Shenandoah’s College of Arts & Sciences Welcomes New Leadership

Shenandoah University’s College of Arts and Sciences has started the new academic year with familiar faces as new academic leaders. 

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Lydia Maynard, Ph.D., is now also the college’s assistant dean of student affairs. Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology Allyson “Ally” Degrassi, Ph.D., is the college’s new assistant dean for innovation and development, while Associate Professor of Mathematics Ralph Wojtowicz, Ph.D., is the new director of the Division of Applied Technology. 

All three are fairly new additions to Shenandoah. Dr. Maynard joined the university faculty in 2018, while Dr. Degrassi and Dr. Wojtowicz arrived the following year. 

Maynard, in her new role, will not only guide and support CAS students but also collaborate with faculty and staff to promote student success. “Since arriving at Shenandoah, Dr. Maynard has overseen growth and expansion of the Math Enrichment Center, restructured the university’s math placement process to better reflect the needs of our students, has worked closely with the Advising Office on math placement and advising, and also has served on numerous faculty committees,” notes CAS Dean Jeff Coker, Ph.D., in a message to CAS faculty and staff. 

Degrassi has been integral to the creation of several new programs at Shenandoah, and is involved in the discussions about future programs as well, making her an excellent fit for her leadership position. “In her new role, Ally will provide guidance and support for all CAS programs and faculty aimed at innovation in curriculum and pedagogy,” Dr. Coker writes. 

As for Wojtowicz, he “has designed and launched a new program in Artificial Intelligence, developed curriculum (and taught) most of our new data science major, and has been involved in ongoing discussions on a range of new programs in the areas of technology and engineering,” Coker writes, also noting that Wojtowicz was selected to lead DAT after an extensive national search. The Division of Applied Technology includes undergraduate majors in computer science, information technology, data science and applied mathematics, and virtual reality design; minors in artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, information technology, and virtual reality design; certificates in history and immersive technology, information technology technician and virtual reality design. It also includes undergraduate and graduate programs in cybersecurity. 

The CAS is also welcoming several new faculty and staff members this fall, including: 

Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity Fadi Abuamara, Ph.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology Adam R. Davis, Ph.D.

Biology Lecturer Becca Freeman, B.S.

Art & Design Lecturer Abigail Gómez, M.F.A.

Animal & Veterinary Sciences staffer Ian Harrison, BVSc, MVS

Lecturer in Exercise Science, Psychology and Kinesiology Alisha Hilliard, Ph.D., ABD

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Sara Houseinioun, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Physics Mazin Khasawneh, Ph.D.

Biology Lecturer Ana Leal-Cervantes, Ph.D.

Chemistry Lecturer Max Wheeler, Ph.D.