Looking Ahead to a New Academic Year
by Dr. Ken Carson, Provost
In just over a month, the traditional Academic Convocation will be held on August 31 in Metheny Fieldhouse. The faculty, dressed in full regalia, will line both sides of the main aisle as the first-year students walk through the middle of this distinguished group to mark the beginning of their pursuit of higher education at Geneva College.
The opening convocation is an important event in the academic life of the college. One way to characterize our mission at Geneva is that we want to help students learn how to love God with their minds. The primary purpose of this academic celebration is to remind ourselves of this high calling.
 The ceremony will include an address by Dr. Terry Thomas, recipient of the 2011 Excellence in Teaching award and Professor of Biblical Studies. Described by many as a mentor and friend, one student’s submission said that Thomas is “incredibly intelligent, but his humble sense of humor is something that none of his students will forget.” Fittingly, 2012 marks Thomas’ 20th year of teaching at Geneva.
As we look toward this new year, we have the privilege of welcoming some new faculty to Geneva.
Dr. Matthew Kickasola will be joining the Department of Music faculty in our traditional undergraduate program. Dr. Kickasola finished his doctoral work in 2009 at Washington University in St. Louis in Historical Musicology, following two master’s degrees (Washington University and Temple) and a B.A. from Covenant College.
We welcome Jonathan Imprellizzeri to Geneva’s faculty in the Department of Psychology, Counseling and Human Services, with primary responsibilities in the graduate counseling program. Professor Imprellizzeri is in the process of finishing his doctoral work at Regent University, holds a masters’ degree from Duquesne and completed his undergraduate work at Lee University (TN).
Dr. Lowell Cummings will be joining the faculty as a full-time associate professor of physics. Cummings comes to us from the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he held a similar position. Dr. Cummings earned his doctoral degree in physics from New Mexico State University.
Dr. Keith Martel, a familiar face on campus as the former Director of Geneva’s Center for Faith and Practice, is now a faculty member in the Master of Arts in Higher Education program. He recently completed his doctoral work in philosophy at Duquesne University, following an M.A. in Higher Ed and a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy, both at Geneva. Dr. Martel has taught part-time at Geneva for many years in a variety of areas.
In addition to new faculty at Geneva, the business department has added a concentration in management of information systems to their growing list. This new offering is designed to prepare students for a field that is in growing rapidly and in high demand. Dr. Gordon Richards, recently-appointed chair of the business department, is well-prepared to teach in this field as he brings a wealth of real world experience in information systems to the classroom.
In a few short days, students will be returning to campus for athletic and band camps, the new Academy program, incoming student orientation and the start of classes. We look forward to their excitement and anticipation, and welcome your prayers and support as we follow God’s leading to educate the children He has called to Geneva, your sons and daughters.
2012-2013 Calendar for Parents
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