Friends University is pleased to welcome the following new faculty to campus this fall:
Dr. Brent Yoder
Dr. Brent Yoder is the new associate academic dean. He has extensive teaching experience and held various academic leadership and service roles in higher education. Dr. Yoder received an Associate of Arts in Chemistry from Hesston College, a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Minor in Business Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Yoder also holds a Level One Certificate and Level Two Certificate- Teach Leadership, from the Kansas Leadership Center. Most recently, he was the vice president of academics and former registrar at Hesston College.
Dr. Kneeland Brown
Dr. Kneeland Brown is the new special appointment professor of business and serves as a member of the Friends University Board of Trustees. Dr. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Social Studies and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management from Azusa Pacific University. His previous experience includes serving as the President of Trinity Academy in Wichita, Kan., Dean of the DeVoe School of Business at Indiana Wesleyan University, Executive Director at the Focus Leadership Institute, and several roles at Azusa Pacific University including Founding Program Director of Ethnic Studies Minor; Executive Director and Director of Diversity Initiatives of the Office of Diversity Planning and Assessment; Associate Professor of Management; Special Assistant for Special Programs; and Student Services Coordinator with the School of Theology. Dr. Brown serves on several organization boards and has authored numerous research projects, presentations and various publications.
Kayla Eschliman
Kayla Eschliman serves as the new assistant professor of chemistry. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Chemistry and General Chemistry from Kansas Wesleyan University and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry at Kansas State University. Eschliman served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Kansas State University while working on publications and patents, and extensive research projects including her most recent research project on Protease Profiles for the Fast Identification of Lung Conditions. Eschliman is a recipient of the 2020 Berscheid and Derstadt Fellowship Award.
Emily Lockhart
Emily Lockhart serves as the new assistant professor of health and physical education. Lockhart holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Fitness Management and a Minor in Business Administration along with a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education from Pittsburg State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Health and Human Performance degree from Concordia University. Lockhart’s previous experience includes the health and physical education department chair and assistant professor at Bethel College, and the sport science and health department chair and professor at Central Christian College of Kansas. She is a certified personal trainer and certified sport nutrition specialist with the National Council on Strength and Fitness, holds numerous fitness certifications and has taught various fitness classes including Zumba, yoga, Pilates, spinning, kickboxing and weight training,
Dr. Matthew Magee
Dr. Matthew Magee serves as the assistant professor of computer science and program director of cyber security. He received his Bachelor of Science in General Education with an emphasis in Computer Education from Wichita State University, a Master of Science in Technical Education degree and Education Specialist degree (EdS) in Technical Education from Pittsburg State University and a Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning from Grand Canyon University. Magee serves on many advisory committees for K-12 school districts in Kansas and is a recipient of the 2018 Excellence in Education Award from Pittsburg State University. Magee has held roles as the computer science and support coordinator and instructor at Hutchinson Community College and a part-time instructor at Sterling College.
Donalyn Manion
Donalyn Manion is the new visiting assistant professor of graphic arts and interim program director of visual arts. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Wichita State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design from Full Sail University. Manion is an award-winning graphic designer with a vast array of professional design and teaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Her recent experience provided several roles at Bethel College including assistant professor of graphic design, Beyond Studio art director, communications coordinator and adjunct professor. Manion also draws on her experience as a curriculum director and instructor at Wichita City Arts; photography and graphic design instructor and softball coach at Wichita South High School; and her role at Kansas State University as the art director and adjunct instructor for graphic design classes.
Dr. Brian Mills
Dr. Brian Mills serves as the new professor of psychology. Dr. Mills received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in English and a Master of Arts in Family Ministry from Friends University, a Master of Arts in Religious Education and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. Before coming to Friends, Dr. Mills served as the professor of psychology at Sterling College. He is also a pastor at Moundridge United Methodist Church and a private practice clinician where he counsels individuals, couples and families.
Lori Moshier
Lori Moshier serves as the assistant professor of education but has been a part of Friends University as an adjunct instructor in graduate workshops. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Wichita State University, a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Friends University and is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Technology and Learning from William Howard Taft University. Prior to coming to Friends, Moshier has served as a high school business teacher, a mentor teacher, and dance team coach and the owner and operator of Danceworks By Lori Dance Studio. Most recently, Moshier served as the faculty development specialist and adjunct faculty at Butler Community College where she received the 2020 Butler Community College Board of Trustees Recognition for Institutional Development.
Dr. Nick Schroeder
Dr. Nick Schroeder serves as the visiting assistant professor of music and interim program director of jazz but has been with Friends since 2016 as an adjunct brass improvisation instructor. He received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and both a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Schroeder is a freelance trumpet player, the jazz band director at Washburn University Summer Jazz Combo Camp, a bandleader at Salt City Big Band and has performed with notable groups such as The Rat Pack, The Temptations, The Four Tops and Guy Lombardo Orchestra to name a few. Previously Dr. Schroeder was the coordinator of the jazz program and music instructor at Hutchinson Community College.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.