Office and People Directory

Van Dora Williams

Biography

Dr. Van Dora Williams brings over 30 years of industry experience as a journalist, documentary producer and researcher to the classroom and is dedicated to teaching the next generation of journalists, writers, audio and documentary producers. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Administration for the CCM Division and holds the rank of full professor as well. She co-created the Game Sound Design program by combining sound design and audio production courses with Game Studio courses and is currently its program director. She has earned multiple Emmy and Telly awards along with having her work seen on the PBS network and through multiple film festivals that include Sundance. She created content for the print, radio, video and web platforms for several years before moving into teaching at the higher education level. Her multiplatform storytelling experience provides her the flexibility to teach the tenets of journalism and storytelling through several mediums.
She believes in bringing real world experience to students within the classroom as well as outside of the classroom. As faculty, Williams co-led two international service-learning trips to The Gambia in West Africa and to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where students worked with local journalists and filmmakers to create two short films and three short documentaries. A few of those productions earned regional Student Production Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and were broadcast statewide on Vermont Public. In coordination with the College’s Special Collections and community organizations, she worked with her colleagues to gain funding from the Council of Independent Colleges’ Humanities for the Public Good. The grants allowed her to work with students on two documentaries titled Forget Me Not Vermont (2020), Outside the Fence (2023) and a website, Green Mountain Melodies, all examining the historical impact of culture on music and urban planning.
As a researcher Dr. Williams most recent work included serving as an archival researcher for the documentary, Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2017). She served as an associate producer on Banished (2008) as well as many local documentaries and news programs as a senior producer at WHRO, the PBS station in Norfolk, Virginia where she earned multiple Emmy and Telly awards. Some of her research and producing work include Church Street: Harlem of the South (1997, WHRO), Common Ground: Legacy of Race in Religion (1999, WHRO), Noble Desire (2001, WHRO), Century: 100 Years of Life in Hampton Roads (2001, WHRO), Matters of Race (2003, ROJA Productions), Citizen King (2004, ROJA Productions). In between working on historical documentaries, Dr. Williams earned her PhD in Communication in 2017. Her dissertation focused on the impact Birth of a Nation (1915) had on three Virginia communities. She published a chapter in two international peer reviewed edited books focusing on the film’s 100th anniversary as a controversial and groundbreaking film.
She continues to conduct archival research and produce compelling documentaries on the national and regional events of the Progressive Era that continue to have an impact on American culture and society.

Publications & Abstracts

Resisting The Birth of a Nation in Virginia

Standing their ground: A southern community’s response to The Birth of a Nation

The Growing Resistance: Virginia’s Response to The Birth of a Nation, 1915 – 1925

Curriculum Vitae

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Shawn Willis

Biography

Shawn Rooney Willis lives in Grand Isle, Vermont with her husband, Michael, and two Australian shepherd dogs that keep her actively walking and hiking daily. She has been a Science educator for 30 years, teaching in Vermont and also internationally in Zurich, Switzerland. Shawn has previously worked for Champlain College’s Continuing Professional Studies in the role of Associate Director for TAP (Teacher Apprenticeship Program).

Shawn’s studies in Biology began at the University of Vermont where she earned a Bachelor’s degree. After working in the field of nutritional biochemistry and environmental science, she decided to return to school. She attended Trinity and St. Michael’s College where earned a Master’s degree in Science education.
Shawn began teaching Science 140, “The Biology of Nutrition and Fitness” for CCO in 2022.

Distinctions & Awards

National Science Foundation Presenter for 3 years
NSTA convention
University of Vermont Outstanding Teacher Award

Publications & Abstracts

Engagers in Science

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

• Vt. State Teacher Licensure, Highly Qualified Status (for teaching Science)
• Vermont Agency of Education

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Eric Winebrenner

Biography

Eric Winebrenner has always been fascinated by videogames as a unique medium that combines art, design, and technology. A founding member of local Vermont game studios, he has shipped successful commercial independent games as well as educational games that make a meaningful positive impact on the world. As a teacher, he believes that programming is a skill that empowers students to forge their own future, and constantly strives to make it accessible through innovative pedagogy. He is particularly interested in realtime rendering, game engine architecture, UI/UX, and gameplay programming.

Favorite Quote

“You can’t learn everything, but you have to convince yourself that you can learn anything.”

—John Carmack

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Craig Winstead

Biography

Dr. Craig Winstead is a highly experienced and accomplished academic leader. His career has been a testament to his versatility, with significant corporate and scholarly contributions. In the corporate world, he honed his skills during his 12-year tenure at Verizon Communications, where he specialized in management. His expertise spanned sales, marketing, training, leadership, quality program management, and project management. In academia, he was a dedicated educator at Saint Leo University for 12 years, serving as a department chair for seven years.

His teaching experience encompasses various higher education levels, including undergraduate, MBA, and DBA programs. Notably, he was pivotal in developing project management, supply chain, and management programs at Saint Leo. He has served as the Dean of the Stiller School of Business at Champlain since 2023.

Dr. Winstead’s research interests focus on ethical decision-making, moral business leadership from an international perspective, technological advancements in higher education, and applying project management principles across various industries. He frequently speaks at academic and industry conferences and has published his work in reputable journals.

Dr. Winstead holds a PhD in Organizational Management from Capella University, an MS in Leadership and Business Ethics from Duquesne University, a master’s certificate from George Washington University, and a BA in Theater Arts from Bowdoin College. Additionally, he holds the highest certification, Project Management Professional (PMP), in his field.

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Kristin Wolf

Biography

Kristin Wolf is an associate professor at Champlain College where she teaches courses about environmental ethics, science and society, and landscape field methods. She is the director of the campus apiary which facilitates experiential learning opportunities for the Champlain and wider Burlington communities, fosters environmentally-responsible entrepreneurship with its student-run honey business, and organizes outreach and knowledge sharing with beekeeping communities in Peru and Colombia.

She holds a BS in Biology with a minor in International Studies from Penn State, an MS in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne University, and a PhD in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University.

Publications & Abstracts

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Mark Wolzenburg

Biography

Mark Wolzenburg is an E-learning and Curriculum Manager at 4imprint, a promotional products company based in Oshkosh, WI. His main duties include the creation and teaching of online training courses, leadership development, and curriculum development. Mark has been an instructor in the Champlain College online program since 2001, teaching a variety of courses such as Critical Inquiry The Writing Process, Interpersonal Communication, and Modern American Social History. In addition to teaching at Champlain College, Mark also used to teach at Vermont Technical College and the Community College of Vermont before relocating to Wisconsin in 2007.

Mark currently holds a master’s degree in English and History from the University of Wuppertal, Germany. His postgraduate research focuses on urban experience, in particular how literary characters perceive their urban environments.

In his free time, Mark enjoys to spend time with his family, which includes his wife Robin and his children Estelle, Finn, Andrew and Ethan. As an active musician, Mark likes to play guitar as much as possible and has released a variety of albums over the years.

Mark always encourages his students to read as much as possible and to explore what literature has to offer. Here is a list of recommended novels:

Truman Capote ““ In Cold Blood, The Grass Harp, Answered Prayers

Charles Bukowski ““ Ham on Rye, Post Office

Ernest Hemingway ““ The Sun Also Rises, A Moveable Feast

F. Scott Fitzgerald ““ The Great Gatsby

William S. Burroughs ““ Naked Lunch

Claude Brown ““ Manchild in the Promised Land

Brett Easton Ellis ““ Less Than Zero

Upton Sinclair ““ The Jungle

Arthur Conan Doyle ““ The Adventures of Sherlock Homes

Amy Tan ““ The Joy Luck Club

Tim O’Brien ““ The Things They Carried

William Gibson ““ Neuromancer

Aldous Huxley ““ Brave New World

George Orwell ““ 1984

Joan Didion ““ Miami

Luis Rodriguez ““ Always Running

Thomas Mann ““ Death in Venice

Toni Morrison ““ Jazz

Ralph Ellison ““ Invisible Man

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Katheryn Wright

Biography

Dr. Katheryn Wright is professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Digital Humanities. She is also the Director of Study Abroad. Dr. Wright earned her PhD and MA in Humanities from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL where she specialized in Media Studies and Cultural Geography and a BA from Stetson University in DeLand, FL, where she studied English Literature and Studio Art (ceramics).

Distinctions & Awards

Roger H. Perry Endowed Chair for Innovation

Publications & Abstracts

The New Heroines: Female Embodiment and Technology in 21st-Century Popular Culture

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Faith Yacubian

Biography

Faith Yacubian, Ed.D. earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in 2020. She is an Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and teaches in both the SoSI and Core Divisions. She is also the Program Coordinator for the Signature Course Program in SoSI. She is avid scholar of Post-Colonial Theory, Feminist Theories, Queer Theory, and Critical Whiteness Studies. As a academic-activist, she filters her scholarly queries through the insights and stories provided by community-activists and advocacy organizations in Burlington and Winooski.

Distinctions & Awards

Outstanding Dissertation Award ”  University of Vermont, VT 2021

Service-Learning Faculty Award ”  Champlain College, VT 2021

INCLUDE Faculty/Staff Award ”  Champlain College, VT 2018

SGA’s Leadership in Excellence Award ”  Champlain College, VT. 2018

Office of Diversity and Inclusion Administrator Award ”  Champlain College, VT 2009

Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Ally Award ”  Champlain College, VT 2008

Publications & Abstracts

A Critical Discourse Analysis Of The Professoriate And The Embodiment Of Epistemic Coloniality/whiteness: A Call For A Contemplative Approach To Academic Freedom

Favorite Quote

“If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. If you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

—Aboriginal activists group Queensland, 1970s

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Elaine Young

Biography

As Dept. Chair, Dr. Young teaches and manages the faculty, curriculum, and assessment for the undergraduate and graduate programs in Marketing, Media, and Esports, including ensuring the quality, currency, and relevance of courses, and that students are achieving program learning outcomes. As Curriculum Innovation Faculty Lead, Dr. Young supports the ideation, conceptualization, and implementation of new curriculum offerings that serve the needs of adults continuing their education as well as meeting the needs of employers who are looking to create educational opportunities for their employees.

Prior to her role in Champlain College Online, Dr. Young has been a part of the Champlain College community since 2000. In that time, she has been an integral part of the Stiller School of Business, in multiple roles including Assistant Dean (Jan 2010 – Dec 2011) and Program Director for Marketing and eBusiness Management (Dec 2000 – June 2008). As faculty, Dr. Young specialized in Digital Marketing and developed programs and minors in many Marketing-related areas including launching the B.S. in Marketing back in 2001 and more recently creating minors in Activist Marketing and Digital Marketing. Additionally she helped create the first-of-its-kind program in Management of Creative Media, which has since become a B.S. in Game Production Management. She has developed and taught classes in Activist Marketing, Nonprofit and Social Marketing, Introduction to Digital Marketing, Digital Marketing Analytics, Advanced Digital Marketing, Community Management, and the Marketing Capstone. She is a HubSpot Educator and a Certified Appreciative Advisor.

Dr. Young has a Ph.D. in Organizational Management from Capella University, where her dissertation research examined technology use and adoption of college students, and she has developed a teaching model for faculty to follow when teaching a technology application in a classroom environment. In addition, she holds an M.S. in Internet Strategy Management from Marlboro College, a B.S. in Communication and Public Relations from SUNY Brockport and an A.S. in Communication from Genesee Community College. Dr. Young has over ten years of experience in the Marketing and Public Affairs profession, specializing in nonprofits. She is the author of “Tuned-in Family: How to Cope, Communicate and Connect in a Digital World” (2014).

Distinctions & Awards

Edward Phelps Lyman Professorship 2015

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Amanda Young

Biography

Amanda Young is passionate about unraveling the science of connection and communication. She explores how authentic conversations can build fulfilling careers and lives. She is deeply invested in researching and guiding businesses to adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by Gen Z’s growing influence in the workforce. Understanding and preparing for how this dynamic generation will reshape the business world is crucial for sustained success.

Amanda holds a Master of Science degree in communication and leadership from Purdue University, where she graduated summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Science degree in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in business from the University of North Florida, also graduating summa cum laude.

Outside of academia, Amanda lives in Shelburne, VT, with her husband, daughter, two cats, and dog. She works with local and national businesses in a consulting capacity as an outsourced CFO and outsourced controller.

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Julie Zink

Biography

Julie Zink has taught and designed a variety of courses at the college level since 1987. From 1987-2001, Julie taught communication, business, and education courses at various colleges in the South Alabama area before moving to Maine with her family. Since 2001, she has taught courses at the University of Southern Maine, Granite State College, SNHU, St. Joseph’s College of Maine, and New England College. Julie served as the MBA and MSM Program Director in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies from 2014-2017 at New England College.

Julie received a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Development from the University of South Alabama in 1999. Her dissertation examined instructional design and learning strategies in the public speaking environment.

Julie wrote, developed, and currently teaches the MGMT 541: Group Dynamics and Teams course at Champlain College.

Distinctions & Awards

Graduate Studies Professor of the Year – St. Joseph’s College (2009)

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Stephanie Zuppo

Biography

Teppi Zuppo is a cartoonist and faculty member at Champlain College and The Center for Cartoon Studies. They primarily work in the field of graphic medicine and are the art and design director of The Department of Disabilities’ Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project (IHPPVT.org.) They are the co-founder of The Ladybroad Ledger, VT’s first and only free femme comics newspaper and the co-director of The Non-Fiction Comics Festival. Their work has appeared in VPR, Seven Days, The Nib, and lots of independently published comics publications.

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