Phoenix, AZ – June 24, 2024 – Arizona Christian University (ACU) is pleased to announce the hiring of seven distinguished professors who will join the faculty for the 2024-2025 academic year. This new cohort of educators brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for teaching, further enhancing ACU’s commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth.
New Faculty Members:
- Joshua Blander: Before arriving at Arizona Christian University, Josh Blander taught philosophy for 12 years at The King’s College in New York City. He completed his Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), after earning an M.A. in philosophy at Biola University and majoring in political science at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Blander is the inaugural director of ACU’s soon-to-be launched Honors College.
- Mark Duplissis: Dr. Duplissis brings a wealth of professional experience to ACU, most recently serving many years as the Assistant Superintendent/HR Director of the J.O. Combs Unified School District in San Tan Valley. Dr. Duplissis will be taking on the role of Executive Director of Adult Education and assisting ACU in building out certificate programs, among other entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Dr. Joisah Igono: Dr. Igono is an accomplished performance specialist and has worked recently for the Texas Rangers as Director of Peak Performance. He has his PhD in Performance Psychology and will add new academic program opportunities for ACU’s students, teaching courses in psychology and kinesiology.
- Mischa Willett: A renowned scholar in literature and creative writing, Dr. Willett will inspire students with his extensive work in poetry, literature, and the humanities, fostering a vibrant literary community on campus. Dr. Willett most recently served at Seattle Pacific University and is excited about working with students and teaching them to write winsomely and with excellence.
- Karen Nishie: Professor Nishie has an established history of excellent teaching in Christian higher education both at Vanguard University and more recently at Arizona Christian University. Joining the Business Department, she will focus on developing the communication class that is part of ACU’s core curriculum so that we can continue to help students navigate a world with ever increasing options for connecting with others.
- Charlie Loftus: An experienced criminologist and public safety expert, Dr. Loftus will enhance ACU’s criminal justice program, providing students with practical knowledge and skills essential for careers in law enforcement and public safety. In addition, Dr. Loftus will be working with the faculty to develop graduate program opportunities for those who want to advance their careers in public service.
- Philip Nation: Dr. Nation is a Vice President at HarperCollins Christian Publishing where he is the Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. He will join ACU as a University Fellow and will work with students and faculty in visits to Glendale.
“As we continue to grow in size and academic reputation, we are thrilled to welcome these exceptional educators to Arizona Christian University,” said ACU President Len Munsil. “Each of these new faculty members brings unique talents and perspectives that will greatly benefit our students and the broader ACU community. Their dedication to academic excellence and biblical truth and worldview development aligns perfectly with our mission.” Dr. Adam Rasmussen, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities commented that “This incoming cohort of professors will bless the faculty and students at Arizona Christian University. Each professor is a mature Christian with proven academic acumen and relevant field experience in his or her respective discipline. In addition, all of them know how to communicate knowledge in a vibrant way in the classroom. It is going to be an exciting year!”
The new faculty members will begin their service at ACU in the fall of 2024, joining a dynamic team committed to providing a transformative education that equips students to transform culture with truth.
About Arizona Christian University: Arizona Christian University is an award-winning, culturally and theologically conservative university where students and their professors are serious about deepening their Christian faith, and where relationships and community matter most. If you seek a university that is courageously Christian, then Arizona Christian University is the place for you.
For more information about Arizona Christian University and its programs, visit www.arizonachristian.edu.
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