Nigeria; the Danish Centre for Human Rights in Copenhagen, Denmark; the University of London, United Kingdom and the University of Kings College in Halifax, Canada.

-- Keya Maitra, who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Connecticut, has joined UNCA as an assistant professor of philosophy. She also holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Hyderabad, India. Maitra’s areas of specialization include Indian philosophy, philosophy of mind and philosophy of language. Previously, she taught at the College of Staten Island and the University of Connecticut-Avery Point and Waterbury.

-- Nancy Ruppert, who holds a Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida, has joined UNCA as an assistant professor of education. Previously, she taught at the University of North Florida, Charleston Southern University and Shorter College.

-- Virginia (Ginger) Spivey, who holds a Ph.D. in art history from Case Western Reserve University, has joined UNCA as an assistant professor of art. Spivey has taught at the University of Akron, the Akron Art Museum and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

-- Lorraine Walsh, who holds a M.F.A. in printmaking from the University of Pennsylvania, has joined UNCA as an assistant professor of multimedia arts and sciences. She will exhibit works in several upcoming notable shows, including the International Print Center New York Auction at Sotheby’s Auction House and "Digital 02: Envisioning Time, Space and the Future" at the Technology Gallery, New York Hall of Sciences and the Taranto Gallery in Chelsea, N.Y. Previously, Walsh has held teaching positions at the Pratt Institute in New York, the State University of New York-Albany and Vasser College.

-- Glenn White, who holds a Ph.D. in anatomy and cell biology from Harvard University, has joined UNCA as a visiting assistant professor of biology. White completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. Previously, he taught at Ashland University.

Three visiting professors have also joined the faculty.

-- Richard De Luca, who holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Wisconsin, has joined UNCA as a visiting lecturer in foreign languages. He also holds a M.P.H. in health care administration and planning from the University of Hawaii. Previously, De Luca has taught at Blue Ridge Community College, A-B Tech, Kent State University, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Akron.

-- Eileen Joy, who holds a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, has joined UNCA as a visiting assistant professor of literature and language. Previously, Joy has taught at Francis Marion University and Pellissippi State Technical Community College.

-- Lorena Russell, who holds a Ph.D. in English from UNC-Chapel Hill, has joined UNCA as a visiting assistant professor of literature and language. Previously, Russell taught at Duke University and UNC-CH.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Kathy Whatley, UNCA Dean of Faculty, 828/251-6269
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526