October 6, 2026 — Marist University recently welcomed a new cohort of full-time faculty members for the 2026-27 academic year, bringing accomplished scholars, industry practitioners, and innovative educators to the University. 

The group spans every academic school and supports key institutional priorities that prepare students to lead in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. 

“Each new faculty member brings expertise, energy, and a fresh perspective that will strengthen our departments, our classrooms, and our broader academic community,” said Dr. Addrain Conyers, Interim Provost and Dean of Faculty. “Marist has built its reputation on close collaboration between faculty and students, experiential learning, and a willingness to innovate in how we teach and mentor.” 

Here is the new cohort of faculty members.

School of Liberal Arts

• Bonnie Yonbom Chung, Visiting Lecturer of English
• Danthalinn O'Dea, Visiting Lecturer of English

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

• Stephanie Carnes, Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
• Lillian Dugan, Lecturer of Social Work in the MSW Program
• Judith Fenlon, Assistant Professor of Social Work in the MSW Program

School of Communication and the Arts

• John Dunham, Assistant Professor of Games and Emerging Media
• Alexis Haskell, Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism

School of Science

• Yifeng Huo, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
• Marilyn Lashlee, Clinical Associate Professor, Program Director and Department Chair of Nursing
• Patrick Thieringer, Assistant Professor of Biology

“Our newest colleagues join that tradition, and their teaching and research will help Marist continue to grow as a place where the liberal arts and professional preparation come together to support our students' success.”
 - Dr. Addrain Conyers, Interim Provost and Dean of Faculty

School of Management

• Henrietta Akpata, Visiting Professional Lecturer of Management
• Janine Daughtry, Professional Lecturer of Management
• Brenda Gellner, Assistant Professor of Public and Nonprofit Administration
• Gabriel E. Gonzales, Assistant Professor of Marketing
• Nathan Lee, Professional Lecturer of Finance
• Katie Mencke, Professional Lecturer of Operations Management
• Chris Stone, Associate Professor of Management
• Jun Wang, Assistant Professor of Marketing

School of Computer Science and Mathematics

• Pablo Rivas, Associate Professor of Computer Science

Faculty Honor
Joanna D'Avanzo was recognized with the Board of Trustees Award during Marist's Faculty and Staff Convocation in September. The honor acknowledges her outstanding contributions to the University and reflects the excellence and dedication demonstrated by faculty across the Marist community. 

Joanna D'Avanzo was recognized with the Board of Trustees Award during Marist's Faculty and Staff Convocation in September. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.