St. Andrews has turned to six long-time faculty members help implement its new academic restructuring.

They are: business and economics — Corinne Nicholson; education — Sandy Jones; Equine studies— Pebbles Turbeville; liberal and creative arts — Stephanie McDavid; natural and life sciences — Mike Morton; and interdisciplinary studies — Edna Ann Loftus.

Business

Arriving at St. Andrews in 1989, Nicholson has taught in the business department throughout her tenure while also accepting a variety of leadership positions. Nicholson was a leading member of the general education committee that restructured the core curriculum over the past few years while also serving on additional governance committees. She served as a division chair under the previous academic structure and will now serve as chair of the Business and Economics Department. She received her B.A. from Salem College and her M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Education

A fixture in the education department since arriving in 2005, Jones led the successful reaccreditation effort with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

“The entire process with NCATE and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is a self evaluation where we turn the microscope on ourselves,” said Jones. “Even though it’s time consuming, the challenge to demonstrate continuous improvement in the preparation of classroom teachers results in well-qualified graduates. It helps challenge us so we’re continually getting better.”

Jones will chair the Education Department. She earned her A.B. from Catawba College and her M.Ed. from Cleveland State University. She also holds both an Ed.S. in reading and an Ed.S. in Administration from Appalachian State University and an Ed.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Equine studies

Turbeville came to St. Andrews in 2000 to help with the expansion of the Therapeutic Horsemanship program at the College. Through her hard work, the program has grown in both number of students participating and the recognized quality.

“This new department structure will allow us the opportunity to evaluate, strengthen and expand the equestrian academic program,” Turbeville said as she prepares to chair the Equine Studies Department. “I think any student who takes a class in the Equine Studies Department, let alone minors or majors in the subject, will see the benefits of a more cohesive department and new opportunities that might be explored or implemented.”

Turbeville holds a B.A. from Columbia College and a M.A. from North Carolina State University.

Liberal and creative art

While McDavid has served in a variety of leadership positions since arriving at St. Andrews in 1992, she has also continued to spend a good portion of her time in the art studios working with students on projects. The Associate Professor of Art has also taken time to lead students on the annual international studies trip to Brunnenburg, Italy.

McDavid will now lead the Liberal and Creative Arts Department. She holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and a M.F.A. from Florida State University.

Natural and life sciences

Morton arrived at St. Andrews in 2000. While his academic title has been Associate Professor of Chemistry, he also coordinated the St. Andrews General Education program for three years. This curriculum provides a common learning experience for all students who attend classes at the college. Morton has also helped to grow and enhance the forensic science studies on the campus, co-leading the program that has placed students in internships with various State Bureaus of Investigation and police departments.

“I am excited about the possibilities that exist for our students with the new academic programs,” Morton said. “These will help make our students more flexible and thus more viable in the ever-changing educational and career opportunities. Research shows that people with strong, broad educational backgrounds are most able to adjust and thrive in these uncertain economic times. The new academic programs embrace this philosophy.”

He will now serve as the chair of the Natural and Life Sciences Department and holds a B.S. from Florida Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky.

Iinterdisciplinary studies

Loftus came to St. Andrews in 1977 to teach in the English department and has served in a variety of leadership positions while also maintaining a strong presence in the classroom. In addition to accepting this position as the chair of Interdisciplinary Studies, which includes coordination of the general education program, Loftus will continue to serve as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. She received her B.A. from Sweet Briar College and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Princeton University.