University News | September 10, 2026
With the acquisition of Sentara College of Health Sciences completed on July 1, Batten University welcomed 30 new faculty members for the 2026–2027 academic year, strengthening its academic programs and expanding opportunities for students across the University, according to Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President.
Three new faculty members join the Wesleyan College of Arts & Sciences, while 27 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 30 new faculty colleagues to Batten University this fall,” said Dr. 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 our acclaimed Batten University arts and sciences reputation,” 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.”
Batten University consists of three colleges: Wesleyan College of Arts & Sciences, the traditional residential college; College of Professional and Graduate Studies (Global Campus); and Sentara College of Health Sciences.
Wesleyan College of Arts & Sciences
The Wesleyan College of Arts & Sciences welcomes three new faculty members:
- Dr. Sabrina Rahman, Assistant Professor of Business, Marketing
- Dr. Gebremedhin Haile, Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Dr. Erik Johnson, Lecturer in Physics and Physical Science
Sentara College of Health Sciences
Nursing
- Dr. Judith Johnson, Professor of Practice (Nursing) and Chair of Nursing
- Dr. Karen Neary, Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Dr. Kimberly Roberson, Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Andrea Canonigo, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Dr. Ivan Pierce, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Dr. Kathy Creasey, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Dr. Yasmine Riddick, Associate Professor of Practice
- Lori Acton, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Laura Horan, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Stephanie Boakye, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Tarshe Johnson, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Kelley Russell, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Mary Williamson, Associate Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Amy Ewalt, Assistant Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Courtney Anello, Assistant Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Jamie Baldwin, Assistant Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Julia Zenarolla, Assistant Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- LaToya Linton, Assistant Professor of Practice (Nursing)
- Nina Gujabidze, Assistant Professor of Practice (Nursing)
Allied Health
- Asha Glenn, Assistant Professor of Practice (Allied Health) and Chair of Allied Health
- Mechille Powell, Assistant Professor of Practice (Allied Health)
- Brenda Santiago-Yenter, Assistant Professor of Practice (Allied Health)
- Linda Blais, Instructor of Allied Health
- Laura Nguyen, Instructor of Allied Health
- Elizabeth Olah, Instructor of Allied Health
SCOHS Continuing Education
- Tracie Johnson, Associate Professor of Practice and Chair
- Venessa Eisenburger, Assistant Professor of Practice
- Johnnye Duff, Instructor
Batten University is an innovative university of the arts and sciences located on a park-like campus in Virginia Beach. The University operates Sentara College of Health Sciences and two prison education centers in Chesapeake, as well as a collaborative campus in Tokyo, Japan. The University also operates an extensive workforce development program, with offerings on campus, online, and at The Hive in Virginia Beach, serving businesses throughout Coastal Virginia. Approximately 5,000 learners enrolled in all programs at all locations in 2025–2026.