September 2010

Geneva welcomes new full-time faculty members 

Geneva College is pleased to welcome seven new full-time faculty members to the campus community. Provost Ken Carson and other members of the Leadership Team are proud to welcome these new faculty members to the Geneva family. 

Dr. Carson says, “We look for people with excellent experience and educational background, as well as individuals who model the faith, integrity and heart of service we hope to instill in our students. These new faculty members exude character, faithfulness and scholarship in a profound way. I look forward to seeing the impact they will have on the students, their departments and the Geneva community as a whole.”

Mr. William D. Barlow has joined the Department of Engineering as an associate professor, specializing in electrical engineering. Mr. Barlow earned his MSEE from the University of Pittsburgh. He most recently served as Chief Engineer at MEDRAD in Indianola, Pa.

Dr. Elizebeth G. Belcastro received her Ed.D. in reading education from the University of Pittsburgh. She has joined the Education Department as an assistant professor and will be teaching special education courses in both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Previously, Ms. Belcastro was a part-time instructor at Geneva for several years.

The Physical Education Department is pleased to have Mr. Gary T. Dunda serve as an instructor and as the head men′s soccer coach. Mr. Dunda comes to Geneva from Goucher College, where he was the head men′s soccer coach, coordinator of academic support services, director of outdoor game operations and physical education instructor. Mr. Dunda was a stand-out player at Messiah College and received his M.A. in Health and Physical Education and Recreation from Empora State University.

Dr. Natalie D. Heisey has accepted a faculty position as assistant professor in the education department. A literacy and reading education specialist, Dr. Heisey received her Ed.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. She most recently served as an adjunct instructor teaching undergraduate classes at the University of Pittsburgh.

James K. Matta, Sr., Ed.D. is now an associate professor in the master of science in counseling program at Geneva. Dr. Matta obtained his Ed.D. in counselor education and supervision from Duquesne University. He previously served as an adjunct professor at Geneva and Duquesne University in addition to serving as assistant professor and professional counselor at the California University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Matta is also a Senior Research Principal for the Pittsburgh Adolescent Alcohol Research Center and an independent therapist with the Christian Counselors Collaborative at Allegheny Center Alliance Church in Pittsburgh.

The Department of Business welcomes back  Dr. Gary P. Vander Plaats as an associate professor. He earned his Doctor of Business Administration from Anderson University in Anderson, Ind. Dr. Vander Plaats comes to Geneva from Dordt College where he served as an associate professor of business administration.

Previously a part-time professor at Geneva, Mr. Russell V. Warren has accepted a full-time appointment in the Humanities and Bible departments. Mr. Warren graduated from Geneva with a B.A. in Biblical languages and an M.A. in Higher Education. He is currently pursuing a Master of Sacred Theology at the Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pa.

Visit the faculty pages on the Geneva website for more profiles of our faculty.