Wardman Library played host to the faculty promotion and retirement celebration May 6, presented by the office of academic affairs.
Four professors marked their retirement from Whittier while three received promotions from associate professor to full professor.
This special occasion honored Whittier friends and colleagues while celebrating their achievements and contributions to the Poet community. Promoted professors include Teresa LeVelle, Lauren Swanson, and Christina Scott.
Teresa LeVelle joined the music department in 2000 and serves as the department chair. Her music is performed throughout the United States and internationally, like The Shadowlands concerto for soprano saxophone and string quartet in Montreal, Canada, and Kanza at Carnegie Hall in New York City. LeVelle is passionately motivated to create opportunities for student success and achievement at Whittier.
In the education department, Lauren Swanson specializes in STEM education, scientific literacy, and teacher education. She began her teaching career in Los Angeles as a high school science instructor and provided professional development resources to others, and joined Whittier in 2011. Swanson is active in local K-12 schools through her research, consulting, and outreach efforts through programs such as the Science Circus Whittier Project.
Christina Scott has been a faculty member in psychological sciences since 2010 and received the Harry W. Nerhood Teaching Excellence Award in 2018. Her research focuses primarily on women’s sexual arousal and behavior, and Scott is passionate about sex education. She volunteers to speak with local high schools and LGBTQ youth groups about healthy relationships and safe sexual practices.
Retiring are Professor of Kinesiology Patricia Van Oosbree, Professor of Chemistry Devin Iimoto, Professor of Art History Paula Radisich, and Associate Professor in Education Shannon M. Stanton Agbotse.
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