SILVER CITY--New faculty at Western New Mexico University bring with them a variety of experience to campus.
Dr. Emma Bailey spent her youth in Kansas and lived in St. Cloud, Minn., prior to moving to Silver City. She received her bachelor of arts and doctoral degrees in sociology, and her master of arts and master of theology degrees in religious studies. She has taught at Denver University, Colorado College, and St. Cloud State University. She is currently teaching several sociology classes. Bailey’s goals are to work to increase enrollment in the department and introduce different courses that have not been taught at WNMU in the past. Bailey says she moved from St. Cloud State University to WNMU because St. Cloud was too large and she wanted to teach at a smaller university with a diverse student population. She has experience in research on religion and women and environmental issues.
Dr. Daniel Gifandorwa, instructor of computer and network technology, left Lehigh Carbon Community College in Islandtown, Pa., to teach at WNMU. He is originally from Burundi, East Africa, but has lived in the United States for 35 years. He
has a bachelor of arts, master of arts, and doctorate degree in adult education. He is a
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certified Novell Engineer, a Cisco Certified Network Associate, a Cisco Certified Academy Instructor, and has been a college professor for several years. He is currently teaching several computer classes at Western.
Dr. Kooros Maskooki, assistant professor of finance, taught at the University of Massachusetts for 22 years prior to coming to Western. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in economics at WNMU, master of arts degree in management and master of arts degree in financial economics at the University of Arizona, and his doctorate degree in economics and international marketing at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln). He has experience as a consultant for international companies and as a college professor. His goals are to familiarize himself more with the curriculum, especially those classes on the internet, and committees of the university. He also wants to learn more about the relationship between business and the community. Professor Maskooki says he chose Western because he graduated here in the 60’s and remembered it as a pleasant place to live. Maskooki added he believes WNMU is a dynamic university with a dedicated staff and good students who strive for excellence.
Dr. Julia A. Smith, of St. Louis, Mo., is an assistant professor of counseling. She
has a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, a masters degree in counseling, and a doctorate degree in counselor education. She has been a therapist and consultant in both community agencies and private practices. She has experience working with issues faced by women in the process of identity development. She has also been a counselor
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educator. Smith says she is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and experience at WNMU. She added she loves the natural environment in Silver City and enjoys the friendliness of the people here.
Dr. Robert Welsh is an assistant professor of English at WNMU. He is originally from a small town in Illinois, but has lived in nine different states, most recently Texas, where he taught at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. He has a bachelor of arts degree, masters degree, and doctorate degree in English. He also specializes in Ancient Greek, Roman, English, and Russian literatures. Welsh has been a college English professor for 11 years. His goals are to get some of his articles on Shakespeare and the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle published. Welsh says he loves hiking and would like to explore some of the deserts and mountains of the southwest.
Dr. Arnold “Arnie” White, assistant professor of wellness and movement science, is one of the new faculty members hired for the fall 2004 semester. He is originally from Fulton, N.Y., and has a house in Redlodge, Mont. He earned his bachelor of arts degree at Mercer University in Macon, Ga., his masters degree in health education at the
University of Georgia, and his doctoral degree in mechanical kinesiology at the University of Northern Colorado. He taught kinesiology exercise science for 11 years at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and taught health and physical education in public schools for five years. He also served as a military pilot. White is currently teaching kinesiology and wellness movement classes at WNMU. His goals are to improve the
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participation at the wellness center and to promote the use of technology in exercise science. White says he chose to move to Silver City and to teach at WNMU because he enjoys the geographical area, likes the climate, and the size of the school.
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