New Staff Members Announced

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Sterling College has announced some of the new additions to its staff.

Adrian Dinkel has been named head baseball coach for Sterling College. Prior to arriving at Sterling, Dinkel spent two seasons as the head assistant and recruiting coordinator at Clarendon College in Texas. He and his wife, Gidget will soon be residing in Sterling.

Naiya Hernandez graduated from Sterling College in 2008. After graduation she had the opportunity to serve with an urban ministry in downtown Denver, Colo. She will be serving as the resident director for Evan’s Hall. While at Sterling, she was involved in student government, missions and the campus activities board.

Gary Kempf will be serving as of athletic director. In this role he will oversee the athletic department as well as work on donor development for the athletic programs. Kempf comes to Sterling College from Asbury University where he served as athletic director. Prior to Asbury, he was assistant athletic director at the University of Kansas.

Jeff Kidd is a 2005 graduate of Sterling College. Kidd comes to Sterling from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., where he has been the head men’s soccer coach for the Swedes the past four seasons. 

Mandy Nichols ’11 serves as the assistant registrar. She worked as a student in the registrar’s office while earning her bachelor of arts degree in theater/communication arts and elementary education. Mandy is currently living in Lyons, Kan.

Mykeal Pitts is the director of information technology. He earned his masters degree in religion from Florida State University after completing his bachelor of arts degree in logic and philosophy from the University of Central Florida. He has been living and working in Kansas for over 17 years. He worked as the CIO and senior consultant for Jacam Chemicals as well as owning a computer consulting firm, Binary Output, Inc.  Mykeal is married to Angi and they live outside of Sterling with their son, Adam.

Christopher Steen is the new graphic designer/assistant to the president’s office. He graduated from Friends University with a degree in graphic design. He comes from Augusta, Kan., but currently resides in Sterling.

Addie Swihart ’11 is serving as the resident director of McCreery Hall. She earned her degree in elementary education with a minor in Christian ministries. She served as a resident assistant on campus for two years, one of which was in McCreery Hall. She is returning to Sterling after completing her clinical teaching in Chicago.

Jon Van Veldhuizen ‘11 is serving as an admissions counselor. He earned his bachelor of science degree in exercise science. He brings a variety of experiences to the position from his time as a student at SC including working with The Stir, the student senate, and student life. His family has served in ministry for many years through CLC Ministries Intl., based in Philadelphia, Penn.

Melissa Virts ’07 is the administrative assistant for student life. She earned her bachelor of science degree in psychology. After graduating from Sterling Melissa joined the staff at Horizons Mental Health Center as a case manager in Hutchinson, Kan., which is where she currently resides.