Wardman Library hosted the faculty promotion and retirement celebration last spring, 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, such as The Shadowlands concerto for soprano saxophone and string quartet in Montreal, Canada, and Kanza at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2008, a concert of her music was presented at the Weill Recital at Carnegie Hall as the finale of a bi-coastal tour.
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, where she also created professional development resources.
In 2011, she joined the team at Whittier. Swanson is active in local K-12 schools through her research, consulting, and outreach efforts through programs such as the Science Circus Whittier Project, an opportunity for Whittier College students to engage in hands-on science projects with local children.
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 and is a frequent media contributor.