Brigitte L. LaPresto

Chair, Division of Humanities
Professor of English

Office: Wickham Hall 129
Telephone: 606.218.5021
E-mail: BrigitteLapresto@upike.edu

Classes taught

Advanced Concepts
American Literature I and II
Composition I and II
Honors Composition
Introduction to Literature
Linguistics
Literary Criticism
Special Topics in Genres, American Authors
World Literature

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in English
Bowling Green State University
Master of Arts in German
Bowling Green State University
Master of Arts in English
Bowling Green State University
Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education
Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Awards

Mellon Foundation Fellowship, Higher Education Resource Service Institute Bryn Mawr, 2008
Appalachian College Association Faculty-Student Travel Award, London and Paris, 2007
William Wade and Helen Record Walker Teaching Excellence Award, Pikeville College, 1992, 2005
Mellon Foundation Fellowship, Salzburg Seminar, 2003
Appalachian College Association Faculty-Student Travel Award, England and Scotland, 2002

Personal

Dr. LaPresto is a native of Wesel, Germany, who graduated from high schools both in Germany and California. She completed her undergraduate studies in Germany before moving to Ohio to earn two master's degrees as well as her Ph.D. She has taught at the University of Pikeville since 1987, serving as Humanities Division chair since 1996. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, the theater and winter evenings with a good book and her dogs at her feet.

James C. Browning

Associate Professor of Religion

Office: Wickham Hall 109
Telephone: 606.218.5026
E-mail: JamesBrowning@upike.edu

Classes taught

Comparative Ethics
History of the Christian Church
Introduction to Philosophy
Islam
New Testament Introduction
Old Testament Introduction
Paul’s Life and Letters
Philosophy of Religion
Religion in America
Religions of Asia
Spirituality in the World’s Religions
World’s Great Living Religions

Education

Ph.D. in Religion
Baylor University
Masters in Religious Education
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Religion
Ouachita Baptist University

Personal

Dr. Browning is a native of Hope, Ark. He has been an interfaith consultant, a pastor and an adjunct seminary professor before coming to Pikeville College in 2004. His research interests include the classical world religions and religion in America, along with the philosophies and spiritualities of the world’s religions. He reads for fun both fiction (science fiction, fantasy and novels) and non-fiction (history, science). He enjoys both nature photography and hiking.

Basil B. Clark

Associate Professor of Speech & Theater

Office: Wickham Hall 107
Telephone: 606.218.5000
E-mail: BasilClark@upike.edu

Classes taught

Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Advanced Public Speaking
Fundamentals of Theatre
Fundamentals of Acting
Styles of Acting
Health Communication
Political Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media in Society
Voice and Diction
Oral Interpretation
Communication Theory

Education

Master's in Theatre
University of Kentucky
Master’s in Communication
Morehead State University

Personal

My interests lie in writing, gardening, hiking, art and enjoying activities with my grandchildren. I helped develop the University of Pikeville communication major and also coached the speech team. In 1983, I won grand prize in the performing Arts Repertory Theatre (Now TheatreWorks, USA (NY)) for my play Change of Exchanges. In 2001, my story “The Town Drunk,” was included in The World’s Best Shortest Stories published by Quality Paperback Book Club (NY), and in 2005 I co-authored Poetic Healing; A Communication Journey From a Vietnam Veteran’s Perspective, published by Parlor Press (West Lafayette, Ind.).

In 2007-2008 I wrote a DVD script for use by fourth grade teachers, Mars Invasion; Coal Camp to Space Camp. The curriculum is approved by the Kentucky Department of Education and coordinates with the Mars Invasion program at the Challenger Learning Center of Hazard, Ky.

Also, I have developed and performed several character monologues ranging from 20 to 40 minutes in length. They are as follows: Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield; biblical: Adam, Moses, Jepthah, Naaman, Micah, King Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, Barabbas; and historical: Dr. Thomas Walker (Explorer).

Classes taught

Introduction to Old Testament

Introduction to New Testament

The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Women and the Bible

Women and Religious Traditions
The Torah

 

Education

Ph.D. - Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA

Th.M. - Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ

M.Div. - Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA

B.A. - Religion, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

 

Personal

Before coming to UPIKE, DeSarro-Raynal taught as an adjunct professor at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA.  She has also served as Pastor to two small Presbyterian Churches (PCUSA). Her academic interests include biblical theology, the form and influence of old testament covenants, women and the Bible, and contemporary writing and theology. At home, she enjoys time with her husband and three, wonderful children, as well as cooking, reading, and traveling when possible.

Sydney C. England

Assistant Professor of Developmental English

Office: Allara 016
Telephone: 606.218.5602
E-mail: SydneyEngland@upike.edu

Classes taught

Composition I and II
Developmental Studies: Reading and Writing
Introduction to Literature

Education

Master of Arts in English
Morehead State University
Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education
Pikeville College

Personal

Ms. England has spent the last 10 years teaching Developmental Studies and English at the University of Pikeville where she has also coordinated the Tutoring Lab, edited the school's literary review, The Pikeville Review, and in the fall of 2009, will begin the duties of Writing Lab Coordinator and sponsor for the University of Pikeville chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. She enjoys writing, reading, day-trips and beating the grandkids at computer games.

Hannah C. Freeman

Assistant Professor of English

Office: Wickham Hall 120
Telephone: 606.218.5014
E-mail: HannahFreeman@upike.edu

Classes taught

British Survey I
British Survey II
British Women Writers
Composition
Introduction to Women’s Literature
Literature and Place
The Pastoral Novel

Education

Ph.D. in English
University of Kentucky
Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies
University of Kentucky
M.A. in English
Western Carolina University
B.A.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Publications and Professional Development

“Opium Use and Romantic Women’s Poetry.” South Central Review. Spring/Summer 29.1-2. (2012): 1-20.

“Dissolution and Landscape in Olive Schreiner’s The Story of An African Farm.” English Studies in Africa 52.2 (2009).
Dr. Freeman has presented at numerous conferences on British literature in the nineteenth century including Interdisciplinary Nineteenth-Century Studies Conference, British Women Writers Conference and College of English Association Conference.

Awards

Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching, University of Kentucky, 2008
College of Arts and Sciences Award for Outstanding Teaching, University of Kentucky, 2008
Bonnie Jean Cox Graduate Research Endowment in Gender and Women’s Studies, University of Kentucky, 2008

Personal

Dr. Freeman studies 19th and 20th century British literature. She is interested in women writers such as George Eliot, Emily Bronte, Olive Schreiner and Jean Rhys, and how these authors explore their relationship to place. Through reading and discussion, Dr. Freeman hopes to encourage curiosity, inquiry and reflection and to promote sympathy and understanding in her students. Dr. Freeman advocates social and environmental awareness and hopes to empower her students to better their own communities. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside with her dog, riding her horse, watching movies and traveling when she can.

Janean Freeman

Assistant Professor of Music
Director of the University of Pikeville Concert Choir

Office: Record 403
Telephone: 606.218.5770
E-mail: JaneanFreeman@upike.edu

Classes taught

Art Administration
Appreciation of Music (Classical)
Appreciation of Music (Rock and Roll)
Music Literature
Musical Skills I & II
University of Pikeville Concert Choir
Private Voice

Education

Master of Music in Vocal Performance
Morehead State University
Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a Choral Emphasis
Indiana State University

Awards

First place, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Indiana Chapter Auditions, 1989
Kentucky Associated Press Broadcast Award for Radio News Feature “Music and Education Reform,” 1999
Professors in the Schools Fellowship, Morehead State University, 2002-2003
District 9 College/University Teacher of the Year, Kentucky Music Educators Association, 2007

Personal

Professor Freeman is a native of Spencer, Indiana. Prior to her career in higher education, she spent 15 years working in public radio serving as music host, assistant music director, program director, and station manager. Prof. Freeman comes to the University of Pikeville after five years at Morehead State University where she directed the Black Gospel Ensemble and taught applied voice, music theory, class piano and the history of rock and roll.

Freeman has sung with the New York Philharmonic, performed lead roles in a variety of operas and musicals, and has been led by renowned conductors including Leonard Slatkin, Thomas Binkley, Paul Salamunovich, and Robert Porco. She continues to perform professionally as a vocalist, pianist, and director specializing in opera, jazz, and pop.

She's a member of Phi Kappa Phi collegiate honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda national music honor society, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing where she has served on the state executive board. She currently serves as University/College District Chair for the Kentucky Music Educators Association. She is also a member of the National Association for Music Education, the Music Teachers National Association, and the American Choral Directors Association.

Students from her university and private studios have succeeded in auditions and won competitions at local, regional, state and national levels. They’ve also gained entry into prestigious programs including the Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts, the Kentucky All-Collegiate Choir, Kentucky All-State Choruses, and Belmont University.

Patricia A. Kowalok

Professor of Art

Office: Record 404
Telephone: 606.218.5758
E-mail: PatriciaKowalok@upike.edu

Classes taught

Advanced Drawing
Art History - Ancient to Medieval
Art History - Renaissance to 1850
Art History - 1850 to Modern
Art History - Non-Western
Basic Drawing
Intermediate Drawing
Painting 1 and 2
Senior Seminar
Special Topics: Making Artist Books

Education

Master of Fine Arts
University of Iowa
Master of Arts
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Art
Universiy of Iowa

Awards

Residencies
The MacDowell Colony
The Millay Colony
Collections
The Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, New Castle, Pennsylvania
Mr. Phil Desind of Baltimore, Maryland

Personal

Ms. Kowalok is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. Prior to teaching in Pikeville, she taught at branch campuses of both Penn State and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Kowalok resides in Pikeville with her daughter, Anna, and their dog, Buddy. She enjoys reading, gardening and in general - making things.

Chandra K. Massner

Associate Professor of Communication

Office: Allara Library 030
Telephone: 606.218.5004
E-mail: ChandraMassner@upike.edu

Classes taught

Advanced Journalism
Desktop Publishing
Gender & Communication
Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Journalism
Mass Media in Society
Principles of Editing & Design
Public Speaking
Public Relations
Senior Seminar in Communication
Yearbook Production

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (ABD), Communication
University of Kentucky
Master of Arts, Communication
University of Kentucky
Bachelor of Science, Journalism
Ohio University

Personal

Chandra K. Massner grew up traveling around the country. She was born in an Army hospital in Texas but considers Cincinnati, Ohio, to be her home. In addition to Kentucky and Ohio, she has lived in Canada, Georgia, Louisiana and California, where she graduated from high school. She was a resident assistant during her undergraduate career at Ohio University and was a hall director at the University of Kentucky. She also taught journalism courses and assisted with the Ad Club at UK. After graduate work, she began working at the University of Pikeville. Before teaching, she served as the college grant writer. In addition to her teaching duties, she advises the college newsletter, The Bear Facts and the college yearbook as well as Lambda Pi Eta, the communication honor society.

She is a Girl Scout leader and program coordinator for the county. When she’s not at a University of Pikeville or Girl Scout event, she is usually with her daughter, Amanda Mae, as she stays busy with the University of Pikeville Dance Studio, Pike County 4-H, Christ Central Academic Team and Pikeville Aquatic Club. The two are also members at Vogel Day United Methodist Church.

Chandra loves to travel. When she is not in classes, she is often traveling to see her parents who retired out West. She is also a board member for the Kentucky Institute for International Studies where she taught in the Costa Rica program in the summer of 2009. Chandra and Amanda like to rest at home with their cats while they play board games with friends.

Michael McGill

Assistant Professor of Communications

Office: Wickham Hall 105
Telephone: 606.218.5012
E-mail: MichaelMcGill@upike.edu

Classes taught

Introduction to the New Testament
First Year Studies

Education

Pursuing Doctor of Ministry Degree
Methodist School of Theology in Ohio/Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Graduate Research in Comparative Religions
University of Madras, Chennai, India
Master of Arts in Practical Theology
Ashland Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministries
Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Rob considers himself a very blessed person. He and his wife Lindsey are the proud parents of two daughters (Moriah and Lottie) and love living in Pikeville. Prior to joining the UPIKE family, Rob served as a hospice chaplain, local pastor and missionary. Rob loves spending time with his kids, reading, and hanging out.

I love the way that Jesus was open and available to all people so that everyone could know that God is love. Jesus was a servant of love and I am passionate about growing and helping others grow in this gracious and expressive love. As chaplain, I seek to empower others to engage their studies with all of their heart and mind while also serving their community with a servant’s heart. Living the faith and being gracious to all are keys to my vision for the UPIKE campus.

I believe that a chaplain’s call is to: be gracious and hospitable to all beliefs, help shape spiritual formation, provide pastoral care, companion with others in finding their life’s work, and creating a network of community/global servants who seek to live out the social justice heart of Jesus.

Everyone is welcome in my office! Please stop by and visit with me. I would love to get to know you.

Classes taught

History of Electronic Media
Digital Media
Digital Film Production
Scriptwriting
Film Studies

Education

MFA - Film Production
Ohio University
Bachelor of Arts in Art
Morehead State University

James A. Riley

Professor of English

Office: Wickham Hall 116
Telephone: 606.218.5010
E-mail: JamesRiley@upike.edu

Classes taught

Advanced Composition
Advanced Journalism
American Literature Survey I & II
British Literature Survey II
Contemporary Short Story
Creative Writing
Freshman Composition I & II
Introduction to Literature
Introduction to Journalism
James Joyce Seminar
Modern American Short Story
Modern Novel
Modernism
William Faulkner Seminar

Education

Ph.D. Modern British and American Literature
Ohio University
M.A. English Literature
University of Arkansas
B.A. Major: History; Minor: Journalism
University of Central Arkansas

Awards

Al Smith Fellowship from the Kentucky Arts Council 1988, 1999
Individual Artists Fellowship from the Ohio Arts Council 1987
National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship 1991
Now and Then Fiction Contest Achievement Award 1995, 1999
Now and Then Poetry Contest Achievement Award 1998
Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1999, 2007
Who's Who in the South and Southwest 1998

Publications

Appalachian Heritage.
Crazy River.
The Connecticut Review.
The Greensboro Review.
Journal of Kentucky Studies.
Kentucky Monthly.
The Kentucky Review.
Kentucky Voices: A Collection of Contemporary Kentucky Short Stories.
The Louisville Review.
Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine.
The Pikeville Review.
Riverwind.
West Branch.
Wind.

David B. Roby

Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish

Office: Wickham Hall 118
Telephone: 606.218.5013
E-mail: DavidRoby@upike.edu

 Classes taught

Elementary Spanish I-IV 
Intermediate Spanish I & II 
Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Composition 
Intermediate Conversation 
Spanish Practical Phonetics


Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Hispanic Linguistics
The University of Texas at Austin
Master of Arts in Linguistics 
West Virginia University
Bachelors of Arts in Spanish 
West Virginia University

Awards

Departmental nominee for university-wide Outstanding Dissertation Award, The University of Texas at Austin, 2007 
Diploma de Lengua Española, Nivel Superior, Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, Santander, Spain, 1998 

Professional Associations

Modern Language Association (MLA) 
Sigma Delta Pi, National Spanish Honor Society 
Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society 
Big Sandy Spanish Teachers’ Association

Publications

Roby, David. Aspect and the Categorization of States: The Case of ser and estar in Spanish. Benjamins: Amsterdam. (2009). 

Personal

David is originally from Morgantown, W.Va., and is very proud of his Italian American, Appalachian and Yankee roots. He has had a white hot enthusiasm for the Spanish language, especially its grammar, since he took his first Spanish class in the ninth grade. David has studied abroad in Spain and Mexico and has the goal of one day visiting every Spanish-speaking country on the planet. Before coming to the University of Pikeville he taught Spanish at West Virginia University, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College and Penn State University. David’s research interests primarily deal with Spanish syntax and semantics and basically anything that has to do with verbs. He also enjoys studying the grammar of English, Portuguese and just about any other language in addition to Spanish. David loves to teach and believes that anyone can learn Spanish if he or she has the desire and the confidence. Other goals are to publish a groundbreaking Spanish grammar book written for both teachers and students of Spanish and to also publish a Spanish textbook in the future as well. In his spare time, David likes to bike and do other types of physical activity, watch sports, write, crack jokes, travel, study history, and learn how things work and how to repair them when they are broken.

Ella Smith

Assistant Professor of Spanish

Office: Wickham 105
Telephone: 606.218.5012
E-mail: EllaSmith@upike.edu

Classes taught

Culture of Mexico
Culture of Spain Elementary Spanish I & II
First-Year Studies
Intermediate Spanish I & II
Intensive Spanish Review Courses
Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics
Spanish Phonetics
Survey of Latin American Literature
Survey of Spanish Peninsular Literature

Education

Master of Arts in Hispanic Linguistics
Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish & History
University of Virginia’s College at Wise

Awards

William Wade and Helen Record Walker Award for Teaching Excellence, runner-up, Pikeville College, 2009

On-campus activities

Faculty advisor of Nu Chi Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma
Member, Pikeville College Concert Choir

Academic and professional memberships

Alpha Mu Gamma, Nu Chi Chapter, faculty membership
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Darden Society
Phi Alpha Theta
Sigma Delta Pi

Personal

Ella Smith grew up in Appalachia. She hails from Clintwood, Va., – a tiny town in southwestern Virginia near the Virginia-Kentucky border. She spent her college days at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and received a master’s degree from Ohio State University. She is a proud Highland Cavalier, Buckeye (OH – IO!) and Bear. She taught beginning and intermediate Spanish for two years as a teaching assistant at OSU and has been a faculty member at Pikeville since the fall of 2006. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, walking, listening to music (especially Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks and Heart), cooking, reading, watching TV and movies, playing video games and attempting to sing and play piano.

Elgin M. Ward

Associate Professor of English

Office: Wickham Hall 103
Telephone: 606.218.5002
E-mail: ElginWard@upike.edu

Classes taught

Advanced Composition
Appalachian Literature
English Composition I
English Composition II
English Honors Composition I
English Honors Composition II
Film as Art
Introduction to Literature
Linguistics
Literature and Film
Survey of Literary Criticism

Education

Ph.D. Candidacy in Literature and Criticism 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master of Arts in English
Marshall University
Bachelor of Arts in Education: Physical Science & Mathematics
Marshall University

Awards

The Maier Writing Award for Fiction, Marshall University, 1988
First Place Award for Fiction, West Virginia Writers Association, 1989
Maier Graduate Writing Award for Poetry, Marshall University, 2002
William Wade and Helen Record Walker Teaching Excellence Award, Pikeville College, 2008

Personal

Elgin Ward is a native of Huntington, W.Va., but has lived parts of his life in Michigan and Kentucky. He came to Pikeville College in the fall of 1992, and has served the institution as instructor of Developmental English, coordinator of the Tutoring Center, grant writer, assistant coordinator of Development, assistant professor of English and associate professor of English. He is a life-long student of the literature and culture of central Appalachia and is a member of the Appalachian Studies Association. He enjoys reading; writing; Celtic, alternative and traditional Appalachian music; and the artistic aspects of filmmaking.