Sept. 4, 2007

New Faculty Join University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is pleased to announce new faculty members for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Dr. Robert Doan, professor of elementary and early childhood education, holds a bachelor of science, master of arts in education and a doctorate in elementary education and reading, all from Ball State University. He has had experience as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He taught at Indiana University and the University of South Alabama and he is presently one of five directors on the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs.

Dr. John Talmage, professor of sociology, holds a bachelor of arts from Jacksonville Sate University, bachelor of divinity and a doctorate in sociology from The University of Florida. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister who comes to the University of Mobile from Gadsden, Ala., where he recently served as supply pastor. He has extensive experience in academia, the ministry, and private practice in therapy and counseling.

Dr. Troy Henderson, assistant professor of math, holds bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from the University of Alabama. He completed his doctoral studies at Texas A & M University. Previously he held the position of assistant professor of math at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He has received many awards such as the AUF Scholar in September of 2004, and NSF VIGRE Research Assistant Fellow in September of 2003.

Dr. Allanda Small, assistant professor of music, holds a bachelor of music in vocal performance from William Carey University, master of music in vocal performance and pedagogy and doctoral in musical arts in vocal performance from The University of Southern Mississippi. She has served as a graduate teaching assistant in voice at the University of Southern Mississippi and most recently as a private voice instructor at William Carey University. Dr. Small has been a featured soloist in concerts at Jackson Sate University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University. She has also performed in several operas at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Shanda Bishop, associate professor of nursing, holds a bachelor of science in nursing from The University of South Alabama, and a master of science in nursing from the University of Mobile. She previously served as an instructor in nursing at The University of West Florida where she specialized in maternal/newborn and pediatric nursing.

Mihaela Buhaicuiuc, assistant professor of music, holds bachelor of music and master of music degrees from State University of New York at Stony Brook. She is currently working toward her doctor of musical arts, also from State University of New York at Stony Brook. In addition to the many teaching assignments she has held, she toured professionally from 1996-2000 throughout Romania with Satu-Mare Philharmonic Orchestra; and in 2001 toured Western Europe with Brasov National Opera House. She has received many awards for academic excellence and high musical achievement in Romania and was awarded a teaching assistantship and full-scholarship at State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Phillip Counselman, assistant professor of art, holds a bachelor of art from the University of Mobile, bachelor of fine arts from the University of South Alabama and mater’s of fine art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He previously served at Tuskegee University as an instructor of art and as a visiting lecturer at Winston-Salem State University. He is a 2001 graduate of the University of Mobile. His specialty is painting. He has also participated in numerous exhibitions and received many awards, including first place in the Craven Art Gallery Juried Exhibition in Newbern, N.C. In addition to painting, he is also a sculptor and printmaker, using a variety of media.

Amy Taylor, assistant professor of economics and business, holds a bachelor in business administration from the University of South Alabama, a master in business education and master in business administration from Mississippi College. She has held adjunct teaching positions at Faulkner University and Faulkner State Community College.

Mark Habib, instructor of applied music, holds a bachelor of music from the University of South Alabama, and a master of music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He has served as an adjunct instructor in applied music for the guitar at the University of Mobile for nine years. He has taught all styles of guitar playing and has participated in classical guitar competitions. He was also first place winner in the Pinebelt Competition, judged by Jorge Morel, one of the world’s leading guitarists. He also won the Music Teacher’s National Association competition for the state of Mississippi. He has served as guitar instructor at Spring Hill College, University of South Alabama, and Semmes Christian Academy.

Kathryn Partin, instructor in nursing, holds an associate degree in nursing from the University of Mobile, a bachelor of science from the University of St. Francis, and a master of science also from the University of Mobile. Partin has had 30 years of nursing experience including case management for Directions Management Services in Mobile from 2002-2005, and Providence Hospital from 2001-2006. She also worked as a utilization/clinical care coordinator for Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Alabama from 1995-2001.

By Jeni Coale, freshman, public relations writer