Faculty awarded promotions, extended contracts

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) recently recognized the promotions and extended contracts for faculty members.

“Each year, the promotion process acknowledges selected faculty who advance our institution’s mission through their scholarly endeavors, commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community and steadfast commitment to teaching, learning and discovery,” said Kimberly Allen, vice president of academic and student affairs. “We commend these faculty members for their years of hard work to become scholars of distinction and exceptional educators.”

Four faculty advanced to full professor, the highest rank within academia. This level of achievement is a recognition of the faculty member’s significant contributions to their field, including teaching, research and service. Full professors are considered experts in their discipline, demonstrating excellence in scholarship, leadership and mentorship. Faculty who achieve this rank will have new responsibilities, such as serving on committees, mentoring junior faculty and shaping the direction of academic programs.

Eleven faculty advanced from assistant professor to associate professor with extended contracts. Faculty must have six years of teaching experience as an assistant professor at CSM or another institution. They must also meet performance criteria in teaching effectiveness, professional growth and development, and service to CSM and the community.

“These individuals join a cohort of faculty who continuously strive to make CSM an exceptional place of higher learning through their commitment to inspiring and empowering others,” Allen said. “Working together, our faculty ensure that CSM remains both a destination for ambitious and creative students from across the nation and a competitive force in the workplace as well as in scholarship and outreach.”

2026 Promotions

Full Professorship

Melanie Felton, PhD, director of the early childhood education program, professor of education

Felton has been a faculty member at CSM for over 35 years. She has developed graduate-level endorsement programs and refined curriculum to address diversity, equity and contemporary educational challenges. Her scholarship focuses on play in teacher education. She is co-president of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators and created transfer pathways for students.

Annie Mejia-Downs, PT, MPH, PhD, professor of physical therapy

Meija-Downs led the revision of nearly a dozen Doctor of Physical Therapy courses and serves as chair of the Interprofessional Education Committee, coordinating simulations in women's health, poverty and health equity. Her scholarship focuses on airway clearance and culturally responsive pedagogy. She designed the DPT Peer Tutoring program and received a President's Innovation Grant to advance equitable grading practices.

Adebimpe Obembe, DPT, PhD, professor of occupational therapy

Obembe has taught in the occupational therapy department since 2019. She introduced Covidence to streamline systematic reviews and revised curriculum to meet updated Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards. Her service extends globally through editorial board work for Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience and personally through hosting international students during academic breaks.

Mary Smith, MOT, EdD, professor of occupational therapy

Smith serves as chair of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Board of Directors. She redesigned nine courses and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate capstone continuum. She also co-created the Visualize Whole Self pedagogical model and employs creative teaching strategies—from playdough brain models to structured coloring assignments.

Assistant Professor to Associate Professor

Molly Brost, MA, PhD, associate professor of English

Brost has been a faculty member at CSM since 2020. She identifies and mentors students well suited for the English major or minor. She is also developing two new courses for a proposed English minor, drawing on her expertise in American culture and media. She authored a well-received book on the anti-heroine in television. She also serves as an editor for respected journals and supports emerging scholars through leadership and mentoring.

Nicole Chipy, MHS, EdD, associate professor of occupational therapy

Chipy designed community education projects and creative simulation experiences that go above and beyond to prepare students. As a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, she has delivered training to the CSM community. Her service includes leadership in the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association and faculty advising for Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity, fostering inclusive and supportive spaces for students.

Monica Dial, DPT, EdD, associate professor of physical therapy

Dial has designed experiential assignments like vestibular "hats.” She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on equitable grading and learner motivation while serving as Vice President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Nebraska. Her leadership in assessment and accreditation has strengthened program quality.

Edar Alejandro Garavito, DPT, PhD, associate professor physical therapy

Garavito is a National Physical Therapy Examination course instructor and co-creator of a telehealth certificate. He is currently completing advanced study in Learning Design and Technology while publishing on workforce diversification in physical therapy. His innovative service includes founding Scholarnetics360, an online platform connecting healthcare students and professionals.

Beth Merkel, MSOL, PhD, director of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program, associate professor of business

Merkel has led the MSOL program since 2019, transitioning it to a fully online format and earning the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) Qualified Education Provider™ recognition for the capstone course. Her innovative teaching extends to NASA-funded courses on mindfulness and resilience, as well as creating the "The Mercy Mission." She is the creator of the "Lovin' Leadership" podcast, she has expanded professional development opportunities across a five-state region.

Susanne Miller, JD, director of the legal studies program, associate professor of legal studies

Miller has transformed the legal studies program through hands-on pedagogy, developing a legal studies minor and expanding course offerings in environmental law, criminal procedure and constitutional issues. She provided critical expertise in reviewing CSM's Title IX policy and serves as a dedicated mentor, chairing the Walk Tall Honors Program and advising the Student Legal Association.

Kelly Murphy, MS, EdD, associate professor of mathematics

Murphy helps reduce math anxiety through innovative lecture notebooks that help students succeed. He develops specialized courses for nursing and EdD students and has co-authored interdisciplinary research with the DPT program. His service includes leading the Elementary Science Outreach Program, strengthening K–6 teachers' STEM instructional confidence through engaging Saturday sessions.

Jesus Ramirez, MA, PhD, director of the world languages program, associate professor of Spanish

Ramírez brings culturally grounded approaches to Spanish language instruction, embedding cultural competence through semester-long artifact projects and immersion experiences including a student trip to Miami. He earned a certification from the University of Salamanca and has twice received the Student Senate Job Well Done award. He redesigned the MDI program into a hybrid certificate while leading cultural programming including Día de los Muertos celebrations.

Megan Ray, MSN, EdD, director of undergraduate nursing, associate professor of nursing

Ray has taught at CSM since 2016 and has continually demonstrated innovation, responsiveness and commitment to student development. She has strengthened courses such as Nursing 101 by expanding active learning strategies and revising examinations to align with the Next Generation NCLEX framework. She also led the complex transition of Health Assessment across multiple course levels and credit structures.

Shannon Richardson, DPT, EdD, associate professor of physical therapy

Richardson established national recognition for his scholarship on equitable grading and culturally responsive pedagogy. He developed content for the APTA Learning Center and was selected as a panelist for the Linda Woodruff Lecture. As chair of the DPT Academic and Professional Review Committee, he leads student remediation efforts and has enhanced recruitment.

Nipaporn Somyoo, DPT, EdD, association professor of physical therapy

Somyoo completed her EdD at CSM with a dissertation focused on minoritized student experiences, reflecting her commitment to inclusive pedagogy. She co-authored peer-reviewed publications on culturally responsive pedagogy and presented nationally on equitable grading and technology-enhanced learning. As chair of the Graduate Curriculum Committee and DPT Admissions Committee, she has led the development of holistic admissions processes aligned with CSM's mission.