As Lindenwood University begins a new academic year, the University is pleased to welcome a talented group of new faculty members whose commitment to putting students first will be on display in classrooms across campus. With experts in sports media, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, scenic design, and topological data analysis, the faculty bring unique perspectives and ideas to the Lindenwood campus.
Steven Calicutt, MBA
Assistant Professor of CybersecurityFrom St. Louis, Mo., Calicutt specializes in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville University and an MBA from Webster University. After teaching cybersecurity at Lindenwood as an adjunct instructor for several years, Calicutt said he was drawn to the opportunity to make a greater impact on students pursuing careers in cybersecurity and AI. He is excited to begin this new chapter as part of the Lindenwood community.
Jennifer Daye, EdD
Assistant Professor of NursingFrom Chesterfield, Mo., Daye brings experience in nursing and higher education leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and a Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University. Daye said she is energized to join Lindenwood’s nursing faculty, where she will mentor and educate the next generation of nursing professionals. She looks forward to sharing her academic and clinical experience while contributing to Lindenwood’s mission, vision, and values.
Sarah Huisman, PhD
Associate Professor of Educational LeadershipCalling Payson, Az., home, Huisman joins the Lindenwood community in the Educational Leadership program. With specialization in research methods, Huisman chose Lindenwood “because of its commitment to preparing the next generation of educators and leaders to make a meaningful difference in their schools and communities,” she said. “I became a professor because I love helping students connect new ideas to their own experiences and use what they learn to create positive change.” Huisman holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Northern Arizona University, a master’s from National University, and a PhD in Teaching and Learning from University of Missouri-St. Louis
Christopher Hunt, PhD
Visiting Faculty of Art History and Visual CultureA Salt Lake City native, Hunt joins Lindenwood with a focus on nineteenth-century French and British art, contemporary art, and visual culture. His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in art history from the University of Iowa, and a PhD in art history and archeology from Washington University in St. Louis. Drawn to Lindenwood’s commitment to teaching, student success, and the humanities, Hunt looks forward to helping students think critically about art, history, and visual culture.
Joshua D. Koenig, PhD
Associate Professor of History, Department HeadKoenig comes to Lindenwood from Quincy, Ill., with expertise in public history, history of the American West, American environmental history, and Native American history. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and his PhD from Western Michigan University. Koenig said he is excited to join “the community of ideas at Lindenwood” and looks forward to engaging with the community and working with students.
Jesse J. Lee, PhD
Assistant Professor of Religion and University ChaplainOriginally from Novi, Mich., Lee specializes in American religious history. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Florida State University. Lee said religion has always been an essential part of his life and family history, and he looks forward to exploring with the Lindenwood community how religion has brought meaning and direction to individuals and societies.
Katie MacLean, MSW, LCSW
Assistant Professor of Social WorkMacLean, originally from Oshkosh, Wis., specializes in social work with older adults. She earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, history, and religious studies and a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University. MacLean said she loves showing students the wide range of work social workers do, from youth services to hospice care, and nearly everything in between. She believes it is important for new social workers to enter the field with a strong foundation so they can continue helping others in a positive way.
Theo Plothe, PhD
Assistant Professor of CommunicationsFrom Decatur, Ind., Plothe specializes in sports media. He earned his PhD in communications from American University, where his dissertation focused on participatory media, digital games, remix, and gamespace. Plothe said he is a “builder by nature” and looks forward to building something special at Lindenwood. His teaching connects theory with practical work in content creation, editing, social media analysis, and feature photography.
Zachariah Ross, PhD
Assistant Professor of MathematicsFrom Big Sandy, Tenn., Ross specializes in topological data analysis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee at Martin, a master’s degree in mathematics from Middle Tennessee State University, and a PhD in mathematics from the University of Florida. Ross said he became a professor because he enjoys seeing students experience “Eureka!” moments when learning challenging material. He looks forward to helping students discover the beauty of mathematics, especially calculus and topology.
Rachel Seabaugh, MFA
Assistant Professor of TheaterA Lake St. Louis, Mo., native, Seabaugh brings expertise in scenic design and props management to Lindenwood’s theatre program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Truman State University and an MFA in scenic design from Northern Illinois University. Seabaugh said she is excited to join a community committed to hands-on learning and student success, and she hopes to create a collaborative classroom where students feel empowered to experiment, solve problems, and grow as artists.
Troy Simpson, MS
Instructor of Human ResourcesFrom Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Simpson specializes in human resources. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in organizational management from Cumberland University. Simpson is also completing a PhD in human capital development at the University of Southern Mississippi. He said Lindenwood stood out because its mission and values align with his commitment to student-centered, applied scholarship.
Stacy Wittenauer, MAT
Visiting Faculty of Curriculum and InstructionA St. Charles, Mo., educator, Wittenauer earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bradley University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University. After working as an elementary teacher in the St. Charles area and later as a Lindenwood adjunct, Wittenauer said she was impressed by the quality of Lindenwood graduates and wanted to become part of the University community. She looks forward to helping future educators teach literacy through evidence-based practice and seeing teacher candidates grow in confidence as they work with children.