News

The College’s newly organized Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences welcomes Dr. Lloyd Chia as Associate Professor of Social Sciences. Previously, Dr. Chia was Assistant Professor in the department of Sociology, Global Studies, and Criminal Justice at Spring Arbor University in Michigan.

The son of a pastor and seminary president, Dr. Chia lived most of his life in Singapore, but has also spent time in Mongolia and New Zealand. He has traveled widely in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He served as an officer in the Singapore Armed Forces; was a collegiate rugby player and coach; and performed as a vocalist for a band that produced two albums and toured extensively in Asia.

His ministry background includes serving as the worship director of All Nations Fellowship, a multicultural church in Columbia, Mo. During his time at Spring Arbor University, Dr. Chia led Cross Cultural Studies trips to both China and Cambodia, bringing students out to experience the world they study.

Dr. Chia has published on the Emerging Church Movement in America and researched the experience of LGBT students on Christian College campuses, and why some leave.  He is also passionate about diversity, interfaith relations, and racial reconciliation.

He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from University of Missouri, and a MSoc.Sci. in Sociology and B.A. in Sociology and History from National University of Singapore.

Research and publications include:

• 2016 “From Boundaries to Borderlands: the Emerging Church’s imaginative work of fostering relationships across difference”, in Crossing Boundaries, Redefining Faith: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Emerging Church Movement, Michael Clawson and April Stace Vega (eds.), Wipf and Stock.
• 2010 Brent, Edward, Jeffrey McCully, Lloyd Chia. Sociology Online (5th Edition), Columbia, MO: Ideaworks, Inc.
• 2006 “Cultural Missionizing: Islam, Christianity, and Popular Culture in Singapore”, in Proteus: Journal of Ideas (23:2, 2006 Fall).

Warner Pacific was honored as a College of Distinction for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year, a designation the institution has been awarded consecutively since 2013. The College of Distinction designation is given to select schools to honor their excellence in student-focused higher education.

Eight Oregon colleges made the list and Warner Pacific is one of only three Oregon Christian colleges awarded. In order to be given this designation, Warner Pacific was found to excel in all four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes.

This year, College of Distinction introduced new Fields of Study distinction badges for programs in Engineering, Business, Education, and Nursing. Warner Pacific’s Business and Education programs were both awarded badges to signal their professional excellence.

“We focus on colleges that are the best places to learn, grow, and succeed,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor of Colleges of Distinction. “Schools designated as ‘Colleges of Distinction’ create well-rounded graduates and are among the very best in the country.”

Colleges of Distinction is an online resource that connects individual students to information that empowers them to make confident choices from among nationally recognized colleges. Colleges and universities are nominated for participation by high school counselors and then evaluated using qualitative and quantitative research. www.collegesofdistinction.com

Warner Pacific College welcomes Dr. JoEllyn Murillo Fountain in her new role as Assistant Professor of Social Science and Chair of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Fountain joined the College in January 2016 as an adjunct instructor, teaching American Government to both the Traditional and Adult Degree Program (ADP) students. She was hired as a Visiting Assistant Professor for the 2016-2017 academic year to teach political science, sociology, an FYLC – “Power, Privilege and Identity:  Developing Leaders in PDX”, and other social science courses in the Traditional program and the Master of Arts in Human Services courses for ADP.

“I am excited to move from a temporary to a permanent faculty member at Warner Pacific because I can further develop the relationships I have had with students to learn from each other,” explains Dr. Fountain.  “I look forward to being a part of growing the social and behavioral sciences at the College.”

Dr. Fountain has taught social science courses at a number of universities throughout her career – including Uganda Christian University (UCU) where she and her family lived for more than eight years. UCU hosts a “Best Semester” study abroad program and she taught Ugandan politics to numerous American students from a variety of Christian colleges like Warner Pacific, while also doing administrative work for the university.

As the Assistant Professor of Social Science and Chair of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Fountain will teach courses in American Government, Social Problems and Social Policy, International Relations, Government of States and Localities, Public Policy & Advocacy, Introduction to the American Legal System, and provide leadership to Social and Behavioral Sciences programs. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Oregon.

“As Chair of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences and as an instructor in the same, I see my role as a facilitator between the college (students and staff) and the Portland metropolitan area,” said Fountain. “As a Christian institution, we have the opportunity to uniquely impact the city in positive ways.”

Dr. Fountain’s professional affiliations include:

• American Political Science Association
• Christians in Political Science
• World Affairs Council of Oregon

Her research and publications focus on:

• International Relations
• Comparative Politics and Political Institutions
• Policy Making

Dr. Smirla Ramos-Montañez joins the Warner Pacific faculty in a full-time capacity as Assistant Professor of Biology after serving at the College as an adjunct instructor. “I see my role as an advocate and supporter of students as they grow spiritually and academically,” she explains. “I want to provide opportunities for students to explore science, expand their understanding, and build critical thinking skills.”

Dr. Ramos-Montañez is a native of Puerto Rico, where she earned her undergraduate degree at the Inter American University. She completed her graduate education in Microbiology with Dr. Malcolm Winkler and holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Indiana University, Bloomington, and was a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at University of Washington, Seattle.

As the Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Ramos-Montañez will teach science courses including anatomy and physiology, genetics, and microbiology. When asked what she is looking forward to in her new role, the professor replied, “…I’m excited about the opportunity to build relationships and work with talented and collaborative faculty, students, and staff. I am also excited about trying to find ways to bridge formal and informal learning experiences to serve students.”

Dr. Ramos-Montañez’s research and publications include:

• Pattison S, Gontan I, Ramos-Montanez, S. The Identity-Frame Model: A Preliminary Framework to Describe Situated Identity Negotiation for Adolescent Girls Participating in an Informal Engineering Education Program. IN REVIEW Journal of Learning Sciences 2017
• Pattison S, Rubin A, Benne A, Gontan I, Andanen E, Shagott T, Francisco M, Ramos-Montanez, S, Bromley C, Dierking L. The Impact of Facilitation by Museum Educators on Family Learning at Interactive Exhibits: Results of a Quasi-experimental Study. Visitor Studies Journal 2016 IN REVIEW
• Pattison S, Randol S, Benne, M, Rubin A, Gontan I, Andanen E, Bromley C, Ramos-Montanez S. A Design-Based Research Study to Model Staff-Facilitated Family Learning at Interactive Math Exhibits. Visitor Studies Journal 2016 IN REVIEW
• Lisher JP, Tsui HT, Ramos-Montanez S, Hentchel KL, Martin JE, Trinidad JC, Winkler ME. Biological and Chemical Adaptation to Endogenous Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39.mSphere 2017 Jan 4;2(1).
• Kinkel TL, Ramos-Montanez S, Pando JM, Tadeo DV, Strom EN, Libby SJ, Fang FC. An essential role for bacterial nitric oxide synthase is Staphylococcus aureus electron transfer and colonization. Nature Microbiology Nov 28:2:16224
• Ramos-Montañez S, Hentchel KL, Kazmierczak KM, Winkler ME. Instability of ackA (Acetate Kinase) Mutants and Their Effects on Acetyl Phosphate (AcP) and ATP Production in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39. Journal of Bacteriology, 2010 Dec;192(24):6390-400.
• Ramos-Montanez, S, Tsui HC, Wayne KJ, Morris JL, Peters LE, Zhang F, Kazmierczak KM, Sham LT, Winkler ME. Polymorphism and regulation of the spxB (pyruvate oxidase) virulence factor gene by a CBS-HotDog domain protein (SpxR) in serotype 2 Streptococcus pneumoniae. Molecular Microbiology, 2008 Feb;67(4):729-46.
• Winkler ME and Ramos-Montañez S. (2009). Histidine Biosynthesis. In J.L. Ingraham and F.C. Neidhardt (Eds.). Escherichia coli and Salmonella: Cellular and Molecular Biology 3rd edition. In Press. Module 3.6.1.9 on web edition www.ecosal.org

On Sunday, July 16, CBS Sports will present “Turning Passion into Profession”—an hour-long special narrated by PGA Professional Gary McCord, which introduces viewers to PGA Professionals nationwide and highlights the diverse roles they play as experts in the game and business of golf.

Quincy Heard, Warner Pacific Head Golf Coach, will be among the nine PGA Professionals featured. The program will air on CBS at 11:00 a.m. on Portland-area stations, prior to final-round coverage of the John Deere Classic.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Heard entered the  golf profession as one of the first African-American PGA Professionals in the Pacific Northwest. He coaches the Warner Pacific College men’s and women’s golf teams; started the Summit Golf Foundation, which introduces boys and girls to the game, including kids in foster care; and mentored nearly 1,500 youth through the Portland Golf Association.

The show is designed to inspire men, women and children of all ages who are enthusiastic about the game to turn their passions into careers in golf. The primary career paths of a PGA Member—Instruction, Golf Operations, and General Management—are showcased, along with other opportunities to enter the industry, such as an entrepreneur, college coach, and golf foundation executive.

Congratulations, Coach Heard!

To learn more about careers as a PGA Professional, visit PGA.org/BecomeAMember. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGA on Twitter and find them on Facebook.

Kidesti Tadesse has joined the Warner Pacific team as the Director of Admissions for Traditional Programs, bringing with her a decade of professional enrollment experience at three prior institutions.

“The mission of the College will be the foundation in all recruitment efforts as we serve prospective students and their families,” explains Tadesse. “I am honored and proud to have the opportunity to share the value in pursuing a college education at Warner Pacific.”

Even as an undergraduate student, Tadesse was active in the admissions process, working as a tele-counselor and office intern at Penn State. Upon graduating, she was recruited to be an Admissions Counselor at Neumann University. At Neumann, she was recognized for her accomplishments and leadership ability and was promoted through the ranks, eventually being named Director of Admission.

Tadesse then transitioned to the role of Director of Undergraduate Admission at Philadelphia University for two years, before she and her husband relocated to the Portland area in January 2017. Kidesti Tadesse brings a passion and understanding for serving first-generation college students and believes strongly in the importance of prospective students visiting campus. Her references spoke highly of her service to students, the development of her team, and a genuine care for people.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with my colleagues,” says Tadesse. “I am also excited to be a part of such a wonderful close-knit community that embraces diversity!”

As Director of Admission for Traditional Programs, Tadesse is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the traditional admissions department including developing and implementing recruitment strategies to enroll students in line with institutional goals and targets. She earned her M.S. in Education: Instructional Leadership from Neumann University and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University.

According to Dr. Luke Goble, Associate Professor of History and Humanities at Warner Pacific, it is not a secret that the political system in the United States is broken. Many Christians can seem ambivalent about that dysfunction, or worse yet, may be seen as contributors to the problem. While Christ-followers often know they should do something, understanding what to do or how to do it is overwhelming. These intersections are explored in Dr. Goble’s new book, “Worshiping Politics: Problems and Practices for a Public Faith” (Cascade Books, 2017).

Drawing on insights from history, theology, and culture, “Worshiping Politics” reframes the relationship between faith and politics as one of intentional formation instead of divisive decision-making. Goble makes the case that when Christians focus on how we are formed as people and the church in relationship to our various communities instead of what we think and believe in relation to culture and society, it changes the way we engage the world.

“At a time when our country often feels more divided than united, Dr. Luke Goble provides a resource that invites each of us to the table, urging us to live faithfully and love boldly,” said Warner Pacific President, Dr. Andrea Cook. “Whether learned from academic research, time spent teaching in the classroom, or through his own personal and family life, ‘Worshipping Politics’ provides hopeful yet practical insights into what it means to live out a Christ-Centered calling in the world.”

Using biblical writing to inform political ideals, Goble encourages us to unlearn our faulty emphasis on the power of our own intellect and discover how to be formed in grace and love for the world through our everyday lives just might make a different kind of politics possible.

Save the date for October 10, 2017 and join Dr. Luke Goble as he leads the Warner Pacific Chapel in discussion regarding faith, politics, and what it means to be a good neighbor. Worshipping Politics is available online at Wipf and Stock Publishers, Powell’s Books, and other online retailers.

Warner Pacific College welcomes Mike Giering, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations.

Mike Giering comes to Warner Pacific from Cityteam Portland, where he served as City Director. Prior to his work at Cityteam, he worked for Luis Palau Association as a Development Director/Regional Major Gifts Officer. Giering earned his baccalaureate degree in Biblical Studies and Preaching at Puget Sound Christian College, and his M.Div. from Emmanuel Christian Seminary. He has also served as the High School Director at Sunset Presbyterian Church in Beaverton and with Endeavor Ministries.

A Portland native who grew up just a few miles from campus, Mike Giering looks forward to being part of preparing the next generation of diverse, urban leaders in our city. “As a first-generation college student myself, I’m excited to help make the Warner Pacific experience available to as many students as possible,” he shared. “I look forward to being fully immersed in the energy and excitement of campus activities and athletics.  I can’t wait to meet the amazing community of faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends of Warner Pacific College!”

As the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations, Giering will provide leadership and oversight to fundraising; college relations; alumni, church, and parent relations; and external relations. As a member of the Executive Cabinet, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations participates in setting broad organizational goals, objectives, and policies for the College while cultivating a culture of philanthropy on-campus and beyond.

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Warner Pacific community in this role at such an exciting and pivotal time in the life of the College,” said Giering. “It is an awesome responsibility to help steward and increase financial support of our mission and strengthen strategic partnerships in our community as the leader in Christ-centered, urban, liberal arts education.”

Congratulations to Nicki Greer ’12, Enrollment and Visit Coordinator, and Roger Keast, IT Enterprise Systems Manager; the two Warner Pacific employees were named 2017 Rick Weems ‘Second Miler’ Award Winners.

Nicki Greer was celebrated for her warm and welcoming hospitality, which she shares with many visitors, students, and families through her role in the Admissions office. Roger Keast was commended for his diligent work behind the scenes, ensuring that the College communications systems are running smoothly in his role with the IT department.

The Second Miler award was established to honor of Rick Weems, former Director of Financial Aid and Administrator at Warner Pacific, who was known for going above and beyond to serve his colleagues and students.  When Weems left the College to serve at another institution, the award was created as a way of continuing to honor his legacy service.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus follows the Beatitudes with teachings on several topics.  In Matthew 5:41, Jesus says, “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it for two.” This teaching reminds us that we shouldn’t do the minimum, or just enough to get by, but that we should give our best and do more than expected, being willing to go the second mile in our service to others.

This award is given annually to a staff member who has gone beyond what is required of them in their job, providing exceptional service to the community at Warner Pacific College. This year, the committee felt that two staff members were deserving of the honor.

Nicki and Roger show up to work, ready to give their best in creative and positive ways.  They make those they are serving feel valuable and honored by their work. Thank you and congratulations, Nicki and Roger!

Warner Pacific College welcomes Dr. Lishi Kwasitsu as the Director of Library Services!

Dr. Kwasitsu comes to us from the Intel Corporation in Portland, where he has worked as a Research Librarian/Information Analyst for the last 15 years. As a bibliometrician, Dr. Kwasitsu is interested in the quantitative analysis of scholarly communications as well as the information-seeking behavior of students and professionals. Other areas of focus include early newspapers, colonial journals/magazines, and library closures.

Dr. Kwasitsu has served as the Head of Technical Services for the University of Maiduguri Library, Nigeria; Foundation Secretary for the University’s Senate Library Committee and the Cataloger/Space Planner for the University of Calabar Library, Nigeria. Dr. Kwasitsu taught Librarianship at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica and he was a Research Fellow at the Center for African Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He also taught Librarianship at the University of Ghana before joining the University of Alberta, Canada as a Prospect Researcher. Prior to moving to the United States, he was the Research Services Supervisor at EPCOR, Inc., Canada’s first municipally owned electric utility.

As the Director of Library Services, Dr. Kwasitsu will provide leadership and direction to the College’s Otto F. Linn Library. He holds a Ph.D. in Librarianship from Monash University, Australia; a M.A. in Librarianship from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand; and a B.A. in English from the University of Ghana.

Dr. Kwasitsu’s research and publications include:

1. “The University of Calabar definitive library building: history and future development”, Libri 35:3 (1985), 218-226.
2. “An estimate of Charles Elliott’s revenue from the Nelson Examiner, 1842-1874”, The Bibliographical Society of Australia and New Zealand Bulletin 9:4 (Fourth Quarter 1985), 121-138.
3. “Early libraries in Nelson”, New Zealand Libraries 45:1 (March 1986), 1-6.
4. “The production of the Nelson Examiner in the context of the early New Zealand press”, The Turnbull Library Record (New Zealand) 19:2 (October 1986), 123-140.
5. “Establishing a colonial society: the Melbourne Advertiser and the Port Philip Gazette, 1831-51”, The Bibliographical Society of Australia and New Zealand Bulletin 10:2 &3 (1986), 46-60.
6. “News reporting in the Nelson Examiner, 1842-1874”, The Turnbull Library Record (New Zealand) 20:1 (May 1987), 31-43.
7. “Caribbean publishing, 1711-1900: a preliminary subject analysis”, Scholarly Publishing (Canada) 22:4 (July 1991), 231-240.
8. “The availability and use of books in libraries in nineteenth century Bendigo, Australia”, Libraries & Culture: A Journal of Library History (USA) 27:2 (Spring 1992), 143-176.
9. “Some aspects of the printing and the distribution of the Bendigo Advertiser”, The Bibliographical Society of Australia and New Zealand Bulletin 16:2 (Second Quarter, 1992), 75-83.
10. “Printing in Victoria, Australia, 1850-1900”, The Library (Great Britain) Sixth Series 16:1 (March 1994), 30-42.
11. “Printing and the book trade in early Nelson”, (Wellington, NZ: Elibank Press), 1996 ISBN:0-9583496-1-4.
12. “Information-seeking behavior of design, process and manufacturing engineers”, Library & Information Science Research (USA) 25:3 & 4 (2003), 459-476.
13. “Promoting commercial activities in Cape Town newspapers, 1876-1901”, Social Dynamics (South Africa) 30:1 (2004), 170-192.
14. “Advertising in Australian newspapers: the case of the Bendigo Advertiser and the Bendigo Independent”, Publishing History (Great Britain) 56 (2004), 53-70.
15. “Publishing in Victoria, Australia, 1851-1900”, Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America 101:2 (2007), 170-192.