Faculty
Dr. Dawn Schluetz
Dawn completed her PhD in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University, where she focused on acting, directing, and playwriting. She holds two master’s degrees, one in theatre and performance studies from Bowling Green State University, and a second from Bob Jones University in communications/dramatic production. She comes to us from Ouachita Baptist University, where she taught various acting and directing courses.
Brian Sechrist
Brian received his BA in Technical Theatre from the University of Alaska (Anchorage) focusing on lighting design and technical direction. Additionally, Brian received his MFA in lighting design and sound design from the University of Alabama. Brian comes to SC from Kentucky Wesleyan College where he taught courses in theatre, production, stagecraft, stage electrics, sound design, and technology.
Katie Petersen
Katie earned her B.A. in Professional Studio Art from Doane University and has recently earned her MFA in Painting from Fort Hays State University in May 2023. Katie enjoys shotgun sports, in which she participated in high school and college. Katie won the Women’s High Overall SCTP National Championship. Katie also enjoys writing, listening to reviews/critiques of movies and novels.
Dr. Donna Devlin
Donna earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to that she earned her M.A. in American History and Government from Ashland University; B.S. in Education and a B.A. in History from Fort Hays State University. Donna enjoys reading, playing the piano, jogging, watching Royals baseball, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She has two daughters, Sydney, and Corbin. Donna was raised on their family farm near Jewell County Kansas.
Tyler Jones
Tyler earned his B.S. in Physical Education/Health & Exercise Science from Missouri Western State University; and his MS in Athletic Training here at Sterling College this past May 2023. Tyler enjoys hunting, fishing and being outdoors, and is eager to contribute his enthusiasm, skills, and work ethic as a staff of the athletic training staff.
Sean Engler
Sean earned his BFA in Graphic Design from FHSU and is currently finishing work on his MFA from FHSU as well. Sean and his wife, Paige, recently moved to Lyons, Kansas and are looking forward to this new journey. Sean was born and raised in Wichita, so he has deep Kansas roots. He enjoys playing bass guitar and drums, writing stories and printmaking is a fine art hobby. His primary practice is Digital 3D Creation including sculpting characters, animation, and product development.
Shebuel Varghese
Shebuel comes to us from Spokane, WA, where he has been an adjunct professor, while also working on his Ph.D. in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Sheb has earned his MA in Theology and BA in Religion and Philosophy, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Northwest University, respectively.
Ryan Hale
Ryan comes to us from Estes Park, CO, where he has had extensive experience in the field of counseling and intervention. He’s been an instructor at Colby Community College and has also held a private practice for various counseling needs. Ryan earned his BS in Kinesiology from Kansas State University, and an MA in both Physical Education and Applied Psychology/Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
Luke Brake
Dr. Emily Becker
Dr. Becker comes to us from St. Peters, MO where she finished her Ph.D. in Medieval and Early Modern History in May 2022 from St. Louis University. Emily has many areas of interest in research, and academic honors/development, and earned her MA in Medieval History from St. Louis University and her BA in History and English from Hannibal-LaGrange University.