2024-2025 College Catalog

Academic Affairs - Faculty

Adolphson, Mark
Associate Professor,
Aviation Maintenance Technology

– A.A.S., Rock Valley College
– FAA Certified A&P Mechanic
– FAA Certified Designated Mechanic Examiner

Anderson, Carol S.
Professor,
Mathematics

– B.S., Ball State University
– M.A., Ball State University

Anderson, Denise
Associate Professor,
Engineering and Technology

– B.S., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
– M.A.T., Rockford University
– M.S.., University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Azam, Tabinda
Professor,
Life Sciences

– M.B.B.S., Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
– M.D., Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Bacino, (Michelle) Miki
Professor and Academic Chair,
Speech

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., Eastern Illinois University
– M.A., Eastern Illinois University
– Ed.D., Northern Illinois University

Bane, George
Associate Professor,
Welding

– A.A.S., Triton College
– Journeyman Tool and Die Maker NTMA
– Certified Welding Inspectior, AWS
– Certified Welding Educator, AWS

Benassi, Krista

Instructor,
Life Sciences

– A.A.S., Kishwaukee College
– B.Sc., UW Platteville
– M.Sc., Northern Illinois University

Betts, Robert R.
Professor,
Speech

– A.A., Richland Community College
– B.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., Illinois State University
– Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison

Blaski, Karin
Associate Professor,
Business

– B.S., Millikin University
– M.B.A., Indiana University

Blumlo, Daniel J.
Associate Professor,
History

– B.A., Florida State University
– M.A., Florida State University
– Ph.D., Florida State University

Brinkley, Jason F.
Professor,
Chemistry

– A.S., Elgin Community College
– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Brown, Liz
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Chemistry

– B.S., Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
– M.S., University of Missouri
– Ph.D., University of Missouri

Brun, James

Professor and Academic Chair,
Business Department

– B.A., Rockford College
– J.D., Creighton University

Buss, Katie
Assistant Professor, Fitness, Wellness, & Sport
Academic Chair, Health

– ACSM CPT
– B.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., Northern Illinois University

Calvagna, Frank
Professor,
Chemistry

– A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Carlson, Lea
Associate Professor,
Life Sciences

– A.D.N., Rock Valley College
– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., Northern Illinois University

Check, Catherine
Professor,
Chemistry

– B.S., University of Texas at San Antonio
– M.S., University of Texas at San Antonio
– M.S., Northern Illinois University
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Clark, Thomas R.
Associate Professor,
Engineering and Technology

– B.S., Bradley University
– M.S., Northern Illinois University

Constant, Laura

Assistant Professor and Academic Co-Chair,
Life Sciences

– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., University of Illinois at Chicago

Courtney, Karen
Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., Northwestern University
– M.S., Northwestern University
– M.A., Catholic University of America
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

D’Alonzo, Robert
Professor,
Humanities

– BSFS, Georgetown University
– M.A., University of California - Riverside
– Ph.D., University of California - Riverside

Doetch, Kamey
Assistant Professor,
Fitness, Wellness, & Sport

– B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison
– M.S., Benedictine University
– RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
– LDN, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
– CDE, Certified Diabetes Educator

Donahue, Stephen
Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., University of Southern Maine
– M.A., McNeese State University
– M.F.A., McNeese State University
– D.A., Idaho State University

Doyle, Shawn
Associate Professor,
Engineering and Technology

– B.S., Cardinal Stritch University
– M.B.A., Cardinal Stritch University

Dosier, David
Associate Professor,
Sociology

– B.A., Eastern Illinois University
– M.H.R., University of Oklahoma
– M.A., Northern Illinois University

Eckert, Brent
Associate Professor,
Technical Services Librarian

– B.A., Kalamazoo College
– M.I.L.S., University of Michigan

Etlinger, Sarah
Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., Skidmore College
– MA., Syracuse University
– Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Figiel-Krueger, Maria
Associate Professor,
Reference Librarian

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., Rockford University
– M.S., University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Fischer-Carlson, Lynn
Professor,
Art

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.F.A., Illinois State University
– M.F.A., Northern Illinois University

Fisher, Erin M.
Professor and Academic Chair,
Psychology

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.S.Ed., Northern Illinois University
– Ph.D., Northcentral University

Flygare, Samantha
Assistant Professor and Program Director,
Respiratory Care

– A.A.S., Mid-State Technical College
– CAN & EMT Certifications, Gateway Technical College
– RCP, Respiratory Care Practitioner

Flynn, Mary
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Early Childhood Education & Education

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., Illinois State University
– M.A.T., St. Xavier University
– M.A. Ed. Admin., Northern Illinois University

Foes, Heather R.
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Mathematics

– B.S., Illinois State University
– M.S., Illinois State University

Fustin, Scott
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Graphic Arts Technology

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.F.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., University of Phoenix

Garbe, Christine
Associate Professor,
Nursing

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.S.N., Northern Illinois University
– M.S.N., Western Governors University

Gilbert, Theresa Paulette
Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., Illinois Wesleyan University
– M.A., Stanford University

Glovinsky, Joshua
Associate Professor,
Computer Information Systems

– B.S., Rockford College
– MMIS, Northern Illinois University

Graciana, Lisa

Associate Professor,
Dental Hygiene

– A.A.S., D.H., Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
– B.S., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
– Ed.M., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
– RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist

Greenlee, Lucas
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Engineering and Technology

– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., Northern Illinois University

Gunsul, Paul
Associate Professor,
Mathematics

– B.A., Judson University
– M.S., Western Illinois University
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Hallam, Drew
Instructor,
Aviation Technology

– A.A.S. Aviation Maintenance Technology, Rock Valley College
– Manufacturing Engineering Technology, College of DuPage
– AutoBody & Painting Certificate, Oxnard College
– Inspection Authorization Course, Baker's School of Aeronautics

Hanson, Sharon
Coordinator,
Phlebotomy Program

– B.A., Concordia University
– American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
– American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Hardesty, Danielle F.F.
Assistant Professor and Academic Chair,
Philosophy

– B.A., University of Notre Dame
– M.A., Arizona State University
– Ph.D., Arizona State University

Hatten, Timothy L.

Professor and Academic Chair,
Fitness, Wellness, and Sport

– A.S., Wabash Valley College
– B.S., Quincy University
– B.A., Quincy University
– M.S., Mississippi State University
– Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Registered Strength and Conditioning ★E
NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
NSCA Certified Personal Trainer Dartfish Certified Technologist

Haverly, Joseph E.
Professor,
Life Sciences

– B.A., Blackburn University
– M.S., Washington State University

Hazen, Tracy
Associate Professor,
Speech

– B.S., Illinois State University
– M.A., Eastern Illinois University

Heck, Joann
Associate Professor,
Composition and Literature

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.A., Northern Illinois University

Heckman, Greg

Associate Professor,
Aviation Technology

– A.S., Sauk Valley College
– B.S., University of Wisconsin - Platteville
– FAA certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization

Hergert, Deena K.
Associate Professor,
Life Sciences

– B.S., Winona State University
– M.S., University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Hernandez, George
Professor,
Psychology

– B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
– M.A., University of Illinois - Chicago
– Ph.D., University of Illinois - Chicago

Hernandez, Julie
Professor,
Psychology

– B.A., Ripon College
– M.A., University of Illinois - Chicago
– Ph.D., University of Illinois - Chicago

Higgins, Jessica
Assistant Professor and Academic Chair,
Nursing

– B.S., Chamberlain University
– M.S., Western Governors University

Hilbert, Elroy
Associate Professor,
Aviation Maintenance Technology

– A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– FAA certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization
– FAA Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor

Hoffland, Amanda

Assistant Professor,
Nursing

– B.S.N., Bradley University
– M.S.N.-Ed., Olivet Nazarene University
– RN, Registered Nurse

Holland, Kenosha

Clinical Instructor,
Dental Hygiene

– A.A.S., D.H.,  Rock Valley College
– B.S.D.H., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
– RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist

Holmes, Joey

Associate Professor,
Life Sciences

– B.S., Troy University
– M.Ag., Texas A&M University
– Ph.D., University of South Dakota

Hose II, Jerry
Associate Professor,
Aviation Technology

– A&P Certificate, Rock Valley College
– FAA certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
– Licensed Private Pilot

Ingle, Beth
Professor,
History

– B.A., Alma College
– M.A., Brandeis University
– Ph.D., Brandeis University

Isham, Bill
Assistant Professor and Academic Chair,
Welding

–  Certificate in Welding Technology, Rock Valley College

Jarvis, Audra A.
Assistant Professor and Academic Chair,
Nursing Assistant Program

– A.A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S.N., Northern Illinois University
– RN, Registered Nurse

Joyner, Christopher
Associate Professor, Music
Academic Chair of Art, Music, & Theatre

– B.A., Clark Atlanta University
– Music Education Certification, University of West Georgia
– M.M., Northern Illinois University

Kasprzak, Douglas
Associate Professor,
Aviation Maintenance Technology

– A.S., Community College of the Air Force
– B.S., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
– FAA, Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization
– FAA, Designated Mechanic Examiner

Kasten, Lindsey
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Respiratory Care

– A.A.S., R.C., Rock Valley College
– B.S.R.T., University of Cincinnati
– M.S., Northeastern University
– RRT, Registered Respiratory Therapist

Kelley, Michael S.
Professor,
Physical Geography/Atmospheric Sciences

– B.A., University of Colorado
– M.A.G., New Mexico State University

Kieper, Amanda
Professor,
Speech

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.A., Northern Illinois University

Kinney, (Elizabeth) Pearl
Professor,
Chemistry

– B.A., Berea College
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Kosinski, Jenny
Professor,
Sociology

– B.A., Illinois State University
– M.A., Northern Illinois University

Kram, Colinda
Coordinator,
Medical Assistant Program

– B.B.A., American InterContinental University
– Phlebotomy Technician, Northwest Suburban College

Kunkel, Jennifer
Associate Professor,
Computer Information Systems

– B.A., Augustana College
– M.C.S., University of Illinois - Springfield

LaBuy, Jerry
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Mass Communication
Advisor, The Valley Forge

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., Columbia College
– M.F.A., DePaul University

Leden, Lisa A.
Associate Professor,
Life Sciences

– B.S., Eastern Illinois University
– M.S., Northern Illinois University

Lipton, William
Associate Professor,
Chemistry

– B.S., University of Iowa
– M.A.T., University of Iowa
– M.S., University of Iowa

Lowry-Fritz, Maureen A.

Associate Professor, Political Science
Academic Chair of Economics, History, & Political Science

– B.A., Saint Mary’s College
– M.A., University of Maryland Overseas Graduate Program
– J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Mawyer, Robert A.
Professor and Academic Chair,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., Illinois Wesleyan
– M.A., University of Richmond

McClelland, Lora E.
Associate Professor
Nursing

– B.S.N., Mennonite College
– M.S., University of Illinois - Chicago
– RN, Registered Nurse
– CPNP, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

McCombs, Paul M.

Professor,
Mathematics

– A.A.S., CCAF
– B.S., Appalachian State University
– M.S., Kansas State University
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Miller, Cheryl
Assistant Professor,
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

– A.A.S., Harper College
– RN, Registered Nurse

Miller, Michael L.
Associate Professor,
Automotive Service Technology

– A.A.S., Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
– B.S., Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
– C.M.A.T., L1

Miller, Suzanne
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Academic Chair of Anthropology, Criminal Justice, & Sociology

– B.S. University of Phoenix
– M.S. University of IL Urbana Champaign
– M.A. Arizona State University

Morgan, Todd
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Aviation Maintenance Technology

– B.S., Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
– FAA Certified Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic
– FCC GROL
 
Nagy, Moria
Assistant Professor,
Life Sciences

– B.S., John Carroll University
– M.S., Arizona State University

Navickis, Marie
Professor and Academic Chair,
Dental Hygiene

– A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S.D.H., University of Iowa
– M.S. DH Ed., University of Missouri - Kansas City
– D.H.Sc., A.T. Still University
– RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist

Oakes, Mathew R.
Associate Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., University of Toronto
– M.A., University of British Columbia
– Ph.D., University of Illinois - Chicago

Olson, Ethan
Assistant Professor,
Aviation Maintenance Technology

– B.S., Lewis University

Paslick, Cassi R.
Professor,
Geology

– B.S., University of Michigan
– M.S., University of Michigan
– Ph.D., University of Michigan

Pease, Megan
Associate Professor,
Life Sciences

– A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S., University of Wisconsin - Madison
– M.S., University of Wisconsin - Madison
– Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison

Petty, Jeffrey

Associate Professor,
Welding

– B.S., Western Illinois University

Pierce, Doreen
Coordinator,
Human Services

– B.A., DePaul University
– M.A., State University of New York at Stony Brook

Poore, Jonathan
Associate Professor,
Composition and Literature and ATLE Faculty Liaison

– B.A., University of Nottingham, UK
– M.A., University of Illinois at Chicago
– Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago

Quirk, Martin W.
Professor,
History

– B.A., McKendree College
– M.A., Marquette University
– Ph.D., Marquette University

Regnery, Jonathan C.
Instructor,
Mathematics

– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., Northern Illinois University

Rippentrop, Diana K.
Associate Professor,
Mathematics

– A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S., Illinois State University

Roloff Welch, Jennifer
Associate Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., Augustana College
– M.A.T., University of Illinois - Chicago
– M.Ed., Harvard University
– Ed.D., Harvard University

Rotert, Michelle M.

Professor,
Philosophy

– B.S., Black Hills State College
– Ph.D., University of Iowa

Roth, Chad
Coordinator,
Fire Science

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.A., University of Nebraska - Lincoln
– EMT-P, Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic

Russo, Elizabeth
Professor and Academic Co-Chair,
Life Sciences

– B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
– M.S., University of Southern California

Ruthe, Collin

Coordinator,
Manufacturing Technology

– A.A.S., Rock Valley College

Salem, Yousra
Assistant Professor,
Chemistry

– B.S., Wayne State University
– M.S., Wayne State University

Schiassi, Anthony
Associate Professor,
Aviation Maintenance Technology

– AVM, Lewis University

Shaw, Kerri

Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.A., Northern Illinois University

Sicotte, Charles L.
Associate Professor,
Economics

– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.A., Northern Illinois University

Sides, Molly
Professor,
Composition and Literature

– A.A., Sauk Valley Community College
– B.A., Carthage College
– M.F.A., George Mason University

Sieracki, Mary K.
Associate Professor,
Developmental Reading/Writing

– B.A., Monmouth College
– M.A.T., Rockford University

Skupien, John
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Automotive Service Technology

– A.A.S., Rock Valley College
– C.M.A.T., L1

Smith, Tombi
Associate Professor,
Nursing

– A.A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S.N., Northern Illinois University
– RN, Registered Nurse
– DNP, FNP, University of Illinois at Chicago

Srygler, Robert
Assistant Professor,
Life Sciences

– A.S., Joliet Junior College
– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., Northern Illinois University
– PhD, Northern Illinois University

Sugrue, Patrick

Associate Professor,
Mathematics

– B.S., Stephen F. Austin State University
– M.S., Stephen F. Austin State University
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Trank, Carl
Assistant Professor,
Mathematics

– B.S., Olivet Nazarene University

Tripp, Jeffrey
Professor (temp), Mathematics
Academic Chair of Remedial RDG, ENG, MTH

– M.A., University of Georgia

Vandre, Catherine
Associate Professor,
Life Sciences

– B.S., University of St. Francis
– Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Vincent, Matthew R.

Professor,
Art

– B.F.A., Rockford University
– M.F.A., Northern Illinois University

Wagner, Brian
Assistant Professor,
Philosophy

– A.A., Vincennes University
– B.A., Northern Illinois University
– M.A., Northern Illinois University

Walters, William R.

Professor,
Composition and Literature

– B.B.L., Ozark Christian College
– M.A., Fort Hays State University

Wascher, Stephanie
Associate Professor and Academic Chair,
Computers and Information Systems

– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.S. Ed., Northern Illinois University

Whitehead, Tammy Y.
Professor and Academic Chair,
Humanities

– B.A., Florida State University
– M.A., Florida State University
– Ph.D., Florida State University

Whitworth, Della

Instructor,
Nursing

– A.A.S., Rock Valley College
– B.S.N., Olivet Nazarene University
– M.S.N., Capella University

Wong, Steve
Professor,
Business

– A.A., Rock Valley College
– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.S., Northwestern University

Woulfe, Eric M.

Associate Professor,
Computers and Info Systems

– B.A., Cardinal Stritch University
– M.S., Cardinal Stritch University

Youngblood, Michael

Professor,
Economics

– B.S., Northern Illinois University
– M.A., Northern Illinois University
– Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Ziemer, Norbert
Professor,
Engineering & Technology

– B.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
– M.S., National Louis University
– Ph.D., Missouri University of Science and Technology

Zimmerman, Gwendolyn
Associate Professor,
Nursing

– A.A. Joliet Junior College
– B.S.N., St. Anthony College of Nursing
– M.S.N., Olivet Nazarene University