New educators bring expertise and experience to the University’s liberal arts and health sciences programs
University News | September 10, 2026
Batten University welcomed 33 new faculty members for the 2026–2027 academic year, strengthening its academic programs and expanding opportunities for students across the University.
The new faculty members were welcomed and introduced during a faculty pre-session that kicked off the fall 2026 semester. Three new faculty members join the Wesleyan College of Arts & Sciences, while 30 join the Sentara College of Health Sciences, bringing a wide range of expertise, experience and perspectives to the Batten University community.
“We are delighted to welcome 33 new faculty colleagues to Batten University this fall,” said Provost and Vice President Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson. “Each brings a unique combination of expertise, experience, and perspective that will strengthen our academic programs and expand the opportunities we offer our students, particularly in nursing and allied health.”
Gonsalves-Jackson noted that the new faculty members’ commitment to educating and preparing students for meaningful careers in health care represents an important part of the University’s shared academic mission.
“At the same time, our new colleagues in the College of Arts & Sciences bring scholarly perspectives that will further enrich the breadth of a Batten University liberal arts education,” she said. “We are fortunate to have these talented educators joining us, and I look forward to the many contributions they will make to our academic community.”
Wesleyan College of Arts & Sciences
The Wesleyan College of Arts & Sciences welcomes three new faculty members:
- Dr. Erik Johnson, Lecturer in Physics and Physical Science
- Dr. Sabrina Rahman, Assistant Professor of Business, Marketing
- Dr. Gebremedhin Haile, Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Their expertise adds to the breadth of disciplines represented within the College of Arts & Sciences and will contribute to the interdisciplinary learning opportunities that are central to a Batten University liberal arts education.
Sentara College of Health Sciences
The largest group of new faculty members joins the Sentara College of Health Sciences, reflecting the University’s continued growth in nursing, allied health and continuing education.
Nursing
Dr. Judith Johnson joins the nursing faculty as Professor and Chair.
New Professors of Practice (Nursing) include:
- Dr. Karen Neary
- Dr. Kimberly Roberson
New Associate Professors of Practice (Nursing):
- Andrea Canonigo
- Dr. Ivan Pierce
- Dr. Kathy Creasey
- Dr. Yasmine Riddick
- Lori Acton
- Laura Horan
- Stephanie Boakye
- Tarshe Johnson
- Kelley Russell
- Mary Williamson
New Assistant Professors of Practice (Nursing):
- Amy Ewalt
- Courtney Anello
- Jamie Baldwin
- Julia Zenarolla
- LaToya Linton
- Nina Gujabidze
Together, the new nursing faculty members bring additional instructional expertise to a program preparing students for careers in a rapidly evolving health care environment.
Allied Health
Asha Glenn joins the Allied Health faculty as Assistant Professor and Chair.
The program also welcomes three instructors:
- Linda Blais
- Laura Nguyen
- Elizabeth Olah
and assistant professors:
- Mechille Powell
- Brenda Santiago-Yenter
The addition of new faculty members will further support the University’s allied health programs and the preparation of students for a variety of health care professions.
SCOHS Continuing Education
The SCOHS Continuing Education program welcomes Tracie Johnson, Associate Professor and Chair, along with:
- Venessa Eisenburger, Assistant Professor
- Brandon Kowalski, Education Specialist
- Johnnye Duff, Instructor
New staff strengthen health sciences support
In addition to its new faculty members, the University welcomes new staff members who will provide critical support for students, faculty and academic operations:
- Teresa Jones, Administrative Assistant to the Provost and Vice President
- Jenn Shirley, Registrar Specialist
- John Kelly, Technical Support Specialist
- Sean Eisenburger, Instructional Design Technologist
- Zachary Lilliston-Courtright, Senior Business System Analyst
From the classroom and laboratory to student services, technology and academic administration, the new faculty and staff members bring valuable expertise to the University as Batten begins a new academic year.
Their arrival marks another step in the University’s continued investment in its academic community and in providing students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to pursue meaningful careers and lives of purpose.
Learn more about Academics at Batten University.