Faculty & Staff Updates: Summer 2026

Many of Millersville University's faculty and staff members continue to add to their accomplishments, both on campus and off, through presentations, earning additional degrees, and giving talks to the local community. Read on to learn about what MU's faculty and staff are up to.

Pete Anders, chief of the Millersville University police department, spoke at a May 1 roundtable with other law enforcement and prevention leaders at the Eastern Regional Advocacy Meeting hosted by The Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect and YWCA Lancaster.

Dr. Duane Hagelgans, program coordinator for emergency management, recently presented his training, "Leadership: From Lincoln to Last Week" in Luzerne County for their monthly EMC training. He was also a guest on Lancaster Connects Podcast on May 11: Answering the Call: The Future of Blue Rock Fire Rescue.

Dr. Christopher Hardy, professor of biology, was featured on the science radio and podcast talk show "Futureproof" with Jonathan McCrea for the episode, What is 'Forensic Botany'?

Dr. Richard Clark, professor emeritus of meteorology, was named Alumnus Eminent Physical Scientist by the University of Wyoming College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at its annual awards banquet. He earned a doctorate in atmospheric science and meteorology and a master's degree in atmospheric science from the University.

Dr. Robyn Davis, associate professor of history and department chair, presented "Lancaster Prisoners of War: Transforming British Rebels into American Revolutionaries" for the Millersville Area Historical Society on May 9.

Dr. Domnique Dieder, professor of biology and ichthyologist, co-authored a book titled "Ghost Sharks of the World," which was released January 2026.

Dr. Leslie Gates, professor of art education, was named director of the Vilas A. Prabhu Center of Academic Excellence in Fall 2025. She also co-directed Millersville University's Faculty Mentoring Program from 2020-2022 with Dr. Ollie Dreon.

Joni Klopp, senior director of admissions, graduated from the Leadership Lancaster 2026 Core Class after a nine-month experience full of learning, collaboration and connection to the community.

Dr. Jennifer Jester, professor of music industry and live audio at the Tell School of Music, is a contributing author to the "Modern Band Handbook," published by Oxford University Press. "Modern Band Handbook" is a first-of-its-kind resource designed to equip educators with the philosophy, pedagogy and practical strategies for integrating popular music, improvisation and collaborative learning into the classroom.

Dr. Nanette Marcum-Dietrich, professor in educational foundations, hosted a "train the trainer" workshop in Pittsburgh for STEM specialists at eight intermediate units in April 2026. The workshop attendees will then offer Shared Waters workshops in their areas, with circulation that aligns with Pennsylvania's Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards. Marcum-Deitrich was also featured on Episode 39 of Clean Water Conversations, a podcast hosted by Lancaster Clean Water Partners.

Dr. A. Nicole Pfannenstiel, professor of English, co-authored an Open Educational Resources book titled "Becoming reflective educators: perspectives from social work scholar-practitioners." It was released in July 2025. Interested readers can access the book through the McNairy Library Institutional Repository.

Dr. Edward Rajaseelan, professor of inorganic chemistry collaborated with a Lancaster Country Day School senior, Benedikt Kienle, on research into chemical catalysts. Kienle, an exchange student from Germany, earned top honors at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, taking first place in chemistry for his project "New Green Chemistry Iridium Catalysts." He synthesized four new chemical compounds designed to make medical manufacturing safer and more efficient.

Art White, police lieutenant with the MIllersville University police department, was one of three officers recognized at the biennial Lancaster County Police Chiefs awards to law enforcement officers, receiving the career achievement award for service including positively impacting more than 250,000 underprivileged Lancaster County children through the Toys for Tots program over the past 20 years.