August 29, 2016 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven welcomed 17 new professors to the University. These top professors come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with students.
Mrs. Krista Pieper Bower, Chair and Associate Professor of Dance, previously served as specialty instructor of dance for four years and as adjunct for five years prior. Bower received her B.F.A. from Belhaven University and her M.F.A. from Jacksonville University.
Dr. Jonathan Koefoed, Assistant Professor of History, brings his teaching experience to Belhaven from the University of Texas and Boston University. Dr. Koefoed received his B.A. from Arizona State University, his M.A. from Saint Louis University and his Ph.D. from Boston University.
Mr. Bill Moak, Chairman and Assistant Professor of Communication, has an extensive background in journalism, communications, and integrated media. Moak received his B.A. from the University of Mississippi and his M.S. from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Mr. Rick Negron, Chair and Assistant Professor of Film Production, brings professional experience in the areas of producing, directing, editing, cinematography, photography and graphics work. Negron received his B.S. from the University of Miami and his M.F.A. from Regent University.
Dr. John Neiswinger, Assistant Professor of Biology, has a comprehensive background in the fields of biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as proteomics. Dr. Neiswinger received his B.S. from Geneva College and his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Dr. Tracie Parish, Associate Professor of Exercise Science, has taught at several universities, most recently at the University of Bedfordshire, England. Dr. Parish received her B.S. from The University of Southern Mississippi, her M.Ed. from Mississippi College and her Ph.D. from Louisiana State University.
Dr. Andrew Parker, Assistant Professor of Business (Atlanta), has been teaching as adjunct for Belhaven. Dr. Parker received his B.A. from Southeastern Baptist Theological College, his M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Seth Parry, Associate Professor of History, will bring eight years of teaching experience from Emmanuel College. Dr. Parry received his B.A. from Houghton College, his M.A. from Hunter College and his M.Phil. and Ph.D. from CUNY Graduate Center.
Mrs. Erin Rockwell, Associate Professor of Dance, has been a specialty instructor of dance for the past eight years. Rockwell received her B.A. from St. Olaf College and her M.F.A. from California State University.
Dr. Stephen Ray Smith, Assistant Professor of Business Administration (Chattanooga), has 14 years of teaching experience including eight years as a Belhaven adjunct. Dr. Smith received his B.A. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, his M.I.B.S. from the University of South Carolina and his Ph.D. from Regent University.
Dr. John Song, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies (Atlanta), has taught at Belhaven as adjunct for the past four years. Dr. Song received his B.B.A. from Bernard M. Baruch College, his M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Ms. Kristen White, Assistant Professor and Chair of International Studies, has spent the last ten years as Director of Global Mobilization for California Baptist University. White received her B.A. from Oklahoma Baptist University, her M.A. from Union University, her M.A. from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and will defend her dissertation in December 2016 for her Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University.
Dr. Owen Rockwell, Specialty Instructor of Dance and Music, previously served as an adjunct faculty member for several years at Belhaven. He earned his B.M. and M.M. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his doctor of musical arts in percussion, performance and pedagogy from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Dr. Rebecca Geihsler, Specialty Instructor in Music, has served as an adjunct music professor in voice, popular music and music history since 2009. She holds a B.A. in music from Centenary College of Louisiana, a M.M. in vocal performance and doctor of arts in pedagogy from the University of Mississippi.
Mr. Christopher Phillips, Specialty Instructor in Music, studied church music at Samford University in Birmingham, and continued there to complete his master's in music education; both degrees included a vocal performance emphasis.
Mrs. Elizabeth Sweatt, Specialty Instructor of Dance, served as an adjunct in the dance department from 2010-2012.Sweatt received her B.F.A. in Dance from Belhaven University and performed professionally with Ballet San Antonio and TALK Dance Company.
Ms. Mia Whitehead, Specialty Instructor of Dance, previously serving as an adjunct. Whitehead danced professionally with Ballet San Antonio, TALK Dance Company and Front Porch Dance. She also served as the dance instructor for the USA International Ballet Competition's outreach program, CityDance, in Jackson for several years.