Celebrating Faculty Achievement

On February 2, the Ursinus College Board of Trustees approved—effective July 1, 2024—the tenure of six faculty members, with five assistant professors also earning promotions to associate professor.

One current associate professor was also granted tenure.

“The professional milestones of each faculty member underscore their contributions to our mission and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship and creative works, and service to the college, their profession, and the common good,” President Robyn Hannigan said.

The five assistant professors promoted to associate professor and granted tenure are:

Glenda Chao, history; Jennifer King, biology; Olena Kozhushkina, math, computer science, and statistics; Kassie Martin-Wells, physics; and Olga Nicoara, business and economics.

Shannon Zura, associate professor of theater and dance in design and technology, was also granted tenure.

“The accomplishments of these professors exemplify the best of the teacher-scholar model that forms the bedrock of Ursinus College’s national recognition as a premier liberal arts college,” said Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Campus Life Gundolf Graml.

“By involving students in their research projects, sharing their scholarship with the larger community in innovative ways, and contributing to the ongoing innovation of interdisciplinary curricula these colleagues demonstrate what it means to educate thinkers and doers. I am proud of their work and join President Hannigan in congratulating the recipients,” he said.

Special thanks to the promotion and tenure committee and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Heather Lobban-Viravong for stewarding this year’s candidate files.