McKendree University Welcomes New Faces to Campus This Year

by Tina Tebbe

Lebanon, IL (08/17/2021) — Several new professors and staff members joined McKendree University over the summer:

Dr. Allie Grotts Helfrich, assistant professor of marketing, most recently served as an instructor of marketing for Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and has extensive experience in marketing consultation throughout the Greater St. Louis region and throughout Illinois.

Dr. Jeralyn McAllister, assistant professor of accounting, has seven years of undergraduate teaching experience in all areas of accounting. McAllister has nearly a decade of experience in the field as an auditor, cost accountant, and program finance analyst.

Mary McKee '14, M.A.Ed., '17, assistant professor of athletic training, has many years of experience working as an athletic trainer at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Ill., Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill., and Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. McKee is currently completing doctoral classes and will be graduating with a doctor of education degree in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz., in the fall of 2022.

Dr. William Moore, lecturer of health and physical education, has been involved in the fitness and performance industry for more than a decade. A previous adjunct faculty member of Maryville University in St. Louis, Moore is also the owner, head coach, and programming director of Profectus Performance in Edwardsville, Ill.

Timothy Ros, instructor of business/director of the MBA program, served as both the assistant professor in the Department of Army Operations and the assistant chief of education in the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Command and General Staff College in Fort Bliss, Texas. He served in the United States Army in various roles for nine years.

Dr. Julie Smirl, assistant professor of counseling/director of the MA in clinical mental health counseling program, has nearly 40 years of experience working as a counselor, therapist, and consultant in several companies, clinics, and institutions, as well as teaching in higher education.

Dr. Kendra Taylor '06, MSN '14, DNP '21, assistant professor of nursing, has worked in the healthcare field since 1996. She previously worked at Salem Township Hospital in Salem, Ill., as the Chief Executive Officer and has also served as an adjunct professor at McKendree.

Many new staff members have joined the University as well, including the following:

Brandi Brown-Harris '10, director of alumni relations

Paula Carpenter, director of financial aid

Erin Gallagher, admission counselor

Kiara Harmon, director of student accounts/cash manager

Rose Marinucci, resident director

Michael Monardo, IT business analyst

Emily Olague, resident director

Dr. Michael Porterfield, educational technology manager

Jane Rix, academic records coordinator

Tina (Napper) Tebbe '08, director of communications

Craig Tompkins '21, resident director

Tammy Uchello, academic affairs office manager

Rev. Dr. Beverly L. Wilkes-Null, university chaplain, director of church relations, and coordinator for the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service.

Karyn Wilson, academic resource coordinator

Lindsay Winkeler '16, M.A.Ed. '18, student success mentor

Daniel Witlock, area coordinator

The Department of Athletics welcomed several new coaches this summer. Read about them at mckbearcats.com.