Sterling College welcomed eight new faculty members to campus for the 2025-26 academic year. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 20.

“We are excited to welcome this energetic and passionate group of educators to our faculty. We are confident they will have great positive impact on campus and in the community and will share their hearts of service for the Lord,” said Dr. Erin Laudermilk, associate vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer. 

Dr. Jack Bolton joins Sterling College as assistant professor of biology. Bolton began his role in January 2025 after earning both his integrated master’s and Ph.D. in bioscience from Durham University in the United Kingdom. His research focused on pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and the expression of the N2O reductase enzyme in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with additional experience in drug development, antibiotic resistance, microscopy methods, and seabird ecology. A native of Bedfordshire, he moved to Kansas with his wife, Jenny, in 2024. He enjoys hiking, collecting invertebrates, and board games.

Dr. Brett Ehrman comes to Sterling as assistant professor of mathematics. Ehrman holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Lynchburg. His research centers on the stability of nonlinear waves arising from partial differential equations. With a lifelong passion for both learning and teaching, Ehrman enjoys tennis, video games, and spending time with his three nephews and niece.

Stephen English returns to Sterling College as associate professor of theatre and technical director, having previously served in the same role from 2019 to 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Prairie College in Ontario and both an M.A. and M.F.A. from the University of Oklahoma. English brings extensive experience in technical theatre and enjoys music, cooking, reading, and travel.

Ashley Laudermilk joins the faculty as assistant professor of business. Laudermilk holds a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences and industry from Kansas State University and an M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing from Emporia State University. She is committed to creating a values-based, faith-forward classroom where students connect learning with real-world application. She and her husband, Kevin, live in Sterling with their three children—Liam, Zoe, and Wren.

Vianay Ortega joins Sterling College as assistant clinical faculty of athletic training. Ortega grew up on a cattle ranch near Jerome, Idaho, and completed her undergraduate studies at Tabor College, where she also played softball. She recently earned her master’s in athletic training from Sterling College in May 2025. She enjoys paddle boarding, working on the ranch, and watching baseball and softball games.

Tami Schepmann has been appointed director of teacher education. She brings 20 years of experience in K–12 public education, including classroom teaching, administration, and instructional coaching. Schepmann holds master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, educational administration, and youth development from Emporia State University and Kansas State University. She and her husband, Trent, have two children, Teagan and Tacy. The family enjoys traveling together and exploring God’s creation.

Jack Shields joins the faculty as assistant professor of language and literature. A graduate of the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., Shields earned an M.F.A. in creative writing from Reinhardt University, where he also served as a graduate assistant basketball coach. He has served as assistant men’s basketball coach at Sterling College for the past three seasons before transitioning to the classroom. Shields enjoys fishing with his dog, Rizzo, and is an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

Dr. Sarah Waters has joined Sterling College as assistant professor of language and literature and director of the C.S. Lewis Center. Waters previously served as a lecturer in English literature at the University of Buckingham in England. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in English literature from the University of Buckingham and earned her Ph.D. at Oxford Brookes University with research in early modern melancholia and present-day depression in female experience. Her current academic focus includes the works of Shakespeare and C.S. Lewis. She enjoys running, cycling, and exploring literary archives.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.