Sterling College welcomed seven new faculty members to campus for the 2026-27 academic year. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 20.

“We are excited to welcome this group to Sterling College! In each of their interview processes, it was clear how God was moving in their lives and directing them to faculty positions here. 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, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Robert Brown joins Sterling College as assistant professor of language and literature. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing from Biola University and a master’s degree in English from California State University, Fullerton, and he is currently a Ph.D. candidate in English at Baylor University. His academic focus is American literature, and he enjoys watching films, reading and investing in relationships in the local church.

Dr. Olaseni “Seni” Fadipe comes to Sterling as assistant professor of mathematics. Fadipe earned his undergraduate degrees in Nigeria and his Ph.D. from Central Michigan University and previously taught at the Community College of Aurora in Colorado. A native of Lagos, Nigeria, he is an avid soccer fan, enjoys a wide variety of music and has self-published two books.

Kendra Grizzle joins the faculty as assistant professor of communication and media after serving Sterling College as registrar and an adjunct instructor. Grizzle holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism and public relations from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in communication and leadership from Washburn University. She and her husband, Joel, live in Lyons with their three children and share a passion for wrestling and Texas A&M.

Melissa Pellegrino joins Sterling College as assistant professor of art and design. Pellegrino holds a bachelor’s degree in German with a minor in art and dance from Southern Utah State University and a master’s degree in German from Portland State University, and she has taught at the College of Southern Nevada since 2002. She and her husband, Larry, have three children and two grandsons. She enjoys reading, hiking, biking, swimming and cooking.

Mitzi Suhler transitions to the faculty as assistant professor of business after serving Sterling College in several roles since 2007, most recently as vice president for enrollment services. She has also taught for Sterling College Online for several years. Suhler and her husband, Dennis, live in Lyons and have three children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys crafting, reading and spending time with her family.

Dr. Geoffrey Uhal joins Sterling College as assistant professor of history. Uhal earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Georgia, a master’s degree in public administration from Webster University and a Ph.D. in history from Liberty University. A historian and reconstructive archaeologist, he studies the military, intellectual and cultural history of ancient through medieval Europe and has taught for nearly three decades.

Kelsey Wise joins the faculty as assistant professor of music. Wise earned a Bachelor of Music in piano accompaniment and a Master of Music in piano pedagogy from Wichita State University, where she also served as an adjunct instructor. An experienced accompanist, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, running, baking and thrifting.

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.