Press Releases

Winfield, Kan., July 29, 2002-Several new faculty members will join the ranks of Southwestern College as fall classes begin.

. Richard Cowlishaw, visiting assistant professor of biology, will teach plant botany, microbiology, as well as language arts and sciences courses. He has been a graduate teaching fellow in marine biology at the University of Oregon, a graduate research fellow at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, and a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala, where he was a conservation extension agent. Cowlishaw holds a Ph. D. in marine biology.

.Tom Jacobs, professor of computer science and communications, received a master of fine arts degree in English from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. He brings 26 years of teaching experience in communication, multimedia, and computer science from Maycrest International University, Davenport, Iowa. Jacobs chairs the new academic division of computer science and communications at SC. With the establishment of the new division, two new majors have been added: computer science and visual arts. Jacobs will also oversee the college's Center for Academic Technology, which helps integrate technology in student curriculum. "Jacobs is a communications guy in the richest meaning of the word," says academic dean Dave Nichols. "He's going to be a big part of this rapidly growing and important program."

. Michael Wood, visiting assistant professor of business and finance, holds a bachelor's degree in theological studies and an MBA in operations management and organizational behavior from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. He will teach several management finance classes, at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Wood also serves as a consultant for advanced business development in the U.S. Peace Corps.

.Trinidy Williams, assistant professor of theatre design, will instruct SC' s technical theatre students in a one-year appointment. She graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., with a master of fine arts degree in theatre, and holds a bachelor of arts degree in theatre. Williams taught courses on lighting design, theatre appreciation, scenic design, and stagecraft at the Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, Ind.

.Tod Megredy, instructor in journalism and mass communications, was formerly the managing editor and reporter for the Winfield Daily Courier before becoming a computer information specialist and adjunct faculty member at SC. He will oversee the journalism department and the student-produced newspaper, "The Collegian." Megredy will be working closely with the mass communications department to update technology.

. Lynne Snyder, visiting instructor in education, has a one-year appointment to teach elementary education. She holds a master of education degree in educational psychology and a school psychologist certification from Wichita State University. Snyder has extensive experience in child psychology and is currently the Cowley County Special Services Cooperative school psychologist.