Our faculty are eager to share their expertise as well as their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and servant leadership through Concordia’s uncompromising Christian mission.
Brian Altevogt
Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7483
Email: brian.altevogt@cuaa.edu
Education
- DMA - Music Performance - Conducting, University of Michigan (2009)
Amber Giacomazzi
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7463
Email: amber.giacomazzi@cuaa.edu
Bio
Amber received her B.S. in Kinesiology-Athletic Training from CSU, Fresno and her M.S. in Kinesiology from CSU, Fullerton. Prior to coming to Ann Arbor, she was an adjunct instructor and certified athletic trainer at Fullerton College.
Education
- MS - Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton (2008)
- BS - Kinesiology, California State University, Fresno (2006)
Research Interests
- Concussions in hockey
- Skin infections in the wrestling population
Teaching Interests
- Athletic Training
- Strength and Conditioning
R.S. Hill
Assistant Professor
Email: robert.hill1@cuaa.edu
Bio
Dr. Hill teaches history, with a concentration in United States social and cultural history. His research interests include the history of gender and the family and the scholarship of teaching and learning history.
Education
- Ph D - American history and culture, University of Michigan (2007)
- MA - American Studies, University of Alabama (1999)
- BA - English, University of Southern Mississippi (1997)
Research Interests
- Gender roles over time
- History of the family
Teaching Interests
- United States History
- Western Civilization
Theodore J. Hopkins
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7480
Email: theodore.hopkins@cuaa.edu
Bio
I am a husband and father, pastor and professor. I began teaching at Concordia University, Ann Arbor in 2015.
Education
- Ph D - Doctrinal Theology, Concordia Seminary (2016)
- M Div - Theology, Concordia Seminary (2011)
- BS - Physics, Valparaiso University (2007)
Karen B. Jones
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7532
Email: karen.jones@cuaa.edu
Education
- EdS - Curriculum & Practice, University of Michigan (2017)
- MA - Education, University of Michigan (2005)
- BA - Mathematics Secondary Education, Concordia College Ann Arbor (1994)
Research Interests
- College -level math readiness
- Effective teaching of math Common Core State Standards
Teaching Interests
- Mathematics
- Elementary Math Methods
Georgia Kreiger
Academic Coordinator, Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7513
Email: georgia.kreiger@cuaa.edu
Bio
My lifelong passion for language and artistic expression has brought me to Concordia University, where I share my love of the literary with our students.
Education
- Ph D - English Literature, West Virginia University (2006)
- MA - English Literature, West Virginia University (1998)
- BS - English, Frostburg State University (1995)
Michelle Kuzma MS, AT, ATC
Instructor
Office: Ann Arbor North Building 262
Phone: (734) 995-7481
Email: michelle.kuzma@cuaa.edu
Bio
Michelle Kuzma teaches Exercise Science and Athletic Training courses within the Health and Human Performance department. Her research focuses on concussion management and recognition within the return-to-learn process.
Education
- MS - Physical Education/Exercise Science, Eastern Kentucky University (2015)
- BS - Athletic Training, Saginaw Valley State University (2013)
Research Interests
- Return to Learn Concussion Management
- Communication between athletic trainers and educational professionals
Teaching Interests
- Athletic Training
- Emergency Care
Mark Looker
Program Director, Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7389
Email: mark.looker@cuaa.edu
Bio
Mark Looker teaches courses in English Literature as well as urban studies and 20th century arts and culture. He is the author of articles and books on 19th and 20th century literature and culture.
Education
- Ph D - English Language and Literature, University of Michigan (1984)
- MA - English Language and Literature, Washington University in St. Louis (1974)
- BA - English, Concordia University Chicago (1973)
Research Interests
- Mapping Modernism (current project)
- Literature of the Caribbean
Teaching Interests
- English Literature
- World Literature
Jessica K. Luckhardt
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7479
Email: jessica.luckhardt@cuaa.edu
Education
- Ph D - Human Science, Saybrook Univeristy
- MA - English, East Carolina University (2010)
- BS - Sociology, Eastern Michigan University (2002)
Alex D. Martin
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7517
Email: alex.martin3@cuaa.edu
Education
- Ph D - Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (2015)
- BS - Chemistry, University of Michigan (2009)
Research Interests
- Organic Synthesis
- Pharmaceutical Process Development
Teaching Interests
- Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Neal E. Migan
Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7512
Email: neal.migan@cuaa.edu
Bio
B.A. English: Michigan State University (1993); M.A. English: Michigan State University (1998); Ph.D., Seventeenth-Century British Literature: Purdue University (2004)
Education
- Ph D - Seventeenth-Century British Literature, Purdue University (2004)
- MA - Literature of Early Modern England and the English Renaissance, Michigan State University (1998)
- BA - Literature in English, Michigan State University (1993)
Research Interests
- John Donne
- Seventeenth-Century British Poetry
Teaching Interests
- Shakespeare
- Early Modern British Literature
Timothy Neal
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7463
Email: timothy.neal@cuaa.edu
Bio
Timothy Neal is an assistant professor in health and human performance, and is the program director of athletic training education. He is very active in scholarship, policy writing, and task forces for the NCAA and the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Education
- MS - Health Education, Syracuse University (1981)
- BS - Health Education, Ohio University (1979)
Research Interests
- Athletic training
- Risk management
Teaching Interests
- Athletic training
- Liability in sports medicine
Christopher J. Niemiec
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7591
Email: chris.niemiec@cuaa.edu
Education
- MA - Art Education, Art Academy of Cincinnati (2004)
- BA - Fine Arts, Hillsdale College (1997)
- BA - Post BA Teacher Certification in Art Education, Eastern Michigan University (2007)
Research Interests
- Art Education & Art History
Teaching Interests
- 3D studio courses: 3D Design & Sculpture
- Interior Design
Stephen E. Parrish
Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7528
Email: stephen.parrish@cuaa.edu
Bio
I have an M.A. and Ph.D. from Wayne State, and have been at Concordia since 1999. I am married to Dr. Elenn' Parrish, and have 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren.
Education
- Ph D - Philosophy, Wayne State University (1991)
- MA - Philosophy, Wayne State University (1984)
- BS - Biology, Eastern Michigan University (1975)
- Liberal Arts, Schoolcraft College (1972)
- Library Science, The University of Michigan (1979)
Research Interests
- Philosophy of Religion
- Philosophy of Mind
Teaching Interests
- History of Philosophy
- Moral Philosophy
Elizabeth M. Peckham
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7369
Email: elizabeth.peckham@cuaa.edu
Bio
Elizabeth Peckham teaches pharmacology, pathophysiology, genetics, zoology and ecology of the tropics. Her research focuses on endocrine disruption and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Education
- Ph D - Pharmacology, University of Michigan (2005)
- BS - Biology, Ashland University (1999)
Research Interests
- Teaching and learning
- Endocrine disruptors
Teaching Interests
- Biomedical Sciences
- Genetics
Philip W. Penhallegon
Associate Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7361
Email: phil.penhallegon@cuaa.edu
Bio
Phil Penhallegon teaches Biblical Languages and Bible Content, especially Hebrew and Old Testament. He is currently researching and writing about the Book of Esther.
Education
- Ph D - Biblical Studies, Concordia Seminary St. Louis (2012)
- BA - Communication, Concordia College, Ann Arbor (1991)
- Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (1998)
Research Interests
- Book of Esther
- Book of Nehemiah
Teaching Interests
- Biblical Hebrew
- Biblical Greek
William M. Perrine
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7232
Email: william.perrine@cuaa.edu
Education
- Ph D - Music Education, Indiana University (2015)
- BA - Music Education, Transylvania University (1997)
- Wind Band Conducting, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2004)
Research Interests
- Philosophy of Music Education
- Public Policy & Music Education
Teaching Interests
- Directing Instrumental Music
- Music Education
Ryan Peterson
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7596
Email: ryan.peterson@cuaa.edu
Bio
Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson serves as Campus Pastor/Assistant Professor of Theology. He oversees the worship life of the campus and teaches The Bible, Christian Faith, and other theology courses.
Education
- D Min - Leadership and Ministry Management, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2017)
- M Div - Theology, Concordia Seminary (2007)
- BA - Pastoral Ministry/Theological Languages, Concordia University Wisconsin (2003)
Research Interests
- Leadership and Ministry Management
- Missions and Evangelism
Teaching Interests
- The Bible
- Christian Faith/Christian Doctrine
Jonathan Reasor
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7474
Email: jonathan.reasor@cuaa.edu
Bio
Jonathan Reasor is a professor of Anatomy and Physiology. His research interests focus on learning and memory from the cellular and behavioral perspective. He investigates the effects of sleep on learning and memory acquisition.
Education
- Ph D - Biological Science, Meharry Medical School (2003)
- BS - Biology , University of Alabama at Brimingham (1992)
Research Interests
- Synaptic Physiology
- Learning and Memory
Teaching Interests
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Basic Biology
James L. Refenes
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7594
Email: James.Refenes@cuaa.edu
Bio
James Refenes teaches biology, environmental and science philosophy courses. He also serves as the Science Dept. Chair on the Ann Arbor campus.
Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University (2016)
- MS - Biology, Eastern Michigan University (2010)
- BA - Life Science, Concordia River Forest (1981)
Research Interests
- Higher Education Operations
Teaching Interests
- Science Philosophy
- Creation Science
Charles R. Schulz S.T.M., M.A. (History of Christianity), M.A. (Classics), M.Div.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7384
Email: charles.schulz@cuaa.edu
Bio
Professor Schulz, Pre-seminary Director, loves helping students realize God's calling. At Concordia since 2001, he also served as pastor of St. Thomas (2005-2014). His hobbies include running, travel, and German.
Education
- M Div - Concordia Seminary (1996)
- MA - Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity, University of Virginia (2004)
- MA - Classical Languages, Washington Univeristy (1998)
- BA - General Science, Concordia University (1990)
- Exegesis, Concordia Seminary (1998)
Research Interests
- Patristics (Church Fathers)
- Theology of the Lord's Supper
Teaching Interests
- Greek
- Church History
Jeffery M. Schwehm
Associate Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7420
Email: jeffery.schwehm@cuaa.edu
Education
- Ph D - Chemistry, University of Arkansas (1999)
- BS - Chemistry, Southeastern Louisiana University (1993)
Research Interests
- Chemistry Education
- Protein Aggregation
Teaching Interests
- General Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Lance M. Shultz
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7518
Email: lance.shultz@cuaa.edu
Bio
Microbiologist educator in the Ann Arbor area. Interests include education of undergraduate students in pre-nursing and biology programs.
Education
- MS - Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan (2014)
- BS - Biology, Grand Valley State University (2009)
Research Interests
- Biofilm development and control of E. coli motility through c-di-GMP
- Microbiology education
Teaching Interests
- Microbiology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
Kristin M. Shuman Ed.D., RSCC, CSCS
Assistant Professor
Office: Ann Arbor North Building 265
Phone: (734) 995-7492
Email: kristin.shuman@cuaa.edu
Bio
Dr. Shuman joined the faculty of CUAA in August 2017. She currently heads the undergraduate Exercise Science program (BS) and the implementation of the programs curriculum. Prior to CUAA, Dr. Shuman was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Idaho State University, where she designed, implemented, tested, and evaluated over 300 student-athletes. Her experience in the weight room, as well as the copious amount of time spent performing research in the Human Performance Lab has translated directly into the classroom. A Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC), a well deserved recognition, as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), both through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, makes Dr. Shuman the resident expert on sport performance and injury prevention.
Education
- EDD - Educational Leadership , Idaho State University (2017)
- MPE - Athletic Administration, Idaho State University (2011)
- BS - Sports Medicine, Eastern Michigan University (2008)
Contributions
- Shuman, K. (2018). Considerations for Female Athletes. Principles of Athletic Strength and Conditioning: The Foundations of Success in Training and Developing the Complete Athlete. Plymouth, Michigan : International Youth Conditioning Association.
- Shuman, K. & Appleby, K. (2016). Gender Preference? National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Student-Athletes and Strength and Conditioning Coaches 30 (10, pp. 10). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
- Meyers, M., Miller, K. & Shuman, K., (2016). Incidence and Severity of Upper Extremity High School Football Trauma on Artificial versus Natural Grass 48 Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
- Shuman, K. & Meyers, M. (2015). Skateboarding injuries: An updated review 43 (3, pp. 3). The Physician and Sportsmedicine.
Research Interests
- Epidemiology of Sport Injury
- Performance-based Measures
Teaching Interests
- Exercise Physiology
- Strength and Conditioning
Christopher C. Stark
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7417
Email: christopher.stark@cuaa.edu
Bio
Dr. Stark joined the faculty of Concordia University in 2014. When not busy teaching or researching, Dr. Stark enjoys spending time with his extraordinary wife Rachael. They have one daughter, the beautiful Arianna.
Education
- Ph D - Psychology & Counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2012)
- MA - Marriage & Family Counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2006)
- MA - Christian Education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2006)
- MS - Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Texas A&M University (2003)
- BS - Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University (1998)
Research Interests
- Teaching of psychology
- Integrating Christianity into marriage counseling
Teaching Interests
- Counseling skills
- Research methods
Beth J. Steinkellner
Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7358
Email: beth.steinkellner@cuaa.edu
Education
- MFA - Painting, Northern Illinois University (1996)
- BA - Studio Art, State University of New York (1972)
Glenda Waterman
Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7383
Email: glenda.waterman@cuaa.edu
Education
- MS - Public Address, Eastern Michigan University
- BS - Speech and Drama, Eastern Michigan University
Scott E. Yakimow Ph.D., M.A., M.Div., B.S.M.E.
Professor
Office: Krieger 114
Phone: (734) 995-7411
Email: scott.yakimow@cuaa.edu
Bio
Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow arrived at Concordia University Ann Arbor after spending five years as a mechanical engineer working in hydraulics, another four as a missionary in both East Africa and Morocco, and five years as an Associate Professor at Concordia - Portland. His academic interests cover the areas of philosophical theology and comparative religion. Most specifically, he is interested in scriptural logics, particularly those exhibited by pre-modern Christian exegesis, contemporary Lutheran theology, and medieval Islamic tafsir, analyzing them through the thought of the American philosopher, Charles S. Peirce and the contemporary Jewish philosopher, Peter Ochs. This interest leads him to investigate such diverse areas such as Lutheran confessional theology, pragmatic philosophy, ethics, scriptural exegesis and Islam. Scott is married to Miriam, and they have five children together. His interests include enjoying his family, mountain biking, hiking, reading, and traveling.
Education
- Ph D - Comparative Scripture, Interpretation, and Practice, University of Virginia (2014)
- M Div - Concordia Seminary (2004)
- MA - Comparative Scripture, Interpretation, and Practice, University of Virginia (2011)
- MA - Islamic Studies, Luther Seminary (1999)
- BS - Mechanical Engineering, Valparaiso University (1994)
- Valparaiso University (1994)
Research Interests
- Biblical Interpretation / Hermeneutics
- Theology and Science
Teaching Interests
- Philosophical Theology
- Scriptural Pragmatism