Weaving New Threads
Welcoming Austin College’s Largest New Faculty Cohort in Recent History
By Tori Walters
Each fall, the arrival of a new cohort of students brings an exciting energy to campus. As faculty, staff, and returning students welcome first-years to ’RooNation, it is a time filled with promise. How will these new students fold in and become part of the fabric of Austin College? How will their unique gifts contribute to and shape our campus community? Many of these same questions were sparked this fall by the arrival of a different cohort of new ’Roos—the largest group of new faculty in recent history.
This moment is more than a transition; it’s an infusion of fresh ideas and approaches. These 14 talented educators have joined the College to replace retiring and departing faculty, bringing with them a renewed energy and dedication to the close-knit academic community for which Austin College is renowned. Each of these individuals represents a new story, a new perspective, and a commitment to the College’s mission of supporting student-centered learning.
Dr. Beth Gill, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, shared her enthusiasm for this milestone, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome these 14 exceptional faculty members to our Austin College family! Each of them brings unique expertise and a passion for teaching that will enrich the academic experiences of our students. They embody the College’s tradition of fostering close, engaging, and challenging interactions that are the hallmark of our small-class environment.”
By joining Austin College, these faculty members are stepping into a tradition of excellence, where cultivating close relationships with students is paramount. Their arrival reflects Austin College’s ongoing dedication to nurturing an environment where students can thrive through meaningful connections with their professors. Their contributions will uphold and further the College’s legacy of offering an encouraging and individualized educational journey.
“While my first semester as AC faculty was a whirlwind of new faces, challenges, and student engagement, AC provided a solid foundation comprised of a welcoming collegial work environment, motivated students eager for research experience, and diverse professional opportunities,” said new faculty member Dr. Thomas Stidham, Associate Professor of Biology. “Looking forward, I am enthusiastic about integrating my diverse scientific and international teaching and research interests with the rich fabric of the AC community from leading students in their research discoveries of ancient fossils to being stunned by dazzling birds and other biological wonders around the world.”
Dr. Ryan Felix, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Faculty Executive Committee, shared his enthusiasm regarding the newest cohort of faculty, “We are all excited to have such an outstanding group of new colleagues. Their energy and fresh perspectives have already started to reinvigorate conversations across campus, and we look forward to the ways they will contribute to our students’ success.”
These new faculty will tie together key threads of the institution by inspiring students, collaborating with colleagues, and enriching the broader academic and local community. Their arrival signifies a reaffirmation of what makes Austin College unique—a vibrant tapestry where every student is woven into a supportive community, finding mentorship and inspiration both in the classroom and beyond.
The new faculty members represent a variety of disciplines—anthropology, art, biology, business administration, data science, economics, education, engineering, English, medical science, music, public health, sociology, and Spanish—enriching the academic landscape of Austin College.
The new faculty members represent a variety of disciplines—anthropology, art, biology, business administration, data science, economics, education, engineering, English, medical science, music, public health, sociology, and Spanish—enriching the academic landscape of Austin College.