Carroll is proud of our faculty...
and grateful to the many donors who support their work in classrooms, labs, in the field, and at conferences. The following endowed professorships highlight the excellent work of our faculty and students through the generosity of donors who have given to enhance scholarship at Carroll College.
Opportunity Bank Endowed Professorship for Finance
JULIA MULL, PH.D.
The Opportunity Bank Endowed Professorship is an incredibly generous gift that has allowed Dr. Mull to further her professional development and research in the field as well as attend conferences. All of these very important endeavors provide her with additional resources and further develop her depth of expertise to bring back to the students in the classroom.
The finance major is the newest addition to the department and has grown significantly over the past few years. Dr. Mull is pleased and honored to be a part of such a dynamic program and initiative. This endowment allows her to participate in activities to help ensure Carroll students are receiving the most relevant experiences and knowledge in the ever-evolving field of finance. She is most grateful to Opportunity Bank for this thoughtful and supportive gift.
The Guido Bugni Professorship
David Hitt, Ph.D.
The financial support of the Guido Bugni Professorship makes it possible for Dr. Hitt to provide research opportunities to Carroll students, particularly in the area of medicinal chemistry. Dr. Hitt sees undergraduate research as a process that provides meaning for the concepts taught in the Chemistry curriculum. Additionally, involvement in scientific research prepares students for their future, as many pre-professional programs are looking for undergraduate research experience. Dr. Hitt thanks everyone who has helped support undergraduate research at Carroll College.
The Henry (Hank) Burgess Professorship in English
Kevin Stewart, M.F.A.
Professor Kevin Stewart is delighted to be the recipient of the Henry “Hank” Burgess Professorship in English. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Bluefield State College and a Bachelor of Art Degree in English from Concord University. He holds both a Master of Arts Degree in English from Radford University and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing (Fiction) from the University of Arkansas. His areas of interest and research include: Creative writing (especially fiction), composition, the contemporary American short story, American literature after the Civil War, and Bruce Springsteen. He has several publications: The Way Things Always Happen Here (link is external), "Magicicada: Spring 2012" "Green Light," Writers by the River: Reflections on 40+ Years of the Highland Summer Conference and Eyes Glowing at the Edge of the Woods. His recently-finished novel Pax, 1960 is currently making the rounds among publishers, agents, and national novel contests.
The Sue A. Buswell Endowed Professorship in Nursing
Kate Pieper, MSN, RN, CEN
Kate Pieper, Assistant Professor of Nursing, has completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership and Management and has been accepted into the Ph.D in Nursing program at Washington State University. Her doctoral work will focus on examining the integration of resiliency into BSN programs to reduce burnout in practicing nurses. Her creation of The Resiliency for Life course is now an integral part of the nursing curriculum at Carroll. The Mock Mass Casualty Stimulation was expanded this year and was hugely successful. The Stimulation included collaboration with local healthcare systems and emergency response agencies, over 200 volunteers, and integration with other departments on campus. Many of Professor Pieper’s achievements with this Professorship will only continue to be built upon, shaping and enhancing the nursing education at Carroll.
Monsignor Joseph Harrington Endowed Professorship for Nursing
Janet Johnson, MSN, RN, CNE
Professor Johnson is humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Monsignor Harrington Endowed Professorship. It is personally meaningful to her, as she holds Monsignor Harrington in great regard. He was a demanding, knowledgeable, and kind microbiology professor when she was a student here, and he was also instrumental in supporting the nursing program’s growth in his role as President when the program transitioned to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Professor Johnson is using the Endowed Professorship to pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Organizational Leadership. She is deeply grateful for this professorship, as it allows her to grow in knowledge, leadership, and service in her role as a nurse educator at Carroll. Through this opportunity, she is engaging in evidence-based research and developing leadership skills grounded in compassion, ethical decision-making, and respect for the dignity of every person. This formation strengthens her ability to educate and mentor BSN students, preparing them to serve others with competence, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. The professorship not only supports her professional development but also advances the mission of forming excellent nurses who serve with compassion, knowledge, and skill in an increasingly complex healthcare system.
Professor Johnson is deeply grateful for this professorship and is committed to honoring Monsignor Harrington’s legacy through faithful service, leadership, and dedication to higher education.
The Archbishop Hunthausen Professorship in Peace and Social Justice
JOHN C. RIES, PH.D./STD
The Archbishop Hunthausen Professorship in Peace and Social Justice is an incredibly generous gift that has allowed Dr. John Ries to make great progress with the Laudato Si initiative at Carroll College. Dr. Ries has been part of a working group that is dedicated to bringing the various components of this initiative to campus. Dr. Ries attended Loyola University Chicago’s 2025 Climate Change Conference where he was able to meet faculty members from other institutions who are also working on similar initiatives. The support given through this Professorship is helping to bring Latado Si to Carroll.
Joseph A. Maierle and Morrison-Maierle Endowed Professorship in Civil Engineering
MARY KEEFFE, PH.D.
Dr. Mary Keeffe is the recipient of the Joseph A. Maierle and Morrison-Maierle Endowed Professorship in Civil Engineering and is the director of the Civil Engineering program at Carroll College. The Civil Engineering program is ABET-accredited and the program underwent a general review in 2025. Dr. Keeffe led and coordinated the review process in addition to the site visit. Dr. Keeffe, working with fellow faculty members, recently re-examined and developed a new curriculum for the civil engineering program.
The Mandeville Endowed Professorship in Accounting
BELLE MARIE, PH.D.
The Mandeville Endowed Professorship in Accounting has been instrumental in supporting accounting students in a broad variety of activities including student attendance at the MSCPAs Fraud Conference which was sponsored by the Montana Society of CPAs and the Helena Chapter of Certified Fraud Examiners, participation in the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Center for Public Trust (NASBA CPT) Ethical Leadership Certificate Program, student access to the IFRS and SASB Academic membership, materials and books for accounting student use, and faculty professional development. None of these activities would be possible without the support of the Mandeville Endowed Professorship in Accounting.
James J. Manion Endowed Chair in Biology
BRANDON SHEAFOR, PH.D.
Dr. Brandon Sheafor has a wide range of interest in animal physiology and ecology. His current research focuses on chytridiomycosis, a fungal skin disease that has greatly impacted amphibian populations around the world. Specifically, he is investigating how the interplay between antimicrobial peptides and cutaneous microbial communities convey resistance to the disease. The ultimate goal of this project is to gain an understanding of the mechanisms involved in host control of symbiotic microbiota using a simple frog model. Then to apply this understanding to more complex systems to an effort to develop treatments for any vertebrate system.
Margaret Perryman Endowed Professorship for Human Animal Bond Degree Program
H. MARIE SUTHERS, D.V.M.
Dr. Marie Suthers has more than 40 years of experience in veterinary practice, academic and community education, and the study of human-animal interaction. She is a well-known national and international speaker on the relationship between people and animals including the impact of human-animal interaction on specific human populations and the well-being of animals employed in therapeutic interventions for humans. With the support of this Professorship, Dr. Suthers is continuing her project of expanding pedagogical methods for equine curriculum through course development and participation at discipline specific conferences.
She received the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2005 and the Distinguished Virginia Veterinarian Award in 2006. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in 1982.
The Dr. Jerry Pohlman Endowed Professorship in Entrepreneurial Business
ANNETTE RYERSON, PH.D.
Dr. Annette Ryerson is an Associate Professor of Marketing in the Business Department at Carroll College. She also teaches entrepreneurship courses. Annette’s professional experience includes six years as a faculty member at Black Hills State University and a decade of pharmaceutical sales with Merck. Her areas of expertise include personal selling as it pertains to women, tourism marketing and economics, and case-based applications related to marketing, marketing research, and marketing pedagogy. She enjoys teaching those new to the field of marketing and also those who want to dig deeper into specific marketing areas. Annette has marketing consulting experience and has been published numerous times in various journals and reviews as well.
Byron & Irene Roberts and Albert & Marie Nix Endowed Professorship in Engineering
RECEP BIRGUL, PH.D., P.E., M.ASCE
The Roberts-Nix Professorship in Engineering offers Dr. Recep Birgul invaluable support and resources that enable him to excel in his dual roles as a full-time professor and as one of the two Faculty Advisors for the Carroll ASCE Student Chapter, dedicated to serving the Carroll student community.
As a professor, Dr. Birgul’s primary goal is to provide exceptional engineering education for Carroll students. In his role as the Faculty Advisor for the Carroll ASCE Student Chapter, he has the privilege of guiding Carroll students on the path to success in competitions such as the annual concrete canoe and steel bridge contests, hosted by various universities each year. The financial support from the Roberts-Nix Professorship allows him to dedicate a significant portion of his time and effort to effectively fulfill these responsibilities. Furthermore, it provides him with the opportunity to engage in professional development activities crucial for maintaining his professional engineering licensure in the State of Montana.
Dr. Birgul wishes to express his profound gratitude for the unwavering support he receives from the Roberts-Nix Professorship. With the resources it provides, he is empowered to make a direct and positive impact on Carroll students, translating this support into exceptional service for the Carroll community.
The Clarence A. (Bud) Ryan, Steve Ryan and Joe Pat Ryan Distinguished Professorship in Chemistry Endowment
Rebecca Coates, Ph.D.
Dr. Rebecca Coates is the recipient of the Clarence A. (Bud) Ryan, Steve Ryan, and Joe Pat Ryan Distinguished Professorship in Chemistry Endowment and an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Carroll College. Dr. Coates began a summer undergraduate research project with three students to investigate the aftermath of a mass fish kill that occurred at Park Lake in July 2024 by analyzing a variety of samples collected. These students not only gained research experience but also enhanced and refined their laboratory skills. A research experience like this not only fosters the mentor relationship between students and faculty members but also a collaboration between the student research team. These experiences would not be possible without the financial support of the Professorship.
Dr. James and Joan Schneller Endowed Professorship in Catholic Mission and Identity
KATHERINE GREINER, PH.D.
Dr. Katherine Greiner received a Ph.D. in Theology and Education from Boston College in 2017. She earned her M.T.S. from Weston Jesuit School of Theology in 2007 and her B.A. in history and theology from Carroll College in 2005. She taught theology at Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Boston, MA from 2007-2011. Her dissertation, “There is a Wideness to God’s University: Exploring and Embodying the Deep Stories, Wisdom, and Contributions of Women Religious in Catholic Higher Education,” focuses on questions concerning Catholic identity, charism, and mission in Catholic colleges and universities founded and sponsored by women Religious congregations.
Keith and Margaret Hansen Endowed Professorship in Biological Sciences
TRAVIS ALMQUIST, PH.D.
Travis Almquist, Ph.D. joined Carroll College in 2016 and is currently an Associate Professor in Biological and Environmental Sciences. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and History from Concordia College (Moorhead) and then attended North Dakota State University where he earned an M.S. Degree in Natural Resources Management. After turning his research focus toward the ecology of invasive species and with the goal of teaching at an undergraduate liberal arts institution, Travis completed a Ph.D. in Botany at Washington State University in 2013. While extremely broad, Travis’s research and areas of interest include invasive species ecology, agriculture, effects of climate change and other human-caused disturbances on ecosystems, habitat conservation, developing sustainable human-ecosystem relationships, and science outreach and education. Outside of work, Travis enjoys a host of outdoor activities in Montana across all seasons, including skiing, floating, hiking, and camping.
With the support of the Keith and Margaret Hansen Endowed Professorship, Travis is able to work with Carroll students to develop a high-impact, individualized research experience from the ground up, going through the entire process of scientific inquiry. These projects are student-driven and address real-world questions. They provide an opportunity to develop a wide range of skills that can take them beyond the classroom, including scientific reasoning and critical thinking, communication skills, and project management skills. Whether students go on to graduate school, jobs in ecology, biotechnology, medical sciences, or post-graduate and professional school, the independent research experience helps elevate Carroll students and prepare them for any future adventure.
Gregory V. Roeben and Susan F. Raunig Endowed Professorship in Social Justice and the Human-Animal Relationship
ERIC DARYL MEYER, PH.D.
Dr. Eric Daryl Meyer grew up in the mountains of Colorado. As a theologian with strong interests in the land, wild places, and ecological degradation, his research focuses on all the ways that the Christian theological tradition draws boundaries between human beings and nonhuman animals––and how to bridge those boundaries. He earned a Ph.D. in Theology from Fordham University in 2014 and taught at Fordham and Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles) before coming to Carroll.
At Carroll, he offers a range of courses, from “Ecological Theology” to “Healthcare Ethics” to “Ecologies of Religion: Humans, Animals, and Nature.” His publications include an article on the “Political Ecology of Human Dignity” and a book entitled, “Inner Animalities: Theology and the End of the Human” (Fordham UP, 2018).
Outside of the academic world, he has worked in wilderness education, environmental advocacy, and outdoor recreation for over a decade—including years in Montana as a member of a ski patrol and a wildland fire crew.