Welcoming New Faculty to Carroll College for the 2025-26 Academic Year

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As the academic year begins, Carroll College is delighted to welcome a group of talented new faculty who bring a wide range of expertise, passion, and dedication to our community. These educators will help shape the student experience both inside and outside the classroom, strengthening Carroll’s tradition of academic excellence and personal connection.
We are proud to welcome the following faculty members to campus:

Dianne Burke, PhD – Associate Professor of Computer Science

Erik Leisten, BSN, RN – Instructor of Nursing

Mandy Lipinski, PhD – Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences

Jennifer Miller, MSN, RN, CPH, CCM – Assistant Professor of Nursing

Kellie O'Rourke’12, PhD – Associate Professor of Biology

Bassam Saif, PhD – Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Mary Twis, PhD, LMSW-AP – Associate Professor of MSW

Samuel Walker, PhD – Assistant Professor of English

Joseph Esparza, PhD candidate – Adjunct Instructor for Catholic Studies

Amanda Fairbairn, BSN, RN, ONCC – Instructor of Nursing

Jaylin Kenney ‘18, CPA – Adjunct Instructor for Business

Rebecca Petrovich, MSW – Adjunct Instructor for Sociology

Larry Taylor, PhD – Adjunct Instructor for ANZ

Tyler Zimmer ‘16, MBA – Adjunct Instructor for Math

Please join us in extending a warm Carroll welcome to these new colleagues as they begin their journey with us. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the contributions they will make in the months and years ahead.