University Awards Promotions, Extended Contracts to Faculty
College of Saint Mary recognized the promotions and extended contracts of several faculty members during a reception on April 23 in the Warde Conference Center.
“The promotion process acknowledges selected faculty who advance our institution’s mission through their scholarly endeavors, commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community, and steadfast commitment to teaching, learning, and discovery,” said Kimberly Allen, PhD, vice president of academic and student affairs. “We commend these faculty members for their years of hard work to become scholars of distinction and exceptional educators.”
Those honored were:
Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Jennifer Kuchta, EdD, RN, director of the CSM Practical Nursing Certificate program, has worked at CSM for more than 10 years. She earned her associate degree in nursing from Northeast Community College, her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University, a master’s degree from Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health and her doctorate in health professions education from CSM.
Megan Ray, EdD, RN, director of undergraduate nursing, has taught at CSM since 2016. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and an education doctorate from Nebraska Methodist College.
Assistant Professor to Associate Professor with Extended Contract
Tracey Toney, EdD, RN, has taught at CSM since 2011. She also serves as the nursing simulation coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nebraska Methodist College. She earned her doctorate in health professions education from CSM.
Kristin Pilakowski, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, has taught at CSM since 2018. She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas and her OT doctorate from Creighton University. She is board-certified in pediatrics.
Extended Contract
Tara Ruppert, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, has served as a professor of occupational therapy since 2015. She is the director of the OT program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in OT from Creighton University, a certificate in upper quarter rehabilitation from Drexel University and her doctorate in OT from George Washington University.
Adebimpe Obembe, DPT, PhD, has taught as a member of the OT department since 2019. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Ibadan, her master’s and doctorate degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University and a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. She has a post-doctorate in neurorehabilitation and health sciences.
Associate Professor to Professor
Sarah Klocke, MFA, director of theatre and communications program, has taught at CSM since 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s degree in fine arts in film, theatre and communications from the University of New Orleans. She is currently working on her doctorate of educational leadership from CSM.
