LEXINGTON, Ky.—Four new full-time faculty members will join Transylvania University for the start of the 2018-19 academic year on Sept. 4.
The three professors and endowed chair will contribute to the university’s centuries-old tradition of excellence in teaching through their fields of theater, music, education and exercise science.
“We are excited to welcome these four faculty members to campus as we embark on a new academic year,” said Laura Bryan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university. “They bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm that will enrich the learning environment here at Transylvania.”
The new faculty members include Tosha Fowler, who is Transylvania’s Lucille C. Little Chair of Theater and the director of the Theater Program. An educator, director and actor, she spent the past 11 years in Chicago’s thriving arts scene. Fowler is the founding executive artistic director of that city’s Cor Theatre. She also taught at The Theatre School at DePaul University, where she received an MFA in acting. Her other experience includes serving as an instructor of drama workshops for Urban Hope, a program for inner-city youths in Savannah, Georgia. Most recently, Fowler was a visiting professor for the School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State University.
Also joining Transylvania’s Division of Fine Arts this fall is Regan MacNay, who is the university’s new assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Music in choral conducting from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Arts in English literature from York University in Ontario, Canada. Her extensive experience includes serving as assistant conductor for the UK Chorale and the UK Women’s Chorus and as director of the California State University, Long Beach, Women’s Chorus. MacNay also was a guest clinician for choirs at area schools, including Asbury University, Tates Creek High School and Lexington Christian Academy.
Priyanka Parekh joins Transylvania University as an assistant professor of education. She received her Ph.D. from Mary Lou Fulton Teachers’ College at Arizona State University and a Master of Science from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India. Her academic interests include science education, STEM literacy and girls, and experiential learning across diverse settings. As an educator of future teachers, she has promoted science learning for all children. Parekh also has served as a teacher coordinator for Global Perspectives to promote understanding of global issues and creative and critical thinking. Her work has appeared in various publications, including the Journal of Science Education and Technology.
A lecturer at Transylvania for the last year, Juanita Jean Wallace is now an assistant professor of exercise science. She earned a Ph.D. in biomechanics from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Science in exercise science from Eastern Kentucky University. Wallace teaches courses in Lifetime Fitness and Wellness, Injuries and Rehab, and Introduction to Exercise Science. She served as a kinesiologist and a research specialist at Shriners Hospitals for Children Medical Center in Lexington and was on the faculty of the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University and Spencerian College. Her scholarly work has appeared in publications such as the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics.
Additionally, three visiting faculty will teach at Transylvania in the disciplines of biology, business administration and German studies.