Transylvania welcomes exceptional group of new faculty for 2025-26 school year

Transylvania University's new faculty members for the 2025-26 school year are bringing to campus a wealth of expertise and passion for teaching. Representing diverse fields from physics to religion, these educators are strengthening the school's dedication to academic excellence exemplified by commitments such as the Bingham Fund for Excellence in Teaching.

"I'm delighted to welcome an outstanding group of new faculty to Transylvania," said Tiffany Wheeler '90, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university. "We're excited for the knowledge, energy and fresh perspectives they will bring to our campus community."

New faculty for 2025-26

Rebekah Gordon, assistant professor of religion, holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Florida State University, an M.A. in religious studies from the University of Denver and B.A.s in religious studies and Bible and theology from Johnson University. She has taught courses such as Introduction to World Religions and Religion & Fantasy Literature. Gordon's areas of interest include the philosophy of religion, literature and ethics.

Cassandra Hamilton '15, visiting assistant professor of business administration (one-year), holds an Ed.D. in learning and leadership in organizations from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in teaching secondary English from the University of the Cumberlands and a bachelor's in writing, rhetoric and communication from Transylvania. She has served as Transylvania's assistant AD for media and communications and director of operations for the lacrosse team. She was also athletic director and an English teacher for Owen County Schools.

Abigail Hassett, assistant professor of political science, earned her Ph.D. in political science from the University of South Carolina and a B.A. in political science and Russian, East European and Eurasian studies from Stetson University. Her courses taught include The Judicial Process, and her academic interests include constitutional law, separation of powers, women and the law, Congress and the U.S. federal courts.

Andrew Horne, assistant professor of classics, received his Ph.D. in classical languages and literatures from the University of Chicago, an M.A. in humanities:classics from the University of Chicago and an A.B. in Greek and Latin from Brown University. Highlights of his teaching experience include the intellectual history of freedom, ancient athletics and the philosophy of leisure and study abroad in Athens.

Brent Merritt, visiting instructor of choral music, received a Master of Music Education from the University of Kentucky and Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University. He served as a choral director and fine arts chair at Scott County and Franklin County high schools and taught at Olympia middle and high schools. He is a choral music technician with experience in a wide array of musical genres and styles who builds community among his students and peers.

Alison Posey, assistant professor of foreign languages, holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Spanish literature from the University of Virginia and a bachelor's in Spanish and Hispanic studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She has taught courses such as Introduction to Hispanic Readings and Media, Spain on the Silver Screen and Introduction to Analysis of Hispanic Literature, Film and Popular Culture. She was a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Romance Studies at Duke University and a research fellow and visiting scholar in several European countries.

Sinu Rose, visiting assistant professor of history (one-year), earned a Ph.D., Master of Philosophy and M.A. in history from the University of Hyderabad, India, and a B.A. in English and history from St. Thomas College, India. Courses taught include History of Western Religious Thought to Reformation, Western Christianity and Scientific Thought, and Eastern Religions. Academic interests include South Asian history and religion, Indian history, world religions, early Christianity, and death and religion.

Erin Scussel, assistant professor of education, earned her Ph.D. in educational policy studies - social foundations from Georgia State University, an M.Ed. from Berry College and a B.S. in secondary education from Central Michigan University. She has taught courses in Adolescent Psychology, Professionalism in Education and Family, Professional and Community Collaboration. Her varied interests include the philosophy of education, agnotology and educational policy.

Mostafa Tanhayi Ahari, assistant professor of physics, earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science in physics from Indiana University and a bachelor's in the subject from the University of Tabriz, Iran. Tanhayi Ahari is a condensed matter theorist researching superconducting materials, topological matter and spintronics to uncover new quantum phenomena and develop next-generation quantum technologies and devices. Selected coursework includes Critical Phenomena and Phase Transitions, Quantum Information and Computation, and Topics in Condensed Matter Physics.

Exquisite Williams, assistant professor of English (joining winter term), earned an MFA in creative writing from Oklahoma State University and B.A.s in communication studies and English from Louisiana State University. Classes taught include Introduction to Creative Writing and Composition I and II. Her areas of research include African American oral storytelling, Black immigrant storytelling, Irish storytelling and magical realism.