Academy Personnel

Dr. Kavars teaches the Solar System Astronomy and Galactic Astronomy classes at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. He received his B.S. degree in 2001 from the University of Iowa with honors in Physics and Astronomy. He completed his Ph.D. degree in Astrophysics from the University of Minnesota in 2006. Prior to arriving at the Indiana Academy in the fall of 2006, he taught astronomy classes at the University of Minnesota and Inver Hills Community College near Minneapolis, MN. As a graduate student, his research focused on radio astronomy where he used one of the world’s largest radio telescopes, the Green Bank Telescope in Green Bank, WV.

In the fall of 2015 Dr. Kavars became the Associate Director of Academic Affairs at the Indiana Academy. His primary duties include working with parents and students to create and implement 504 and IEP special education plans, overseeing attendance, advising international students, overseeing May Term trips, and continuing to teach the Academy’s astronomy classes. During his tenure at the Indiana Academy, Dr. Kavars has attended and presented at several education conferences including the Hoosier Association for Science Teachers Inc., National Science Teachers Association, Indiana Associated for the Gifted, AdvancED Indiana, and Ball State University Teachers College Best Practices in Education conferences.

In his free time Dr. Kavars enjoys geocaching, gardening, reading/watching science fiction and fantasy books/movies, traveling, and in particular, spending time with his family. In recent years he and his family have explored the world outside of the United States, traveling to Canada, Iceland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. In the near future he hopes to explore Scotland, England, New Zealand, and Australia, although his daughters are doing their best to convince him a trip to Hawaii must happen soon.

A West Virginia native, Heather graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Social Science and specialization in Psychology from Bluefield State College in Bluefield, WV. She moved to Indiana in 2006 and started a position with the School of Art at Ball State University where she worked for almost 19 years. She has been nominated twice for the Ball State University, A. Jane Morton Award and received the Staff Excellence Award for the College of Fine Arts in August of 2024.

Heather is an active advocate for Suicide Prevention and Awareness and volunteers with the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions (AFSP). In April, her team, Orange Optimism, raised $2,455 for the Ball State University Out of the Darkness Walk. She also creates and distributes baskets of materials promoting the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and has placed over 45 baskets across Ball State’s campus.

Being a child of the 1980s, she loves collecting toys and other memorabilia from that time, especially Peanuts (Charlie Brown specifically), Fisher Price Little People, Garfield, Strawberry Shortcake, and Care Bears. When she’s not spending time with her husband and 5 cats, Heather enjoys gardening, writing, singing, reading, and organizing stuff. Her favorite shows include Seinfeld, The Office, and Parks and Recreation. She has recently discovered true crime documentaries, loves horror films, and anything odd or weird piques her interest. Heather is excited to be a part of the team at The Indiana Academy!

Mr. Stassen is LAN Manager and Coordinator of Technology, and came to the Academy in 1994 after 10 years in the private sector as the owner of a computer consulting company. In his present position, he is responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and training on several hundred PC and Macintosh computers, which are connected to eight file servers using the Novell, Windows NT, or UNIX operating systems. Mr. Stassen enjoys biking and other sports.

Zach Anacker has worked in education for over 15 years, beginning after he earned his degree from Ball State University in 2010. Much of his career has been focused on supporting underserved student populations. Zach previously served as the Assistant Director of Instructional Programming for the Indiana Migrant Education Program, where he was responsible for managing regional technology initiatives, after-school programs, and summer school programming. Outside of work, he enjoy spending time with his family. Zach’s wife is a teacher in Alexandria, and their daughter—who is heading into 6th grade—is an avid swimmer, which means you can often find him at the pool cheering her on.

As the Academy’s academic principal and chief academic officer, Dr. Olufowote is charged with overseeing the school curriculum, classroom instruction, and evaluation of the 30+ FTE faculty, administrative staff and support coordinators housed in the Office of Academic Affairs.

With a background in higher education, Olufowote spent almost two decades teaching as a university instructor, a postdoctoral fellow, professor of political science, and most recently as an executive director for inclusive excellence and international education. He earned a B.S. in Economics and Finance from the University of Indianapolis and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University. His scholarly work, which falls at the intersection of intercultural proficiency, cultural competence, and the workplace has been featured in outlets such as USA Today, the Association of Equipment Distributors Foundation and Komatsu, to name a few.

As a scholar-practitioner, Olufowote has been an invited speaker for the Forbes School of Business and Technology at the University of Arizona Global Campus, consulted for Indianapolis-based firms Meyer Najem Construction, Hirons Advertising, Purple Inc., among others, and is a past winner of Governor Holcomb’s State of Indiana Excellence in Education Award. Olufowote resides in Shamrock Lakes, Indiana, with fellow academic administrator wife, Rachael, and their two young daughters, Abigail and Elizabeth.

After receiving her degree in Office Administration and Administrative Support, Mrs. Manship came to the Indiana Academy to serve as the Assistant to the Director of Academic Affairs in June of 1993. In addition to her duties assisting the Director of Academic Affairs, Mrs. Manship is responsible for handling all Academic Life budget and textbook concerns, fees, ordering materials, completion of state departmental reports, and assisting with the administration of the computerized school system in use here at the Academy. In addition to Mrs. Manship’s administrative work, she attends computer technology and office management conferences and workshops throughout the year to further her knowledge.

Renee came to the Indiana Academy in August 2006 as the Faculty/Attendance Secretary. Prior to the Indiana Academy Renee worked for the Jay County School Corporation. Mrs. Drumm has been married for 25 years and has three children.

Mr. Marsh has had a wide-ranging career, as a teacher, writer, museum director, and business owner. Teaching has been his greatest passion for over 30 years. He joined the Academy faculty in 2006, and absolutely loves working with these amazing students. His previous teaching experience was at the college level, and he still teaches a night class for Ball State University. Over the years, he has taught American History, West in the World, History of World Religions, World Civilizations, Public History, Government, Economics and Religious Studies.

Mr. Marsh was the recipient of the inaugural Robert P. Bell Creative Teaching Award, the President’s Award for outstanding instructor at the Academy, and a Teacher Creativity Fellowship from Lilly Endowment. He was chosen by the Academy students to receive the Dean Roy Weaver Award, and was also selected twice by Ball State students for a University Professorship Teaching Award. His History of World Religions course is a favorite at the Academy, and his May Term courses are creative, interactive projects such as the construction of ancient Egyptian tombs, famous prehistoric caves, the Bayeux Tapestry, and an escape room.

Mr. Marsh and his wife, Jenni, write comedy plays together. In 2014, their play, Fixing Up, won the McLaren Comedy Playwriting Festival. Mr. Marsh has also written a book of comedic short stories titled The Comic Misadventures of Bitsy, and co-authored a musical play which was produced in Branson, Missouri, where he served as Vice-President of Marketing and Production for the theatre, and performed as on-stage host. Other writing endeavors include a stint as an op-ed columnist for the Indianapolis News, and writing articles for various history publications.

From 1995-2006, Mr. Marsh was the Executive Director of the Grissom Air Museum. During his tenure, the historic aircraft collection and educational programs grew substantially, while annual visitation tripled. Early in his career, Mr. Marsh founded a burglar and fire alarm company in Muncie which he operated for seven years. He has a business degree from Indiana University, and a master’s degree in history from Ball State University.

John Marsh News

• Fixing Up by Mr. Marsh at Muncie Civic Theatre
• Academy Instructors Receive Lilly Endowment Fellowships
• Academy Instructor Premieres New Play
• Teaching During a Pandemic – a Century Ago by Mr. John Marsh
• Academy Instructors Receive Bell Education Grants
• John Marsh Named Recipient of Inaugural Robert P. Bell Creative Teaching Award
• Explore the “Cave of Time” at the Indiana Academy
• Indiana Academy Instructors Awarded Robert P. Bell Education Grants

Dr. Lobo began teaching at the Academy in the fall of 2019. He majored in English as an undergraduate at Tufts University, before going on to receive his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California. His research interests include the modern novel, games, formal realism, and the part all three play in the production of identity and subjectivity. He has been published in journals such as Postmodern Culture, Game Studies, and Chiasma, on subjects ranging from ecocriticism to Japanese film. His teaching career includes Comparative Literature, Women Writers, World Culture and Writing Composition. At the Academy he teaches English courses, including American Literature, World Literature, Creative Writing, and Junior Colloquium. He maintains an interest in the way the literary and the ludic converge to create new possibilities, and how they might make room for new voices and new forms of self-expression.

Phillip Lobo News

• Dr. Lobo Receives Bell Education Grant From Community Foundation
• Academy Faculty Receive Robert P. Bell Education Grant
• Dr. Phillip Lobo Publishes Research Paper
• Academy Instructors Awarded Bell Grant
• English Instructor Publishes Game Research Paper

Dr. Colin Beineke’s teaching and research interests include comics studies, adaptation theory, and narratology, with a focus on the role of comics editors, art across forms, and formalist close reading. Dr. Beineke’s writings have appeared in the journals The Los Angeles Review of Books, ImageText, The International Journal of Comic Art, and INKS: The Journal of the Comics Studies Society, and he has contributed chapters to the collections Comics Studies Here and Now and Artful Breakdowns: The Comics of Art Spiegelman. Dr. Beineke is co-editor of the forthcoming collection The Comics of Karen Berger: Portrait of the Editor as an Artist from the University of Mississippi Press. Having served on the executive board of the Comics Studies Society, Dr. Beineke is also a founder of its Graduate Student Caucus. An avid collector, Dr. Beineke is always looking to expand his collection of independent comics, and in addition to reading and conversing at coffee shops, Dr. Beineke enjoys spending time with his (spoiled rotten) pittie, Pepper, watching too many horror movies, and going to punk and metal shows.

Sarah Bertekap’s research interests include Irish studies, LGBTQ+ literature, adaptation studies, queer theory, and writing center studies. She recently defended her dissertation, “Unsettling Adaptations: Migration, Ireland, and LGBTQ+ Literature,” at the University of Connecticut, where she taught courses in first-year writing, Irish literature, and LGBTQ+ literature while pursuing her M.A. and Ph.D. During her undergraduate degree in English at Mount Holyoke College, Sarah worked as a peer writing mentor, and at UConn’s Writing Center she served as a graduate writing tutor, an Assistant Director, and the Coordinator for Graduate Writing Support. Sarah has published in the Journal of Lesbian Studies on the 2019 BBC/HBO period drama, Gentleman Jack, and has presented at Irish studies, writing studies, and writing center studies conferences. Sarah is passionate about empowering her students develop the skills needed to mentor their own research and writing selves. When she’s not teaching, reading, or writing, Sarah is typically playing with her three cats, baking a sourdough loaf, out for a walk, doing yoga, or riding roller coasters with her partner, Thomas. She is thrilled to be joining the Indiana Academy’s community this fall.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Myers graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in journalism and worked in various reporting, writing, and editing positions. Dr. Myers then received his M.A. in English from Arcadia University, his Ph.D. in English from Louisiana State University, and he served as the faculty coordinator for the writing center at Kent State University’s Columbiana Campuses. His research interests involve a wide range of American and British literatures, from the colonial to the contemporary, though he most appreciates the American works that bracket the turn of the twentieth century. Dr. Myers is also a scholar of ecocriticism and the environmental humanities, especially attuned to the role of horror and Gothic in culture, and how those genres intersect with ruralness, regionalism, geography, and nature. Dr. Myers has presented at the International Conference on Virginia Woolf and has twice been accepted to the conference of the Modern Language Association (MLA). He serves as an ongoing editor and peer reviewer for various literary journals and university presses, and his scholarship has been published in New Delta Review, the Journal of Modern Literature, Ecocriticism and the Future of Southern Studies, Horror Studies, and Studies in American Fiction.

Dr. Sean A. Scott joined the Academy history faculty in August 2015. He earned a Ph.D. in history from Purdue University in 2008. Since receiving his doctorate he taught history at Ouachita Baptist University and American studies at Christopher Newport University. He also served as an assistant editor with the Papers of Abraham Lincoln project, conducting research at the National Archives. A specialist in the study of religion during the Civil War era, he has authored A Visitation of God: Northern Civilians Interpret the Civil War (Oxford University Press, 2011) and several peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals.

Sean Scott News

• Dr. Sean Scott Published in Lincoln Lore Journal
• Academy Instructors Receive Lilly Endowment Fellowships

Dr. Thomas F. Arnold has taught history at the Academy since 2004. He received his B.A. with High Honors from Oberlin College in 1985, and earned his Ph.D. in early modern and military history at the Ohio State University in 1993. Following his Ph.D. work, from 1993 to 1994 he held a post-doctoral research position in International Security Studies at Yale University. From 1994 to 2001 he was an Assistant Professor of History at Yale University. In 2001 he became Program Manager for Teaching at the Alliance for Lifelong Learning in New York City, an online consortium of Oxford, Stanford, and Yale Universities. He is the author of several articles on aspects of early modern military history, and the book The Renaissance at War (2001 and later editions), currently published by HarperCollins/Smithsonian press.

He enjoys teaching at the Academy, and the chance to work with motivated, gifted and talented young people who are just realizing their opportunities. Most May Terms Dr. Arnold leads a small group of students on a “history and hiking” trip to Europe. Past destinations have included Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and Germany.

Tom Arnold News

• Dr. Tom Arnold, Candy Manship, and Sharon Johnson Celebrated for Combined 70 Years of Service
• Dr. Tom Arnold Receives Lilly Grant
• Academy Faculty Recognized by Alumni’s Colleges
• Dr. Tom Arnold Selected as University of Chicago Outstanding Educator
• Dr. Tom Arnold Awarded Robert P. Bell Creative Teaching Award
• Academy Instructors Receive Bell Education Grants
• Two Indiana Academy Teachers Awarded Grants
• Plato on Trial

Dr. Myers has been an instructor of history at the Academy since the Fall 2006 semester. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Bluefield State College in West Virginia, a Master’s Degree in U.S. History from East Tennessee State University, and a Ph.D. in Appalachian Regional History from West Virginia University, where he wrote a dissertation titled, “Deindustrialization and the Decline of Community in the Coalfields: McDowell County, West Virginia, 1950-2000.” From 2001 to 2006, Dr. Myers taught history part-time at West Virginia University while working on his doctorate. He has also taught history at East Tennessee State University, Fairmont State University (WV), Bluefield State College, Ball State University, and Ivy Tech Community College. Along with the Foundations and American History core classes, Dr. Myers also teaches advanced reading courses in Appalachian History, American Working Class History, Native American History, the History of Science and Technology, and US History from 1920-1945. Dr. Myers is the author of “Depression, Recovery, Instability: The NRA and the McDowell County, West Virginia, Coal Industry, 1920-1938,” published in Coal, Class, and Politics in Modern Appalachia: Essays in Honor of Ronald L. Lewis (Morgantown: West Virginia University Press, 2009), as well as numerous encyclopedia entries and book reviews. Dr. Myers is currently working on a project on Dr. Henry Hatfield, the Progressive era governor of West Virginia.

Mrs. Rogers has taught Russian language at the Indiana Academy since it opened its doors in the fall of 1990. Over the years she has also taught Russian literature at the Academy and German language both at the Academy and at Ball State University, as well as served as an English/Russian translator for Ball State University and around the community of Muncie. Mrs. Rogers holds a Masters Degree in Russian Language and Literature from Purdue University in West Lafayette and a Masters Degree in German from Indiana University in Bloomington, where the focus of her graduate work was on historical linguistics and old Germanic languages. In her free time, Mrs. Rogers is active with volunteer work for Muncie Community Schools and for First Presbyterian Church in Muncie and enjoys traveling with her husband, two daughters and her beagle.

Heather Rogers News

• Academy Teacher Named Ball Brothers Foundation Excellence in Teaching Finalist
• Academic Super Bowl State Finals
• Science Olympiad Team Advances to State
• Academy Students Take Home Gold and Silver at Russian Olympiad
• National German Exam
• ACTR Olympiada of Spoken Russian

Jason Fetters graduated from Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Spanish and a Master of Arts in Transatlantic Cultural Studies in Spanish. Before joining the Academy, Mr. Fetters spent nearly 20 years in higher education teaching all levels of Spanish while also coordinating Spanish language programs, first at Purdue University and then later at Indiana Wesleyan University. His affection for the Spanish language and its many people groups around the world began in high school. That affection has only grown through the years, with him taking advantage of every opportunity to speak the language as possible. Some of his personal, immersive language experiences include study abroad in both Mexico and Spain, humanitarian trips to Mexico, and teaching alongside Spanish speakers from all over the world. Some of his most memorable courses taught include Cuba: From Colony to Castro, The Religious World of Latin America, Spanish in Medical Contexts, Women Writers of Spain through the Centuries, Culture & Civilization of Spain, and Culture & Civilization of Latin America.

Dr. Pyo teaches Korean courses and ESL academic composition courses at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities at Ball State University. She has previously taught Korean at the Korean American Community School of Central Ohio and online Amazing Talker company and ESL courses at Urbana University and Asian American Community Services. She holds her M.A. in French linguistics from Ewha Womans University in Korea and her M.A. in TESOL from New York University. She earned her Ph.D. in TESOL from the Ohio State University. Her research focuses on multiliteracies in foreign and second language learning.

Jeongsoo Pyo News

• Dr. Jeongsoo Pyo Invited to Present at AATK Annual Meeting

Dr. Slocum teaches French courses at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and the Humanities at Ball State University. She has previously taught French at Colorado State University-Pueblo, Michigan Technological University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in French literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed her minor in the department of Theatre and Drama. Her research focuses on twentieth century French literature and theatre.

Stephen Schuh has been with the Academy since the 2000-2001 school year, and has been selected for local and regional meritorious teaching awards over 20 times. He is a consultant for the College Board and has facilitated 60+ summer workshops for national and international AP Physics instructors. Mr. Schuh has taught for Ball State University, Indiana University, and Purdue University, and has extended experience with 600-level courses in Physics, Mathematics, Biophysics, Education, and Psychology. Having logged over 3000 hours of studio time, Mr Schuh has taught students across the state, country, and beyond. In 2012, he was one of 12 consultants across the globe invited to participate in the first year of the College Board’s new Physics curriculum, and has taught all levels of physics, research, and colloquium for the Indiana Academy.

Chris Buczek joined the Academy in the fall of 2018 teaching General Chemistry and AP Chemistry. Her philosophy on education is that it is not a spectator sport; students must be engaged in what they are learning and be provided with opportunities to apply what they have learned in novel situations. She has over twenty years of teaching experience and continues to seek better and more engaging methods to the classroom. Chris received her Master’s in Science Education from Indiana Wesleyan and has begun work on her Master’s in Chemistry where she will continue her focus on Chemistry Education. She holds a BA from Indiana University in Sociology with a concentration in Psychology and a BS from Trine University in Chemistry Education and a concentration in Mathematics.

Justin Crowder joined the Academy in 2024 teaching AP Biology, Introduction to Microbiology, and Genetics. Mr. Crowder grew up in Muncie and has studied at Ball State and Indiana University. He has served as an instructor for multiple life science and physical science courses at both the high school and university levels and has conducted biomedical research in various academic laboratories.

Mr. Crowder’s graduate thesis project investigated the protein quality control mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum localized ubiquitin ligase enzymes in genetically modified yeast. He then spent eight years researching the cellular process of diabetes pathogenesis in various tissues of genetically modified mice and immortalized cell lines. Mr. Crowder has published articles in scientific journals including the Journal of Biological Chemistry and Diabetologia.

Mr. Crowder lives in Muncie with his wife, daughter, two cats, and bearded dragon. In his free time he enjoys hiking, gaming, attending concerts, and exploring new culinary delights.

Ms. Cunningham was appointed Instructor of Computer Science in 1996 at the Indiana Academy. Currently, she teaches AP Computer Science A/Java, Introduction to Programming/C++, Visual Programming/Python, Virtual Reality, Web Page Design and Personal Finance. Since the summer of 1997, Ms. Cunningham has also taught summer workshops for teachers and elementary through high school students. During the school year, she is also active in presenting computer technology Saturday programs for elementary through high school students. She is an AP Computer Science A Consultant for the College Board and AP Reader for AP Computer Science A tests.

Before coming to the Indiana Academy, she was Departmental Manager for various computer departments at Ontario Systems Corp. in Muncie, Indiana. She has experience as a Software Project Manager/Systems Analyst at Conseco, Inc. (Carmel, IN) and started as a Programmer Analyst at Ball Corporation in Muncie, Indiana. While attending Ball State University as an undergraduate, she was a programmer consultant for the Charles A. Beard School Corporation in Knightstown, Indiana and was instrumental in setting up their first computer labs. She has also taught night classes at Indiana Wesleyan University, Indianapolis, IN. Currently, she is an independent contractor for various programming projects.

Ms. Cunningham is a former member and officer (serving 3 terms) on the Board of Directors for Heritage Place in Indianapolis, Indiana, former member of the Indianapolis Computer Society, former member of the Network of Business Women in Indianapolis, former member of Toastmasters, former member of Sigma Iota Epsilon (Ball State) and has served on the YMCA Programs and Activities Committee, Muncie, IN. In 1989, she was in the Who’s Who Among Women Executives.

Susie Cunningham News

• Academy Faculty Recognized by Alumni’s Colleges
• Ms. Susie Cunningham, Students Receive Awards from NCWIT
• PhyxtGears Robotics Team Wins Bloomington Regional Competition
• Satellite Designed by Indiana Academy Students Set to Launch Aboard a NASA Rocket
• HOSA Leadership Conference

Dr. Hook teaches General Physics, AP Physics 1, Solar System Astronomy, and Galactic Astronomy classes at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. She received her B.S. degree in 2010 from Ball State University in Physics with minors in Astronomy and Geology. She completed her M.S. degree, also at Ball State University, in 2017 in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics. Her master’s thesis focused on the use of an Echelle spectrograph, describing and conducting data analysis on the accretion disc of the binary star system X Persei. Prior to arriving at the Indiana Academy in the Fall of 2022, she taught physics classes at Ball State University and Purdue University in the capacity of a teaching assistant for almost all of the years she was a graduate student at those universities.

Recently, in the summer of 2023, she completed her Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Physics Education from Purdue University. Her dissertation concerned the post-secondary realm of educators and their beliefs about teaching problem-solving which revealed a caring and student-centered perception of education.

Dr. Hook has been published several times throughout her career thus far, aside from her thesis and dissertation, including in journals such as Planetary and Space Science Journal, the Journal of the Southern Association for Research in Astronomy, and paper sessions of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). She has also attended and presented at several conferences. She has presented research at the 39th Annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in 2007 and participated in poster sessions of her research at the American Astronomical Society (AAS): Division for Planetary Sciences Meeting in 2008 and the American Astronomical Society / American Association of Physics Teachers Joint Meeting in 2006. She also regularly attends the Hoosier Association for Science Teachers Conference.

In her free time, Dr. Hook enjoys spending time with her husband, fur-children (4 dogs and 1 cat), and her mom who now lives with her due to health. She enjoys reading/watching mystery, science fiction, and fantasy genre content and hopes to someday contribute to the art with her own books someday. She also likes to paint, solve mystery case games (such as her Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective – The Thames Murders & Other Cases Board Game), and game on her play station (her favorite being the entire Assassin’s Creed Series, first to latest).

Mr. Mayfield teaches Human Anatomy and Physiology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, Introduction to Microbiology, Introduction to Zoology, Botany, Humanity/Biotechnology, and Social Issues and Research. Additionally, he serves as the sponsor of the Environmental Club, Speech and Debate Team, and Envirothon Team. Mr. Mayfield is an evolutionary biologist who is doing his dissertation research on evolutionary relationships in orchids. He has published articles in the fields of systematic botany and entomology.

Michael Mayfield News

• Science Olympiad Team Advances to State
• Academy Instructor of Life Sciences Receives Prestigious Award
• Envirothon Teams Travel to Purdue
• HOSA Leadership Conference
• Indiana Academy Instructors Awarded Robert P. Bell Education Grants

Dr. Godfrey Walwema is thrilled to join The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities as a Physics Instructor. Godfrey has taught physics for over 15 years at the International Baccalaureate and Advanced levels as well as high school. Prior to joining Ball State University, Godfrey taught physical science to preservice teachers at the University of Wyoming. He has also taught physics in Uganda, Kenya, Eswatini, and Botswana.

Godfrey believes that students should find the learning of physics interesting and exciting because the application of physics principles is evident all around them in real-life situations. He contends that naturally, students are likely to be interested in exploring and learning about what happens around them. For instance, they would want to know how the microwave oven functions, the principle behind the GPS, the most efficient way to conserve energy, and the technology involved in computers and cellphones. To this end, Godfrey’s research interest is to investigate teaching strategies that would make the learning of physics interesting and exciting to students.

Godfrey earned a B.S. in physics and mathematics from Makerere University, an M.S. in Physics from Western Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Science Education from The University of Wyoming. In his spare time, he reads about the latest innovations in the field of science and technology.

Dr. Godfrey Walwema News

• Dr. Godfrey Walwema Joins Academy as Physics Instructor

Donald Winslow grew up in Indianapolis and studied at Indiana University and Michigan State. His dissertation project addressed the effects of forest management practices on breeding birds in southern Indiana. He has also studied birds in the field in Michigan, Saskatchewan, California, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. Dr. Winslow has taught biology and environmental science at Indiana University, Michigan State University, St. Gregory’s University and Rose State College in Oklahoma, Ivy Tech, and the Indiana Academy. He lives with his wife, two sons, and three cats in Hagerstown.

Donald Winslow News

• Dr. Donald Winslow Published in The Hoosier Science Teacher

Since beginning at the Academy in 1991, Ms. Foltz has enjoyed teaching courses in Algebra, Precalculus, Finite Mathematics, Statistics, Calculus, and AP Calculus. She believes that “mathematics is not a spectator sport,” and so she seeks to engage students in the course topics, encouraging them to think like mathematicians in the process. She is also the instructor for the AP Calculus courses that are available through the Indiana Academy Online. Ms. Foltz has led Outreach summer workshops and school in-service sessions on the use of technology in the secondary classroom. She also currently serves as a Faculty Consultant in AP Calculus for the College Board, leading one day and weeklong sessions, and has been a Reader and Table Leader for the College Board in AP Calculus.

Ms. Foltz was the chief developer of educational materials for the web-based Get-A-Five, an online provider of calculus video tutorials, diagnostic questions, and practice AP exams. She was part of the team that prepared materials for the training manual used by AP Calculus consultants. Previously, she was a contributing author for the Kaplan AP Calculus AB & BC study guide and was a member of a project team that completed a National Science Foundation calculus curriculum grant at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Ms. Foltz was the recipient of the Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished High School Mathematics Teaching from the Mathematical Association of America, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Outstanding High School Teacher Award, the Radio Shack National Teacher Award, the Sigma Xi (Ball State University Chapter) Teacher of the Year Award, the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement – Teacher Award for the State of Indiana, and the Dean Roy Weaver Indiana Academy Outstanding Contributor Award.

Jessica Edrington joined the faculty of the Indiana Academy in 2018 and has been teaching high school mathematics since 2006. She has served as an AP Reader for AP Calculus and is a College Board consultant for AP Precalculus. Ms. Edrington earned her M.A. in Mathematics from Ball State University, B.A. in Mathematics from Olivet Nazarene University, and graduated from the Indiana Academy in 1994. She also is the sponsor for the Academic Super Bowl team and enjoys spending time with her two rescue dogs, Ezri and Hana.

Jessica Edrington News

• Jessica Edrington Selected as Lilly Fellow
• Academic Super Bowl State Competition Results
• Academic Super Bowl Results
• Academic Super Bowl Teams Qualify for State
• Academic Super Bowl State Finals
• Academic Super Bowl Results
• 2020 Academic Super Bowl Results

Joshua Ruark earned his Bachelor’s degree in Math and Social Studies in Secondary Education from Cornerstone University in 1999. In 2011, he earned a Master’s in Discrete Mathematics from Michigan Technological University, where he stayed on for the 2011-12 year as an instructor before joining the faculty at the Indiana Academy in 2012.

In addition to teaching classes ranging from Pre-Calculus to Differential Equations, Mr. Ruark coaches both the Quiz Bowl and Academic Superbowl teams.

On a personal note, Joshua is an avid game player, with Scrabble, Dominion, and 7 Wonders among his favorites. He also is a fan of all things Star Trek, and although he doesn’t own a costume from any of the series, he can identify almost any episode of ST:TOS and ST:TNG by title.

Joshua Ruark News

• Quiz Bowl National Tournament Results
• Science Olympiad Team Advances to State
• Indiana Academy Takes First Place in Academic Super Bowl State Finals
• Indiana Academy Recognized as a Top Dual Credit School

Julie serves as the Academy’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Since joining the Academy in 2016, her responsibilities have included all aspects of the Academy’s public relations, marketing, and external communications both print and digital. She works closely with faculty, staff, and students as well as alums and external partners to create promotional materials, plan events, and support fundraising efforts. She also oversees the Academy’s website and institutional social media accounts. The offices of Admissions, International Programs, and Outreach Programs report directly to her.

She previously worked in Ball State’s Office of Marketing and Communications for over seven years. Other higher education institutions she’s worked for include Ivy Tech, Anderson University, and Rose-Hulman Institute for Technology. Her work has been recognized with many prestigious awards throughout her career.

Julie is a lifelong resident of Indiana, but loves to travel, explore, and go on adventures – especially with her husband and two sons. (Her youngest son is also a proud 2015 alum of the Academy!) Other interests include reading and writing science fiction. While she loves a good sci-fi story, she also enjoys learning more about real science and technology. In 2011, she was invited by NASA to be a citizen journalist at the last space shuttle launch (STS-135) and witnessed the event from the famous countdown clock at the Kennedy Space Center. Since then she’s been invited to cover numerous NASA events and launches, and she’s been known to make occasional visits to SpaceX facilities too. She also serves on the non-profit Board of Directors for the Midwest Writers Workshop and has been serving as Board President since September 2019.

In 1989, Dr. Jo Tuite joined the Admissions staff at Ball State University, moving to the Office of Admissions at the Indiana Academy in 1991. Dr. Jo is the Associate Director and Head of Admissions. In this role, she is responsible for leading the admissions team to admit high ability high school students who demonstrate the aptitude to be successful at the Academy.

Having had the opportunity to know every one of the Academy’s alumni, Dr. Jo enjoys adding to that number by getting to know prospective students and families and sharing her passion about the Academy. In addition, she enjoys educating others about various aspects of gifted and talented/high ability education and student characteristics through webinars and research.

In her free time, Dr. Jo enjoys traveling domestically and abroad. With one child still in high school, she and her husband (Chuck) have 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and one very demanding cat. Finally, when she can squeeze in the time, she enjoys reading, especially mystery, horror, and thriller novels. Have a book recommendation, be sure to let her know!

Huey Shi Chew is the International Program Director at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. In this position, she serves as the Indiana Academy’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), and oversees all components of the Academy’s international student program. She is responsible for issuing I-20 documents, maintaining SEVIS, making admissions decisions regarding international student applications, pursuing student recruitment and program development initiatives, maintaining regular contact with all international students and host families, and overseeing testing, academic advising, and course selection.

Mrs. Chew joined the Academy in July 2023 and has 20 years of experience in supporting international students and faculty in her previous employment. She received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and master’s degree in Education in Malaysia and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S) in Higher Education Administration from Pittsburg State University, Kansas.

Her passion of seeing international students grow and succeed in the U.S. has kept her feeling “young.”

Kendall Harris graduated from Western Carolina University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. She’s originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and moved to Indiana specifically to work for the Academy.

Kendall says, “I don’t have any cool life/job experience, but I like to read.”

Mr. Raleigh is the Multimedia/Graphic Design Specialist in the Office of Outreach Programs. He is responsible for designing and maintaining web pages for the Indiana Academy, the distance learning Elementary Modern Language courses and High School courses, as well as most of the print publications and advertisements for Academy events and activities. He has been with the Indiana Academy since 1999, and has a Bacon number of 3.

Paul is beginning his 23rd year as a proud member of the Academy Community, but this will be his 6th year as Director of Residential and Student Affairs. He is looking forward to the new school year ahead. Paul is originally from Muncie, Indiana and graduated from the University of Evansville with a B.A. in English and several minors. After graduating in 2000, Paul applied and was selected to participate in the Americorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program in San Diego, California. There, he traveled the Western Region states as a National Service Volunteer. Paul has done several projects in the fields of the Environment, Unmet Human Needs, Public Safety, and Education. Whether assisting retired military in daily living, helping homeless street kids in San Diego, revitalizing a small town in Washington State, building homes with Habitat for Humanity in San Francisco, constructing a skate park for the youth of Virginia City, Nevada, or planning and implementing education programs throughout the Western Region of the United States, Paul has welcomed each new experience and embraces the opportunity and role of Director here at the Academy.

Paul has worked with almost every special event and committee at some point while on staff at the Academy. Paul received his Master of Arts degree in Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University in 2006. Paul enjoys many diverse forms of music and writing, reading, volunteering, and almost anything related to sports. Paul and his wife, Sabra, celebrate the joys of their two daughters (Lynley and Myla) and enjoy re-experiencing the world once again through their daughters’ eyes. Paul’s passion and commitment to the Academy has grown stronger with each passing year and he looks forward to faithfully serving the students, parents, and fellow staff members of the Indiana Academy. He is proud to be a part of such a great school and amazing student experience.

Bridger worked as an SLC on First Floor from 2013-2016 and enjoys having an office across the courtyard from his old apartment. He has been working in his current role supporting the SLCs and students since December of 2018.

Bridger was born in Hong Kong and lived in Macau through his childhood. His family moved to Huntington, Indiana when he was in fifth grade. He attended Huntington North High School and Huntington University (Class of ’09). During and after his time at HU, he was employed as a local sportswriter and radio broadcaster. Bridger has returned to Asia many times since moving to Indiana, including seven trips as a volunteer with English camps in China and a two-year stint as an English instructor in Macau after college. Bridger lives in Muncie with his wife Shannon (former Third Floor SLC, 2012-2015) and two children: Ben (6) and Hazel (4). Bridger’s current hobbies include audiobooks, chess, GeoGuessr, and following his favorite sports teams.

Anna joined the Indiana Academy in July of 2021 as Residential and Student Affairs Administrative Coordinator. Anna works behind the front desk at Wagoner Hall and is excited to be a first point of contact for students and visitors at the Academy. She wears many hats, including maintaining sign in and sign out records for students when leaving and entering the Academy, overseeing daily desk duties such as mail and space reservations, maintaining financial records related to residential and student affairs, handling student room keys, and assisting the School Nurse with medication.

Anna grew up in Minnesota and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Gustavus Adolphus College. She moved to Muncie in 2003, following 6 years of living in Davis, California. Anna is married with 2 boys. The oldest was a 2021 graduate of the Indiana Academy and is now attending Purdue and the youngest is a high school student at Burris and plays on the soccer team. Anna enjoys her 3 cats, cooking and baking, traveling and exploring new places, and getting back to Minnesota as often as possible.

Ms. Johnson is the Night Office Supervisor for the Indiana Academy. She holds an Associates Degree in Electronics from Indiana Vocational Technical College and has additional hours toward the completion of a second Associates Degree in Design Technology. Before coming to the Academy, Ms. Johnson worked for a small Muncie business as a purchasing agent. Prior to that, Ms. Johnson worked for a local plastics company for eleven years and then opened her own daycare center.

Originally from England, Nikki completed her RN training at Nottingham University, UK in 1994, emigrated to the USA in 1998 and became licensed to practice nursing in the State of Indiana in 1999.

Nikki previously worked at Ball Memorial Hospital in the Diabetes Care Center and the Cardiac Telemetry Unit.

Nikki joined the Indiana Academy as School Nurse in March 2017. Her daughter graduated from the Indiana Academy Class of 2020, her eldest son, class of 2023.

Nikki became Nurse Manager in August 2021. Her role includes coordinating and overseeing all aspects of student’s health care needs whilst they are attending the Indiana Academy, training non-licensed personnel to assist with emergent and routine care needs, providing Heath education and developing programs that promote health and well-being.

Hi!

I am very excited to join the Indiana Academy!

I look forward to working with everyone here!

I have 11 previous years as a school nurse. I was born and raised in the Finger Lakes region of NY. I lived in Tampa FL for 23 years then moved to Indiana in 2021. I love to make deco mesh wreaths, going to Nascar races, Football games, spending time with my husband Patrick and cuddle with my 14 year old Cairn Terrier Jackal.

Dr. Mindy Wallpe is the Associate Director of Mental Health Services at the Indiana Academy. In this position, she serves at the primary in-house therapist and strives to promote the emotional well-being of all Indiana Academy Students. Each day, she meets individually with students (open-door policy), coordinates supplemental counseling services, collaborates with hometown and outside therapists, supervises 1-2 part-time doctoral practicum Academy counselors, develops intervention/support plans for individual students, manages mental health programming efforts, and serves as a great resource/partner for Academy parents.

Dr. Wallpe attended Marian College, which is now Marian University, for her undergraduate education and majored in psychology. She earned her master’s degree in community counseling from Ball State University and graduated with her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky. She has held positions in counseling centers at the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s College, Butler University, and Marian University. She has also worked at the IU Health Charis Center for Eating Disorders providing Individual and group therapy and co-leading the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient program. Dr. Wallpe is a licensed psychologist and joined the Indiana Academy in January 2017.

This is Judy’s first year as a Student Life Counselor and she couldn’t be more excited. Born and raised in Indiana, Judy went south and attended Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. Judy obtained her Bachelor’s of Social Work in May 2023. During her last semester at Freed-Hardeman, Judy worked as a Family Support Specialist at Shenandoah K-12. There, Judy collaborated with students and their families to find community resources, provide mental health care, and support the students in their academic journeys.

In her free time, Judy enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her dogs. Judy has worked a variety of jobs, making pizzas in high school, shelving books at a library, and more recently, piloting the 1859 Balloon Voyage at Conner Prairie. Judy has a love for all things outdoors, frequently going camping with her family, visiting State Parks, and gardening. Judy is looking forward to working with the other Student Life Counselors and school faculty to provide the best experience for students this academic year.

Jordyn is excited to begin her first year at the Indiana Academy as a third floor student life counselor. Jordyn was born and raised in Mishawaka, IN but came to the Academy as a student in 2018. Following her time at the academy, Jordyn completed a degree in Elementary Education at Purdue where she did research in behavioral interventions and mathematics education.

Jordyn’s hobbies include doing puzzles, reading, playing Luigi’s Mansion, and watching Gilmore Girls. Jordyn is grateful for her time spent at the Academy and can’t wait to support students moving forward on their own journey.

Victoria is thrilled to be back at the Indiana Academy, this time as an SLC. Victoria was born in England and spent half of her childhood there and in Brazil before moving to Indiana in 8th grade. After graduating from the Academy, class of 2014, Victoria then graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in English. Most recently Victoria worked as a Family Support Specialist, working to provide mental health care and teach life skills to high school students.

In her free time Victoria enjoys traveling and exploring new cities, countries, and continents. As an avid racing fan, she finds herself traveling across the country and globe to attend different races, but you can also find her curled with a good book or working on writing her own. During her time at the Academy as a student, Victoria appreciated and valued the way the SLCs supported and encouraged her and her peers. Now she is excited to be able to give back to the next set of students.

Alicia recently graduated from Miami University in Ohio with a major in Education Studies. She was raised in her hometown of Harrison, OH all the way until she attended Miami, where she resided in Oxford, OH for the last four years. During her third year at Miami, Alicia earned the opportunity to study abroad in London for a semester. This further enhanced her love for British culture and gave her a new perspective on life.

She is excited to join the residence life team, filled with individuals who share her passion for supporting students on their path to receiving a higher education. Alicia’s free-time usually consists of reading, shopping and playing video games like her favorite, Fortnite. She is an avid thrifter and vinyl collector, with a deep passion for music and animation. Alicia is so excited to be a part of the Indiana Academy and is most grateful to be able to aid and serve the incredible students of the academy in their schooling experience.

Wayne is thrilled to embark on his first year as a Student Life Counselor at the Academy. Originally from Trenton, NJ, Wayne moved to Ohio during his first year of high school and chose to remain in the state to pursue a degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing at The Ohio State University. Over the past two years, he has gained valuable experience working on the residential side of Phi Kappa Alpha, the largest fraternity in the United States by membership.

Wayne is eager to use this experience to aid students in navigating the challenges of college life and to support their smooth transition from the academy.

In his free time, Wayne is passionate about writing, whether it be creative or journalistic. When he’s not writing, he enjoys engaging in musical activities, watching anime, or following sports. Wayne looks forward to contributing to the Academy and supporting its students in every way he can.

Vincent is beginning his fourth school year at the Academy as a Student Life Counselor on the fourth floor. Vincent was born in Chicago and raised in Fort Wayne, IN. As a graduate of the Academy from its class of 2008, Vincent has had experience being here both as a student and as an SLC. In his time here as an SLC, Vincent has sponsored clubs including the Latinx Student Union, the Video Game Club, and Japan Club, in addition to other smaller student-led clubs. Vincent has also acted as the International/NECP SLC and as a PA Advisor since being hired, and he looks to continue his work as PA Advisor through this year.

Vincent attended Purdue University Fort Wayne, earning BS and MS degrees in mathematics. During his time there as a graduate student, Vincent briefly taught algebra first as a graduate teaching assistant, and eventually as an adjunct faculty member later on. As a former math teacher, and as someone who has received much formal education in math, Vincent hopes to be available to help Academy students with any math-related woes as circumstances allow.

Vincent’s hobbies include playing Smash Bros., rhythm games, and role-playing video games, making origami, tinkering with small electronics and retro games, and watching anime. Vincent is grateful to the Academy and its students for making his experience as an SLC worthwhile, and he hopes to work productively toward assisting as many Academites as he can as they strive for continued personal and academic success this year.

Emma is a first-year Student Life Counselor (SLC) at the Indiana Academy. She grew up in Pendleton, Indiana before earning a B.S. in public relations from Ball State University in 2019.

Until recently, she lived and worked in downtown Indianapolis as a freelance marketing copywriter.

Back to her roots on Ball State’s campus, Emma looks forward to helping Academites navigate school and life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading non-fiction, creative writing and listens to a range of music.

Archer is excited to begin his third full year at the Indiana Academy. He grew up across three continents, gaining an appreciation for the breadth of human perspective, but also a front-seat view of how brutal life can be without hope and opportunity. Despite being a math and science kid his entire life, Archer graduated from Goshen College with a double major in English and Writing in 2020. In both creative and practical pursuits, Archer realized he enjoyed sharing and facilitating ideas even more than discovering them – a passion that is on full display helping students at the Academy come to terms with themselves and the world around them.

Archer is interested in nearly everything. His favorite thing is listening to people and he considers everyone a friend until proven otherwise. He pushes for excellence in competitive hobbies, reaching high ranks in many strategy games including Chess and Magic: The Gathering. While he dabbles in creating original paintings, books, music, and more, his real creative passion is coordinating larger projects like board games and tabletop RPGs. He learns a lot from trying to help students develop communication skills. Archer is looking forward to working alongside the students this year as a 1st floor SLC and is excited to witness another year of joy and growth at the Academy.