Decades of Service
Celebrating Faculty Emeriti
Dr. Robert L. Brabenec ’60, Professor of Mathematics
On Faculty Since 1964
Early in his career, Dr. Brabenec spent two years on active duty as an Army captain in missile intelligence. He returned to Wheaton in 1967 to teach and chair the newly formed Department of Mathematics. As a student, he studied with Dr. Art Holmes ’50, M.A. ’52. Later, when Dr. Holmes’ book on the integration of faith and learning became the center of Wheaton’s academic and spiritual goals, the move motivated Dr. Brabenec “to develop an integrative capstone course for senior math majors that I have taught with delight for almost 50 years.”
Dr. Daniel A. Sommerville, Professor of Music
On Faculty Since 1994
Dr. Sommerville has conducted and directed the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra since 1989.
Dr. Cheri Lee Pierson, Associate Professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
On Faculty Since 1996
Dr. Pierson has taught and mentored students who have gone on to serve globally as well as in local Chicagoland communities.
Dr. Karin R. Edwards, Professor of Music
On Faculty Since 1987
Dr. Edwards has most enjoyed working with her students “as people and as musicians,” which she says “has been inspiring, challenging, and rewarding and has led to my own spiritual and professional growth.” She has performed as a solo pianist and guest artist with orchestras in both Canada and the United States, including the Milwaukee Symphony and the New Philharmonic. Among many other accomplishments, she recorded a solo album for piano featuring the works of Chopin, Liszt, and Eckhardt-Gramatté.
Dr. Paul C. Egeland, Associate Professor of Education
On Faculty Since 1995
Dr. Egeland has significant experience leading and teaching outdoor leadership and education. He also served as the Education Department Chair.
Dr. Andrew E. Hill, Professor of Old Testament
On Faculty Since 1984
Dr. Hill served as the Bible and Theology Studies Department Chair from 1998 to 2001. He is the author of Enter His Courts with Praise! (1996). Through his time at Wheaton, he says he has “developed an appreciation for the masterful work of the Holy Spirit in the teachinglearning process in the Christian liberal arts context as that faithful Helper in transforming us into disciples of Jesus the Messiah.”
Dr. Annette H. Tomal, Professor of Business
On Faculty Since 1995
Dr. Tomal’s expertise and research focuses on the roles of gender, religion, and education in society and the economy. From visiting Human Needs and Global Resources interns to leading study abroad trips all across the world, Dr. Tomal is grateful for Wheaton’s “unexpected blessings.”
Dr. Gerald R. Root, Professor of Evangelism and Leadership
On Faculty Since 1996
Dr. Root has cherished being able to see students “fall in love with Jesus.” He has written or co-authored nine books, including in-depth studies of the theology and philosophy of C. S. Lewis.
Dr. Jillian N. Lederhouse ’75, Professor of Education
On Faculty Since 1990
Dr. Lederhouse came to Wheaton after teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. One of her “great delights” has been “coordinating a 23-year partnership with a wonderful multicultural K-8 Chicago public elementary school,” she said. She is the author of Life Lessons Through a Teacher’s Eyes (2009) and Teach Like a Disciple (2016).
Dr. Peter Walters, Professor of Applied Health Science
On Faculty Since 1996
Dr. Walters wrote Christian Paths to Health and Wellness, the textbook used in most of Wheaton’s general education wellness classes.
Dr. Richard E. Butman ’73, Professor of Psychology
On Faculty Since 1980
During his four decades of service to Wheaton, Dr. Butman remembers “countless rich conversations with students and colleagues,” which gave him opportunities to help others “dream bold dreams for their futures.” He adds, “I simply love the daily challenge of communicating truth in word and deed.” A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Butman’s areas of expertise are bereavement and psychopathology. He has also co-authored two books—Modern Psychotherapies: A Christian Appraisal (2011) and Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (2016).
Dr. Rodney J. Scott, Associate Professor of Genetics
On Faculty Since 1989
In addition to his research on conservation genetics of animal species, Dr. Scott was actively involved in leading conference workshops and developing tools to aid laboratories in DNA studies and genetics training. He is “genuinely in awe of how much this place has shaped me” when he considers the “amazing chapel messages and seminar presentations” and “conversations with brilliant and devoted colleagues and students.”
Dr. Carolyn A. Hart, Professor of Music
On Faculty Since 1999
Dr. Hart (soprano) has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.K., as well as Hong Kong, Korea, and Paris.
Dr. W. Jay Wood, Professor of Philosophy
On Faculty Since 1982
Dr. Wood’s areas of expertise include epistemology and the philosophy of religion. His books include Epistemology: Becoming Intellectually Virtuous (1998) and the ambitious-sounding God (2011). “I am blessed to have been able to fulfill one of my life’s chief interests,” Dr. Wood says of his teaching career at Wheaton, reflecting on the “opportunity to share my love of philosophy with great colleagues and students, some of whom I count as deep friends.”
Dr. Terry L. Huttenlock, Associate Professor of Library Science
On Faculty Since 1999
Alongside her professorship, Dr. Huttenlock has been the subject librarian for applied health science, biology, education, intercultural studies/ TESOL, and psychology.
Faculty Promotions
Tenure
Dr. Aimee Callender, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Tammy Schultz, Professor of Counseling
Dr. Ed Stetzer, Billy Graham Professor of Church, Mission, and Evangelism
Dr. Mark Yarhouse, Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Professor of Psychology
Promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and Tenure
Dr. Thomas Boehm, Ann Haskins Assistant Professor of Special Education
Dr. Enoch Hill, Assistant Professor of Economics
Dr. Jacob Johnson, Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy
Dr. Michael McKoy, Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations
Dr. Hana Yoo, Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy
Promotion from Associate Professor to Professor
Dr. Jamie D. Aten, Blanchard Associate Professor of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership
Dr. Vincent Bacote, Associate Professor of Theology
Dr. Brian Miller, Associate Professor of Sociology
Dr. Sandra Yu Rueger, Associate Professor of Psychology
