Faculty & Staff | College of Arts & Sciences

College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Dawn Weber

Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
202, Center for the Arts
419.289.5107 / dweber1@ashland.edu

In her 11th year as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences where she oversees undergraduate and graduate programs in the fine and performing arts, humanities, social sciences and STEM fields
Also housed within the college are the Center for Addictions, Center for Community Research and Evaluation Services, Center for International Collaborative Research, Center for Nonviolence, the Coburn Gallery, the Core Curriculum, five environmental preserves, the Hugo Young Theatre, AUTV 20, WRDL, the Ashland Poetry Press, and the Writing Center
Prior to joining AU, served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Marymount Manhattan College (2002-2008) and Associate Dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Central Michigan University (1997-2002)

Education

Bowling Green State University, Ph.D. in Communication
Central Michigan University, M.A. and B.S. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication

Dr. David Aune

Associate Professor of Religion
10, Rinehart Center for Religious Studies
419.289.5238 / daune@ashland.edu
Department of Religion

Joined Ashland University in 1996 and teaches courses such as Exploring the Bible, Exploring World Religions, Life and Letters of Paul, Understanding Islam, Advanced New Testament (The Gospels), Christian Literature, Footsteps of Paul in Greece (taught in Greece), The Legacy of Paul and Peter in Italy (taught in Italy), and Luther & the German Reformation (taught in Germany)
Research interests include nonviolence in early Christian literature and inter-religious dialogue
Ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has served as pastor for UCC and Lutheran churches in Florida, Rhode Island and Ohio
Before coming to Ashland, taught part time at a number of colleges in New England, including Providence College, Wesleyan University and Eastern Connecticut State University.

Education

Brown University, Ph.D. in the History of Religions: early Christianity
Regent College, Th.M. in New Testament
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, M.Div.
University of Vermont, B.A. in English Literature

Dr. Robert Bergosh

Associate Professor of Chemistry
422 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5871 / rbergosh@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics

Joined Ashland University in 2005 and area of expertise is organic chemistry
Teaches courses and labs in general chemistry, molecular architecture and organic chemistry

Education

University of Kentucky, Ph.D. in Organic/Materials Chemistry
Kentucky Wesleyan College, B.S. in Chemistry and Biology

Michael Bird

Professional Instructor of Digital Art and Graphic Design
236, Center for the Arts
419.289.5153 / mbird2@ashland.edu
Department of Art + Design

Joined Ashland University in 2015 and teaches courses in Digital Art and Graphic Design

fine art website:
http://michael-bird.com

graphic design website:
http://graffikworx.com

Education

University of Kansas, MFA
Emporia State University, BFA

Dr. Rowland Blackley

Director of Choral Activities, Professor of Music, Coordinator of Music Education
209, Center for the Arts
419.289.5114 / rblackle@ashland.edu
Department of Music

Joined Ashland University in 1997; supervises all aspects of the choral program and teaches in the areas of conducting and music education

Conducts the University Choir and Chamber Singers and also founded the Ashland Area Chorus
Has served as conductor and music director for several Ashland University theatrical productions
Taught and conducted at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Lindsey Wilson College, Kent State University and high schools in Ohio and Colorado
Organized and led choirs on several domestic and international tours
Serves as Music Director at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ashland and is an Associate of the American Guild of Organists
Member of the National Association for Music Education, Dalcroze Society of America, and a life member of the American Choral Directors Association
Popular clinician and adjudicator (vocal, choral, piano). Has over 30 choral compositions published with Southern Music Company and RBC Music

Education

University of Colorado, D.M.A in Literature and Performance of Choral Music
Kent State University, Master of Music
Concordia College, B.S.

Dr. Diane Bonfiglio

Associate Professor of Psychology
145, Dwight Schar College of Education
419.289.5859 / dbonfigl@ashland.edu
Department of Psychology

Joined Ashland University in 2009
Teaches courses in introductory psychology, adolescence and health psychology
Specializes in health psychology. Her particular areas of interest include the relationship between social support and health; psychological factors in solid organ transplantation; and flow

Education

The Ohio State University, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
The Ohio State University, M.A. in Psychology
Ashland University, B.S. in Psychology

Dr. Steven Boyer

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry
130, Kettering Science Building
419.289.5497 / sboyer5@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics

Joined Ashland University in 2017
Current research interest is developing new catalysts to degrade organic pollutants

Education

State University of New York at Binghamton, Ph.D.
Elizabethtown College, B.S. in Chemistry

Dr. Soren Brauner

Professor of Biology
322 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5275 / sbrauner@ashland.edu
Department of Biology & Toxicology , Environmental Science Program

Joined Ashland University in 1986 and teaches courses in plants and civilization, molecular and cellular basis of life, general botany, genetics, advanced genetics, environmental science seminar and issues in environmental science
Area of expertise is in plant genetics and evolution and recent work has involved the use of DNA markers as tools for genetic analysis in wild plants and in garden pea
Current research that involves students is examining genetic variation in populations of invasive reed canary grass in our 300-acre Black Fork Wetland Preserve

Education

University of California at Davis, Ph.D. in Genetics
University of California at Santa Barbara, M.A. in Botany and B.A. in Environmental Biology

Dr. Nigel Brush

Professor of Geology
421 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5271 / nbrush@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program

Joined Ashland University in 2000
Areas of research include geoarchaeology, dendrochronology and millennial-scale climate change events
Co-director of the Ashland/Wooster/Columbus Archaeological & Geological Consortium and former curator and co-founder of the Killbuck Valley Natural History Museum

Education

UCLA, Ph.D. in Anthropology
University of Southampton, M.A. in Archaeological Methods and Theory
Ohio State University, B.A. in Anthropology
Ph.D., Anthropology, UCLA
Cincinnati Bible College, B.S. in English Bible
Ohio State University and Akron University, Post-doctoral work in Geology

Dr. Christopher Burkett

Acting Chair, Department of History & Political Science, Associate Professor of Political Science, Co-Chair, Master of Arts in American History and Government
129, Andrews Hall
419.289.5686 / cburket1@ashland.edu
Department of History & Political Science

Joined Ashland University in 2005 and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in American political thought and institutions
Fields of expertise include the American founding, American foreign policy and political philosophy
Co-director of the Ashbrook Scholar Program
Named Outstanding Male Faculty Member of the Year in 2008
Received the Edward and Louaine Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011

Education

University of Dallas, Ph.D. in Politics, M.A. in Politics
Ashland University, B.A

Dr. Christopher Chartier

Associate Professor of Psychology, Founder/Director of the Psychological Science Accelerator
146, Dwight Schar College of Education
419.289.5342 / cchartie@ashland.edu
Department of Psychology

Joined Ashland University in 2013
Teaches courses in General Psychology I, Research Methods, Advanced Research Methods, and Social Psychology
Founder and Director of the Psychological Science Accelerator
Publishes research journals such as Science, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science
Research interests include tacit coordination and pro-social behavior. Currently studying how shared knowledge of group member traits influences the ease and efficiency with which small groups align their decisions and behaviors for maximal collective benefit

Education

Miami University, Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Miami University, M.A.
Indiana University, B.S. in Psychology

Maggie Cogar

Professional Instructor of Journalism and Digital Media
138, Center for the Arts
419.289.5355 / mcogar@ashland.edu
Department of Journalism & Digital Media

Joined Ashland University in 2016
Research areas of interest include scholastic media, censorship and journalistic pedagogy, while teaching areas include media writing, media law and ethics, media effects and mass communication theory
Active in the world of scholastic journalism and serves as an executive board member for the Ohio Scholastic Media Association and state director for the national Journalism Education Association
Taught high school journalism and advised an award-winning student newspaper, both in print and online, for five years
Experience as a freelance journalist in writing, photography and design

Education

Kent State University, PhD (ip), Communication & Information: Mass Media focus
Kent State University, MA, Journalism Education: Reporting and Editing
Kent State University, BA in Integrated Language Arts Education

Dr. Rebecca Corbin

Professor of Chemistry, Chair, Chemistry, Geology and Physics Department
423 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5268 / rcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics

Joined Ashland University in 2001
Named Outstanding Female Faculty Member of the Year in 2003
Received a national undergraduate teaching award from Iota Sigma Pi in 2007
Teaches analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and Natural Science Core courses.
Expertise includes mass spectrometry and chromatography

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ph.D.
Alderson-Broaddus College , B.S.

Dr. Perry Corbin

Professor of Chemistry
420 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5269 / pcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics

Joined Ashland University in 2001
Enjoys teaching a variety of courses – including general chemistry, molecular architecture, and organic chemistry -- as well as working with undergraduate students on research projects in the general areas of organic and polymer chemistry
Current research projects involving his students include the chemical synthesis and study of polymers that have potential for use in biomedical applications
Dr. Corbin was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award at Ashland University and a 2013-2014 recipient of an Ashland University academic mentor award

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ph.D. in Chemistry
Kentucky Wesleyan College, B.S. in Chemistry
University of Virginia, Post-doctoral Research

Dr. Dolly Crawford

Assistant Professor of Biology
325, Kettering Science Building
419.289.5942 / dcrawfo9@ashland.edu
Department of Biology & Toxicology , Environmental Science Program

Joined Ashland University in 2014 and teaches courses in anatomy and physiology, general biology, field zoology, geographical information systems and vertebrate biology
Students in the Crawford Lab explore a variety of questions related to wildlife ecology and animal physiology with the ultimate goal of research being to present and publish scientific studies that help “move the needle” on our understanding of animal ecology and physiology
Research conducted in lab is suited to student researchers that are pursuing careers in wildlife sciences, veterinary practice or human medicine -- testing hypotheses using the latest technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS) to map wild animal populations, GoPro video camera technology to record animal behavior and metabolic chambers to measure respiratory dynamics

Education

University of New Mexico, Ph.D. in Biology
University of Colorado – Boulder, M.S. in Museum & Field Studies
Mansfield University of Pa., B.A. in Biology

Dr. Doug Dawson

Professor of Biology/Toxicology
318 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5277 / ddawson2@ashland.edu
Department of Biology & Toxicology , Environmental Science Program

Joined Ashland University faculty in 1993
Currently teaches courses in anatomy and physiology, advanced human physiology, pharmacology and toxicology
Conducts research with students in area of toxicology

Education

Oklahoma State University, Ph.D. in Zoology, and M.S.
Transylvania University, B.A. in Biology

Alisha Dennis-Brinson

166, Dwight Schar College of Education
419.207.4994 / adennisb@ashland.edu

Joined Ashland University in 2020
Teaches courses in Addictions Counseling, Addictions Treatment Planning and Counseling, and Addictions Psychopharmacology
Has over 10 years of experience in mental health and addictions counseling, supervision, and administration
Is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S) and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Clinical Supervisor (LICDC-CS)

Education

Ashland Theological Seminary, D.Min
Ashland Theological Seminary, MA in Clinical Counseling
Ashland Theological Seminary, MA in Theology

Dr. Sue Dickson

Associate Professor of Religion
12, Rinehart Center for Religious Studies
419.289.5561 / sdickso2@ashland.edu
Department of Religion

Joined Ashland University faculty in 2007 and teaches primarily in the area of Practical Theology, including courses such as Exploring the Bible, Exploring World Religions, Short Term Missions, Advanced Old Testament, World Christianity, Christian Formation, and Christian Literature
Areas of academic emphasis: Missions, Social Justice, Short-term Missions, World Christianity, Gospel and Culture
Ordained Presbyterian minister; from 1986-2007 served as pastor in churches in the Midwest, Southwest, and Ohio
Taught religious studies from 1992-2004 at the University of Texas, El Paso
Has served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the local, regional, and national levels as Hunger Action Enabler, translator (Spanish/English), TESOL, immigrant ministries, and in Social Witness Policy development
Continues to serve as a mission co-worker in Short-term Missions internationally (East Africa, Latin America, Asia)

Education

Columbia Theological Seminary, D. Min.
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, M. Div.
Indiana University, B.A.

Dr. Hilary Donatini

Chair, English Department, Associate Professor of English
306, Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
419.289.5224 / hdonatin@ashland.edu
Department of English

Joined Ashland University faculty in 2007
Teaches courses such as history of English language, 18th-Century English literature, 17th-Century English literature, themes and topics in literature, studies in Shakespeare, The Poem, British Literature and Composition I and II
Research areas include British Literature 1660-1800, Historical and philosophical contexts for literature, Genre and form, and Histories and theories of satire and humor
Currently writing a book on the justices of the peace in 18th-century British literature. Other publications include: "'Something for an Executive': Satire in Terry Gilliam's Brazil." Quarterly Review of Film and Video 35.2 (2018): 119-36; "Smollett's Justices." The Age of Johnson: A Scholarly Annual 23 (2015): 273-300; “The Holy House of Loreto: Politics and Idolatry in the Long Eighteenth Century.” 1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era 21 (2014): 207-27; "Spotless Minds and Cultural Memory: Teaching Future Teachers in the United States." Digital Defoe: Studies in Defoe and His Contemporaries 5.1 (2013); “Moral and Medical Diagnosis in Maria Edgeworth’s Belinda.” The Eighteenth-Century Novel 8 (October 2011): 247-69; “A Partridge in the Family Tree: Fixity, Mobility, and Community in Tom Jones.” Eighteenth-Century Fiction 17.3 (April 2005): 349-72.
Taught at both UW-Madison and a UW branch campus before joining AU

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D. and M.A.
The College of Wooster, B.A.

Dr. Allyson Drinkard

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice/Sociology
147, Dwight Schar College of Education
419.289.5879 / adrinkar@ashland.edu
Criminal Justice and Sociology Department

Joined Ashland University faculty in 2017 and teaches courses in criminology and sociology.
Research interests include adolescent development, prosocial behavior and juvenile delinquency.
Prior to becoming a professor, worked for 10 years at a research institute, evaluating social service programs for juvenile delinquents.

Education

Kent State University, Ph.D. in Sociology; and M.A., B.A.

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