Six new faces joined the faculty in time for the fall semester.

The College of Arts and Sciences, the Helen DeVos College of Education and the School of Religion welcome Jo Beth Boyer, Heather Quagliana, Mary Ruth Stone, Timothy Miller, David Ashe and Bennett Judkins.

Bennett Judkins is a visiting lecturer of sociology and earned his B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. He is currently involved in a research project regarding Outward Bound in South Africa, which is a faith-based initiative focusing on high-risk youth in the poorest areas of South Africa.

“I have taught at church-related colleges most of my career. It is such a joy to be at a university where the integration of faith is truly an active part of the curriculum and the culture,” Jenkins said.

Jo Beth Boyer is no stranger to Lee’s campus. She has been teaching courses in health science and pre-professional concentrations at Lee for three years now. Boyer earned her B.S. from Hardin-Simmons University and her M.S. from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.

Heather Quagliana, a new assistant professor of psychology, earned her B.A. from Lee University and her M.A. Her Ph.D. was completed in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary this summer. Her clinical work focused on children and families.

David Ashe is a former captain in the U.S. Air Force. He also instructed at the U.S. Air Force Academy for four years. He is currently a visiting lecturer in mathematics who earned his B.S. from Clemson University, his M.S. from University of Northern Colorado and his Ph.D. from Auburn University.

Mary Ruth Stone, assistant professor of education and the director of faculty development, earned her B.A. from the University of Arkansas, M.S. from Radford University, M.A. from the Church of God Theological Seminary and her Ed.D. from the University of Alabama. Stone has been employed with Lee in the past as the Director of Teacher Education, Director of Academic Advising, Associate Academic Dean and as a member of the faculty.

Timothy Miller, who specializes in metaphysics, philosophy of religion and early modern philosophy, is now an assistant professor of philosophy. He earned his B.A. from Cedarville University, his M.A. from Trinity International University and his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.

“One of my first impressions is that Lee strikes me as an extremely friendly place. I’ve just had a lot of people who have gone out of their way to welcome me. I think that says a lot about the culture here,” Miller said.