Experts Guide

When using this guide, please keep in mind that faculty are on campus according to an academic calendar; you’re not likely to find them during Christmas or spring breaks. In addition, students and classes are uppermost in the minds of faculty members, and they may not be immediately available.

To arrange an interview with one of the experts and for general information about PBA, please contact Brigitte Sylvestre at (561) 803-2079.

Artificial Intelligence
Michael Kolta

Dr. Michael Kolta received his B.S. in industrial engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1998. He gained valuable experience in the field over several years and discovered his passion for teaching. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in computer science in 2007 and 2009, respectively, from the University at Albany, State University of New York. Kolta’s first book, “Christian Ethics in Computers, Software, and Artificial Intelligence,” was released in January 2025.

Art
Heather Couch

Dr. Heather Couch is an associate professor of art at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Her work in sculptural ceramics and mixed-media installations has received attention nationally and internationally. Couch has an MFA in art with a focus in ceramics from Arizona State University. Her specialties include ceramic art, sculpture, art history, crafts, and art education. Her work can be found in private and public installations.

Art: Graphic Design
Tim Eichner

Dr. Tim Eichner is a professor of graphic arts at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he has taught for over 15 years. Before entering academia, he worked for a commercial printer, a textbook publisher, and a graphic arts service bureau.
Eichner has worked on projects for The Hampton Inn, Radisson, AT&T, Ocean Royale, and Siemens. In his freelance business, he worked on projects for Quest Diagnostics, The Doral Open (Hasak Publishing) and various churches, missions, and nonprofits.

Business: Real Estate
William Cummings

William Cummings is a real estate broker who uses his industry knowledge to meet his clients’ needs. He has worked on commercial and residential projects involving complicated details. Cummings graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in business, from Suffolk University School of Law, and earned an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. This enabled him to stay abreast of the rapidly growing business and real estate environment in South Florida. He has taught real estate and mortgage licensure for several years, developing a deep affinity for teaching and sharing solid practical knowledge with students.

Business: International
Nathaniel Hill

Dr. Nathaniel Hill earned his bachelor’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and completed his Ph.D. in international business at the University of South Carolina. He joined Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2025, where he teaches courses on global business and related disciplines. Hill’s research examines the role of market-based approaches in addressing persistent social and economic challenges.

Business: Franchising
Martha Tomas Flynn

Martha Tomas Flynn transitioned in 2025 from a corporate career in franchising leadership to a focus on business education at Palm Beach Atlantic University as director of the Titus Center for Franchising and assistant professor. Her most recent position was the vice president of franchise business development and administration for Panera Bread. She led the teams responsible for franchise expansion across the 2,200+ unit Panera system.

Business: Franchising
John Hayes

Dr. John Hayes has been a franchisee, a franchisor, and an advisor to the franchise community for nearly 50 years. At Palm Beach Atlantic University, he teaches courses in franchising and entrepreneurship in the Rinker College of Business. He is also a professor in the College of Arts, where he teaches public relations. Hayes is a frequent speaker at franchise events internationally. He’s also the host of the Franchise Hot Seat Podcast.

Business: Data Analytics
Madison Ngafeeson

Dr. Madison Ngafeeson earned his Ph.D. in information systems and quantitative methods from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Ngafeeson also earned a degree in business analytics from Harvard University’s business analytics program. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the BPM Global 100 Leading Black Professionals by ICABA World Network, the Maxwell Leadership Culture Awards (2023), the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley Ph.D. in Information Systems Distinguished Alumni Award (2023), and the Individual Innovation Award (2022) from Northern Michigan University for his significant contributions to business analytics curriculum development and delivery at the university.

Business: Financial Literacy
Scott Pearson

Dr. Scott Pearson became director of the Center for Financial Literacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University in July 2025. Pearson is an associate professor of finance, and he previously served as director of PBA’s MBA program. Pearson is a Certified Christian Financial Counselor. He has also worked as a credit counselor with the nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Tampa Bay and has earned credentials as a housing counselor. He has worked in investment management for more than 30 years and serves as president and chief investment officer of Pearson Asset Management, a registered investment advisor.

Business: Marketing
Emily Webster

Dr. Emily Webster is the assistant professor of marketing in the Rinker College of Business. Webster holds a Ph.D. in marketing from Georgia State University, where her research focused on consumer behavior in social media. Her journey in marketing began with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, followed by a master’s degree in marketing from Georgia State and a decade of experience in academia and the marketing industry.

Church Life: Apologetics, Culture, Philosophy, Theology
Paul Gould

Dr. Paul Gould is a professor of philosophy of religion and the director of the M.A. philosophy of religion program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He received a B.A. from Miami University (Ohio), an M.A. in philosophy from Talbot School of Theology (Biola), and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Purdue University. He has been a visiting scholar at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s Henry Center, working on the intersection of science and faith. He is the founder and president of the Two Tasks Institute.

Church Life: Prayer, Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Care, Leadership Development
Simone Twibell

Dr. Simone Twibell served as associate professor of intercultural studies at Olivet Nazarene University for seven years before coming to PBA. Previously, she served as a pastor in Illinois and Kentucky for over a decade and as a volunteer short-term missionary in Central America for three years. Twibell is the author of two books, “Intimacy with God: an Invitation to Prayer” (2023) and “Boundary-Breaking Mission: the Gospel in a Diverse and Fragmented World” (2023).

Church Life: Practical Theology
Bryan Froehle

Dr. Bryan Froehle is professor of practical theology and director of the Ph.D. in practical theology program in PBA’s School of Ministry. Earlier in his career, he founded the Siena Center at Dominican University in Illinois, dedicated to the intersection of faith and contemporary society. He led the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), a national church research center, at Georgetown University and is an elected member of the International Academy for Practical Theology.

Dance
Stella Almblade

Stella Almblade’s main passion is bringing the love of God and the Good News to everyone, especially dancers. Almblade has danced with Ad Deum Dance Company, Footprints Dance Company, Arrows International, Helen Simoneau Danse, Arizona Opera, and in “Memoria” with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has studied at The Ailey School, Steps On Broadway, Peridance, Gibney Dance Center, and as a guest to Limon Dance Company’s company classes in New York City. Almblade is also a trained actress, having studied at The Barrow Group, AET, and the world-renowned Voice Over Edge Studio in New York City.

Dance
Jin Hanley

Jin Lee Hanley is a dance artist, educator, and performer, currently serving as associate professor of dance, chair of the department of dance, and director of the PBA Dance Ensemble at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she has been teaching and serving since 2005. Academically, Hanley earned a B.S. in dance education from Kongju National University in South Korea, along with a secondary education teaching license. She later moved to New York City, where she earned her master’s in dance and dance education from New York University and received a scholarship to study at the Merce Cunningham Dance Studio.

Health: Public Heath, Infectious Disease
Lan Bui

Dr. Lan Bui, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS, is an associate professor of pharmacy practice at the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She earned her Pharm.D. from Texas Southern University and completed both a postgraduate residency and fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas. Bui is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and also holds a master’s degree in public health from Texas A&M University. Her research centers on optimizing the management of pain, agitation, and delirium, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes in critically ill adults.

Health: Nursing
Kathy McKinnon

Dr. Kathy McKinnon is an associate professor of nursing at PBA. She has served in a variety of clinical roles, including pediatric and adult trauma emergency nursing and outpatient surgical nursing. She also pursued additional training in spiritual care and later served as a hospital chaplain at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Areas of expertise include community health and stress management. Her doctoral project focused on program evaluation at Burckle Place, a supportive transitional housing program under The Lord’s Place for formerly incarcerated and homeless women. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in executive leadership from PBA in 2020 and holds an M.S. in advanced holistic nursing from Florida Atlantic University and a B.S. in nursing from Georgia Southern University.

Health: Vaccines
Mariette Sourial

Dr. Mariette Sourial received her Pharm.D. from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She completed an ambulatory care PGY-1 residency through the University of Minnesota in 2011. She joined PBA’s Gregory School of Pharmacy in 2011 as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice and was later promoted to associate professor, where she teaches various topics in the pharmacotherapy series focusing on women’s health and infectious diseases, and coordinates and facilitates in skills-based courses. She currently serves as the director of interprofessional education within the School of Pharmacy and as the associate director for the Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice at Florida Atlantic University. Her passion lies in Transitions of care and her current practice site is ambulatory care at the Wellington Primary Care Clinic.

Health: Pharmaceutical Research
Fabio Aguiar Alves

Dr. Fabio Alves is a pharmacist and academic with expertise in pharmacogenomics and research on antimicrobial candidates to combat bacterial infections. He is actively involved in research, mentoring students, and leading collaborative scientific projects. His research includes evaluating antimicrobial candidates for treating infections in hospital settings.

Health: Medical Spanish
Justine Metri

Justine Metri is a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist who manages chronic conditions in indigent patient populations and has served on medical mission trips in El Salvador. With Metri’s growing interest in caring for these patients, she helped develop a unique track for Pharm.D. students that would allow them to earn a Pharm.D. with a concentration in medical Spanish.

History: American & European
Elizabeth Stice

Dr. Elizabeth Stice earned her Ph.D. in history at Emory University. She is a professor of history and assistant director of the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program at PBA. Off campus, she is a contributing editor and associate books editor at “Front Porch Republic” and a regular contributor to “Mere Orthodoxy.” She has written for various publications, including “Comment,” “Christianity Today,” “Genealogies of Modernity,” and “Sojourners.” She is the editor-in-chief of the online review “Orange Blossom Ordinary” and the author of “Empire Between the Lines: Imperial Culture in British and French Newspapers of the Great War” (2023).

Literature & Writing: Composition
Kimberly Bain

Dr. Kimberly Bain serves as an assistant professor of English and the director of Writing Central. She is also the editor of PBA’s research publication, “Bridges: Spotlight on Emerging Research.” Her research focuses on multimodal composition and advanced practices of composition across disciplines. Dr. Bain is a member of the National Council for Teachers of English and serves as the editor of its peer-reviewed journal, “FORUM: Issues about Part-Time and Full-Time Contingent Faculty.”

Mental Health: Family Dynamics, Psychology
Don McCulloch

Dr. Don McCulloch has worked in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and a pain management clinic. He was a full-time psychology intern at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Medical Center. He was also the clinical director of a Rapha treatment center, a Christian-based inpatient psychiatric program in Fort Lauderdale. McCulloch left his hospital practice in 1999 to pursue his first love, teaching. He is now a full-time associate professor of psychology at PBA. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the general area of counseling (including regular offerings of abnormal psychology and personality theories).

Music: Pop Music
Sean Radford

A native of Seattle, Radford is a third-generation music educator and music industry professional who has spent over three decades teaching music and performing as a guitarist. His active concert schedule often exceeds 150 dates per year. He has performed in every region of the United States as well as in countries and territories such as Italy, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Kitts, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Sean spent six years teaching at Palm Beach International Academy before coming to PBA as adjunct professor of guitar in 2021. He is now the assistant professor of commercial music.

Politics
James Todd

Dr. James Todd is an associate professor of politics and chair of PBA’s Department of Politics. He specializes in American governmental institutions and constitutional law, and teaches American government and politics, political science research methods, and more. His research and writing focus on the Supreme Court’s influence on American society. His research has appeared in the “Journal of Law and Courts” and the “Journal of Supreme Court History.” He regularly gives public talks and media commentary about U.S. politics, constitutional law, and the Supreme Court. Before joining PBA, he spent a decade practicing law.

Science: Engineering & Physics
Fred Browning

Dr. Fred Browning was the first theoretical physicist to be hired by PBA. Dr. Browning’s work in high energy particle theory has added a solid component to PBA’s programming in physical science. His recent full-time work as a postdoctoral research fellow in the field of medical physics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison has added great value to PBA’s pharmacy and nursing schools.

Science: Chemistry, Forensic Science, Oceanography
Cidya Grant

Dr. Cidya Grant earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Florida Atlantic University, where she specialized in analytical chemistry. She has been engaged in collaborative research in biology and chemistry at PBA for the past 13 years. She has been the recipient of numerous PBA Quality Initiative research grants and departmental summer research awards, all focusing on the training of undergraduate students in the requisite skills needed for cancer research and analysis. As an associate professor, she currently serves as chair of the Department of Chemistry, Forensic Science, and Oceanography.

Science: Ecology/Conservation
Angela Witmer

Dr. Angela D. Witmer is a marine ecologist studying habitats from the dunes to the nearshore reef habitats with an expertise in marine invertebrates. Recent research has focused on understanding natural and human-caused disturbances to nearshore habitats and their impacts on fishes and invertebrate communities. Additionally, her work has involved monitoring vulnerable invertebrate species and identifying the distribution and locations of various species.

Science: Biology/Ecology
Thomas Chesnes

Dr. Thomas Chesnes is a professor of biology and the associate dean of sciences at PBA. A Florida native, he specializes in estuarine and field biology. He earned his bachelor’s in zoology and master’s and doctorate in environmental engineering sciences from the University of Florida. He has researched, presented, and published work about seagrass and invertebrate ecology, fisheries management, the invasive Burmese python in the Everglades, and the interface between science and religion.

University President
Debra A. Schwinn

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn became PBA’s ninth President on May 4, 2020.
Previously she was associate vice president for medical affairs, dean of the Carver College of Medicine, and professor of anesthesiology, pharmacology and biochemistry at the University of Iowa. Prior to those appointments, Schwinn served in senior leadership roles at the University of Washington and Duke University.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Wooster in her native Ohio, Dr. Schwinn earned a medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine, where she has also been honored as a distinguished alumna. A physician scientist and member of the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Schwinn’s laboratory was funded for 27 years by the National Institutes of Health.

University Provost
Stephen Johnson

Dr. Stephen P. Johnson began his service as provost and chief academic officer at PBA on January 1, 2024. Prior to coming to PBA, Dr. Johnson served in leadership at Azusa Pacific University in California for 10 years across the roles of interim provost, vice provost, and the founding dean of Azusa’s College of the Arts. Dr. Johnson previously served as dean of the historic School of Music at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas for eight years. Before that, he was a faculty member at the Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California.

University Executive Vice President of Advancement
Laura Bishop

Laura Bishop is the executive vice president for advancement at PBA. Bishop came to PBA from Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is an ORU graduate. She served ORU with distinction as vice president of development and alumni relations, then in an expanded role as vice president of advancement. Prior to joining ORU, she served as executive director of the National Christian Foundation and Lifework Leadership in Fort Lauderdale. She was director of development and communications for Habitat for Humanity of Broward County and Westminster Academy. Her professional experience includes working as a radio talk show host, executive director of a television channel, and owner of her own public relations agency.

Dean: College of the Arts
Jason Lester

Dr. Jason Lester, founding dean of the College of the Arts at PBA, is nationally recognized for values-based leadership, rigorous expectations for academic and artistic excellence, innovative community collaboration, visionary planning followed by actualization, and passionate advocacy for the impact of higher education. Since joining PBA in 2018, Lester has initiated mutually beneficial relationships between the university and area arts, education, and health care organizations, including Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Symphony, Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches, Choral Society of the Palm Beaches, Jazz Society of Palm Beach, the Norton Museum of Art, The Society of the Four Arts, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, The King’s Academy, HSS Florida, and more.

Dean: Gregory School of Pharmacy
Dana Strachan

Dr. Dana Strachan is currently the dean and a professor of pharmacy practice in the Gregory School of Pharmacy. She coordinates and teaches in pharmacy calculations for first-year students and serves as an instructor in the pharmacotherapy sequence. She has a passion for training the next generation of pharmacists and has a keen interest in calculations, men’s health, and artificial intelligence. As part of her responsibilities at PBA, Strachan is the director of the Gregory Center for Medical Missions and has led and participated in trips to the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Dean: College of Business
Mike Lavender

Dr. Mike Lavender joins PBA from the Mike Cottrell College of Business at the University of North Georgia, where he served since 2018, most recently as associate dean. In this capacity, he led all aspects of business education for over 4,000 students across six campuses, including fully online delivery, within an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited business college.
He spearheaded a 26.75% growth in undergraduate enrollment over three years, developed and implemented a first-year business school experience course, improved retention and strengthened career outcomes, and cultivated strategic partnerships with regional businesses and international firms generating internships, employment pipelines, and philanthropic engagement.

Dean: School of Health Professions
Phil Tobin

Dr. Phil Tobin joined Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2021, bringing his vision and expertise to develop a master’s degree in physician assistant (PA) medicine poised to address critical healthcare needs nationwide. Tobin brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role in PA education. He has an impressive career spanning over 26 years. His journey in PA education is marked by significant leadership positions, including serving as the director of the School of PA Studies at Touro University Nevada and leading the Mercer University physician assistant program.

Dean: School of Education & Behavioral Sciences
Marcia Bedasse

A native of Kingston Jamaica, Dr. Marcia Bedasse has been committed to public education for over 25 years. She has served as classroom teacher, literacy coach, school administrator, and as a district instructional specialist. She holds teaching certificates in elementary education, specific learning disabilities, reading education, and educational leadership. Bedasse is a national board-certified teacher in early and middle childhood literacy and is a champion to the cause of serving the literacy needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. She served as president of the Palm Beach County Reading Council and has worked to mentor and empower literacy teachers throughout the county. Her research focuses on minority student achievement, turn-around strategies for low performing schools, and instructional practices and agency for teachers serving in high minority-low performing schools.

Dean: School of Nursing
Adejoke Bolanle Ayoola

A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Adejoke B. Ayoola brings a distinguished record as a practitioner, educator, researcher, and academic leader. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and later earned a Ph.D. at Michigan State University.
Previously, she taught at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she served for 19 years in progressive leadership roles, including inaugural dean of the School of Health. In this capacity, she oversaw 21 undergraduate and graduate programs spanning nursing, pre-medicine, and public health, while advancing academic quality, program growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dean: School of Ministry
Jonathan Grenz

Dr. Jonathan Grenz, a veteran of more than 30 years of ministry experience, is the dean of the School of Ministry. Grenz has served as lead pastor, associate pastor in youth ministry and Christian education, and director of a parachurch ministry. He co-authored “Synergistic Collaborations: Pastoral Care and Church Social Work,” seeking to extend outreach ministries and new ways to collaborate with community organizations as they serve hurting people.
Grenz is passionate about mentoring and equipping emerging young Christian leaders for the church and the world. He also enjoys serving churches through interim pastoring, consulting, leading the student ministries at his church, speaking at retreats, and preaching at local churches.