The start of a new school year can bring many new things to a college campus, such as new students, classes and faculty and staff. Milligan welcomed eight new faculty and staff members for the 2019-2020 school year.
Of the eight individuals brought on, two work at Emmanuel Christian Seminary, two work with the occupational therapy program, one works an engineering professor, one works as a nursing professor, one works as a business instructor and one works as the director of multicultural engagement.
Dr. Daniel Cutshall is an assistant professor of electrical engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree as well as a doctorate in electrical engineering from Clemson University in 2019. A native of Johnson City, he is glad to be back closer to his family.
Cutshall previously served as a graduate student instructor at Clemson. Teaching classes with 60 plus students at times can be difficult in a hands-on field such as engineering. “My favorite part of teaching has always been the one-on-one and small group interactions,” said Cutshall. “So, I am thankful to be part of a program here [at Milligan] were that is the norm.”
Cutshall mentioned he was a bit nervous going into a relatively new engineering program. Going in, he expected to be kept occupied, and he was correct. “I have been very busy helping develop the curriculum,” said Cutshall.
“The most challenging part so far has been creating the senior level classes from scratch,” said Cutshall. Since Milligan’s engineering program started in the fall of 2016, the program will have its first graduating class in the spring. He added that a benefit of creating the curriculum from scratch allowed more flexibility to teach the topics the way he wants.
Cutshall talked a little about a few reasons why he chose to come teach at Milligan with the small class sizes being one. “I expected to get to know my students better due to the class sizes,” he said, “And after only a few weeks, I feel like I know most of the students in the program, which is great.”
Another reason Cutshall chose Milligan was the emphasis the college places on teaching as opposed to research. He enjoys teaching, especially in an engineering program that is geared toward serving others.
Cutshall said that, so far, his favorite thing about being at Milligan is the community. “With new-hire training, faculty gatherings and sporting events everyone has been extremely nice and welcoming,” he said.
Beverly Brown, an assistant professor of nursing, is another new member of Milligan’s faculty. Brown received her bachelor of science in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing from East Tennessee State University. She has served as a nurse and administrator with Ballad Health for almost 30 years. Most recently, she was an education coordinator at Indian Path Community Hospital.
Brown worked as an adjunct professor at Milligan on and off throughout the years, so she was familiar with teaching and the campus. “I have always enjoyed teaching others, and I feel it is my identity in Christ, what He wants me to do,” said Brown.
Brown talked about how she was excited to experience the work of God in the academic environment, as well as meet new faculty and students. “The faculty are professional and also loving and kind. I love joining a new community of faith leaders in both the professors and students,” said Brown.
So far, the most challenging part for Brown had been learning the new IT platforms, but she said, thankfully, her colleagues have helped her out. Her favorite part of teaching is making connections with students and seeing students get those “ah-ha” moments.
Her years as an adjunct professor helped sway her into joining Milligan’s faculty, but ultimately, it was the community that helped her decide. “I liked that the college offers superior quality education and promotes servant leadership,” Brown said. “I like being a part of that.”
Headline photo: Dr. Daniel Cutshall is a new assistant professor of electrical engineering.