BEAVER FALLS, Pa. — Geneva College recognized four distinguished faculty members during Academic Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, celebrating exemplary scholarship, service, and teaching that embody the College’s mission of equipping students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor.
Excellence in Scholarship Award — Matthew Fuss, PhD, Associate Professor of Business
The Excellence in Scholarship Award honors breadth and depth of knowledge in a faculty member's discipline which significantly enhances the intellectual climate of the College, contribution to the advancement of their field with recognition beyond the Geneva campus, and stimulation and direction of scholarly activity among students.
This year’s recipient, Matthew Fuss, PhD has been a member of the faculty since 2011 and is a Geneva alumnus with bachelor’s degrees in business and Spanish. He earned his doctorate from Duquesne University.
Fuss regularly presents at academic conferences and received a recent Best Paper award for “The Temptations of Leadership: How Faith Protects Leaders (and Their Followers) from Themselves.” His publications span leadership, management, and business pedagogy. In fall 2024, he presented “Keeping Core Values in Focus” at the Christian Business Faculty Conference at Calvin College. He was invited to a NetVUE professional development seminar on teaching vocational exploration in summer 2024 and completed the Colson Fellows program in May 2025.
Outstanding Service Award — Denise Murphy-Gerber, PhD, Associate Professor of Business
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes faculty members who faithfully serve the College and broader community. Denise Murphy-Gerber, PhD has made an enduring impact as a key leader in the International Business Program. she has planned and led bi-annual study trips to China, Europe, and Latin America — high-impact experiences that require extensive preparation and benefit students across disciplines. Her governance service includes past roles as department chair and faculty senate secretary.
She has also served as Geneva’s Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) since the College joined the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), building strong relationships with student-athletes and representing Geneva at PAC meetings.
She currently serves as a faculty representative to the Geneva College Board of Trustees, offering insight from both her FAR work and classroom perspective. Colleagues and students alike commend her consistent, hands-on care for advisees.
Excellence in Part-Time Teaching Award — Professor Wendy Whelpley, Executive Director of the Beaver Falls Community Development Corporation and the Director of Geneva’s City House
The Excellence in Part-Time Teaching Award recognizes teaching excellence, educational leadership, creative methodology, and program development. Professor Wendy Whelpley has taught for Geneva since 2010 — now in her 30th semester — and has been instrumental in the delivery of sociology and community development coursework. She also directs City House, a living-learning community where students learn together as they serve their neighborhood.
Student reflections underscore her impact: she “teaches how the Word of God and a Geneva education apply to living faithfully in a neighborhood,” “equips students to think critically and challenge ideas,” and “cares deeply outside the classroom.”
Excellence in Teaching Award —Robert Frazier, PhD, Professor of Philosophy
The Excellence in Teaching Award honors classroom excellence, educational leadership, curricular creativity, and the enrichment of Geneva’s learning environment. Professor of Philosophy Robert Frazier, PhD, a Geneva faculty member since 2003, holds a bachelor’s degree from Gordon College, a master’s degree from Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Students describe Dr. Frazier as “dynamic,” “engaging,” and “a joy to learn under,” noting his “command of the classroom,” willingness to “go the extra mile,” and warm, pastoral presence that strengthens learning and community.
One student says, "His command of the classroom is impeccable and so thoroughly engaging that no student would dare nor even desire to fall asleep or have their mind disengaged from his lecture. Not only is his knowledge beyond the undergraduates understanding but his warm-hearted tenderness, affection of his students and personal piety defeats any feelings of anxiety, tension or uncertainty. He is a joy to learn under!"
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