New Faculty Join UNC Asheville

Several new faculty members have joined UNC Asheville this fall.

Eight individuals have joined UNC Asheville as assistant professors:

-- Patrick Bahls, who holds a doctorate in mathematics from Vanderbilt University, has joined the Mathematics Department. Bahl’s areas of specialization include combinatorial and geometric group theory.

-- Robert Berls has joined UNC Asheville’s Drama Department. He holds a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a master of fine arts in production design from Michigan State University. His research interests include microcontroller integration of theatrical control languages, new construction materials design and testing, linear actuator functions in theatrical venues and stage combat practice and history.

-- Michelle Bettencourt, who holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from UNC Greensboro, has joined the Foreign Languages Department. Bettencourt’s research interests include curriculum instruction and assessment in college foreign language courses.

-- Kathie Garbe, who holds a doctorate in health studies from Texas Woman’s University, has joined the Health and Wellness Department. A certified health education specialist, Garbe’s research interests include older adult wellness and health behavioral change. She previously taught at the University of New England.

-- Christopher Hennon, who holds a doctorate in atmospheric science from Ohio State University, has joined the Atmospheric Sciences Department. Hennon’s research interests include cloud remote sensing algorithms and cyclogenesis. Previously, Hennon worked as a visiting scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Tropical Prediction Center and the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

-- Amy Lanou has joined the Health and Wellness Department. She holds a doctorate in human nutrition from Cornell University. Her areas of specialization include nutrition and body weight regulation, youth nutrition and bone health, and vegetarian nutrition.

-- Samer Traboulsi, who holds a doctorate from Princeton University, has joined the History Department. His research interests include Islam and the Middle East.

-- Sally Wasileski, who holds a doctorate in chemistry from Purdue University, has joined the Chemistry Department. Wasileski’s special research interests include computational electrocatalysis, computational electrochemistry and electronics and instrumentation design.

UNC Asheville introduces thirteen as lecturers.

-- Ellen Bailey has joined the Foreign Languages Department. She received her master’s degree from the University of Delaware.

-- Kim Brown has joined the Education Department. A former UNC Asheville Teaching Fellow, she holds a doctorate in educational administration from Western North Carolina University. Her research interests include tests and measurement.

-- Dianne Cable has joined the Art Department. A UNC Asheville alumna, Cable received her master of fine arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and master of art history from the University of Georgia. Previously, she taught at Monmouth University in New Jersey.

-- Ann Dunn has joined the Humanities department. She holds a master of liberal arts degree from UNC Asheville. A dancer and writer, Dunn is a published poet and has produced and toured dance/poetry work in New York, Chicago and Italy.

-- Howe Lagarde has joined the Mathematics Department. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Delaware.

-- Shirley Maggio has joined the Foreign Languages Department. She holds a master’s degree from Purdue University and specializes in German.

-- Donna Martin has joined the Management Department. She received her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and specializes in marketing.

-- Lule Rosenbaun-Bodie has joined the Foreign Languages Department. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Universidad Nacional de Cordoba- Agentina, as well as a bachelor of fine arts from Conservatorio Jolie Libois.

-- Jason Schmeltzer, who holds a doctorate in chemistry from Purdue University, has joined the Chemistry Department. Schmeltzer’s areas of specialization include inorganic and organic chemistry laboratory techniques, chemical physics, environmental chemistry, nanotechnology, the history of physical sciences, chemical education and scientific policy and government.

-- Anne Slatton has joined the Mass Communication Department. She holds a master of fine arts from the University of Georgia and specializes in writing, directing and producing for theatre, television and film.

-- Ron Sousa, who holds a doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, has joined the Foreign Languages Department. His areas of specialization include literary and historical theory and Portuguese language, literature and history.

-- Paul Templon has joined the Music Department. He holds a master’s degree from Marshall University and currently teaches voice, aural skills and chorus.

-- Jacque Lynne Washkwich, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Rhode Island, has joined the Psychology Department. Her areas of specialization include anxiety disorders and cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapy.

One instructor has been added to the Environmental Studies Department.

-- Brandie Fariss, who holds a doctorate of ecology from UNC Chapel Hill, has joined the university. Her research interests include environmental, evolutionary and behavioral biology as well as resource management and the effects of tourism. 

In addition, the University is hosting two visiting professors.

-- John Entzi, who holds a doctorate of musical arts in trumpet performance from the University of South Carolina, has joined the Music Department. Entzi, who will direct the University Concert and Pep Bands, has performed with numerous symphonies and was director of concert bands and jazz ensembles at North Carolina State University.

-- Dannelle Smith has joined the Drama Department. She holds a master of fine arts in acting from UNC Greensboro and specializes in theatre education and K-12 licensure and curriculum development. Previously, she taught at Winthrop University.

Media Contacts:

• UNC Asheville Academic and Student Affairs Office, 828/251-6470
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526