Jack Shields is an assistant professor of language and literature at Sterling College. 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.

Tami Schepmann is the director of teacher education at Sterling College. 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.

Vianay Ortega is an assistant clinical faculty of athletic training at Sterling College. 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.

Ashley Laudermilk is an assistant professor of business at Sterling College. 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.