Faculty challenge and support Nazareth students — to help you flourish and achieve more than you ever expected.

Isabel Cordova

Isabel Córdova

History & political science

Dr. Córdova gives students hands-on opportunities to be immersed in Latino history through class assignments, internships, and grant-funded projects — including an oral history project she and Spanish Professor Hilda Chacón spearheaded with the Rochester Public Library.

Devparna Roy

Devparna Roy

Sociology

"I am passionate about social justice, and I chose to become a sociologist because of my commitment to social justice issues." — Devparna Roy

Joëlle Carota sitting outside Casa Italiana

Joëlle Carota

Italian

Joëlle Carota, Ph.D., is excited to have students work on an Italian-American oral history community effort. She encourages students studying other fields — such as history, social work, or business — to consider adding Italian. News story ≫

Yamuna Sangarasivam

Yamuna Sangarasivam

Anthropology

"The time that I shared with Professor Sangarasivam has shaped me into the person I am today. I never imagined academia would be so challenging. Because of her commitment to my success, I realized how rewarding a challenge could be." — Nick Gerbino '17

Matt Schoell

Matt Schoell

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Matt Schoell, Ph.D., gave me opportunities that "helped me become more confident in my own abilities and made me more comfortable with working on my own." — Krissy Chatt '19

Eileen-Beiter-portrait

Eileen Beiter

Accounting

"When my students graduate, they become a part of my professional network," says Prof. Eileen Beiter. "This department remains a resource and support in their first job and throughout their career. They eventually become resources for the college by hosting interns or by guest speaking in class. We faculty expect to build lifelong connections."

Prof. Mary Maher with students at county emergency response training

Mary Dahl Maher

Nursing, Public Health

She has a passion for public health,  creating equity, and bringing a global perspective. One student praised her for being "my mentor and honestly one of my best friends on campus." Read more about Mary Dahl Maher, Ph.D.

Timothy Kneeland

Timothy Kneeland

History & political science

From Dr. Kneeland: "What makes Naz unique is that we all have the common goal of changing lives. Students don’t just take classes at Naz, they work with professors. Teaching is not transactional, it’s relational."

Mark Primus with students

Mark Primus

Social work

"Dr. Primus leads thoughtful discussions, forces students to think for themselves, and allows differences in opinions to come to the surface and be explored," says Aubrey Baldauf '19.

Roy Stein

Roy Stein

Music/Business

Prof. Stein enhances student learning through his music industry connections, his own business and performing experience, and an on-campus record label. And don't miss his student-professor band performing around town.

Noel wolfe

Noel Wolfe

Legal studies

Sydney Albrecht '20 said of Prof. Wolfe: "Her balance of challenging students while also putting their needs first prepared me for law school better than I ever could have imagined and played a key role in my positive experience at Naz."

Professor Season Bonino

Season Bonino

Physical therapy

Student Jenna A. Zajac said of Prof. Season Bonino: "She always encouraged me to think outside the box and to never settle; continue to pursue more to best serve your patient." And she always has chocolate to share.

Mark Weber

Mark Weber

Business & management

"Mark is a very knowledgeable professor who incorporates his real-life experiences into the courses.... Mark is very personable, and he always makes himself available to his students outside the classroom." — Max Powell '12

Wendy Norris

Wendy Norris

Mathematics

See why Dr. Norris loves teaching students how data science affects how we live, work, share, and play, and how to infuse ethics into artificial intelligence.

Olena Prokopovych

Olena Prokopovych

Political Science

Prof. Prokopovych offers students expertise in American politics and political philosophy — and political changes in Ukraine, where she grew up.

Zhansui Yu

Zhansui Yu

Chinese language and culture

Dr. Yu teaches with honesty and passion about contemporary China. Read his essay ≫

Maria-Hopkins

Maria Baldassarre Hopkins

Education

Dr. Hopkins: “There are these great moments where the shift from confusion to understanding is palpable, where students move from silence to asking interesting and messy questions to making complex observations and keen insights ... and everyone is just tuned in. I get so much energy from these moments.”

Zbigniew Granat

Zbigniew Granat

Music

"My primary role as a mentor is to inspire students to become passionate researchers and critical thinkers so they can make meaningful contributions to their chosen field, the communities in which they live and work, and the world," says Professor Zbigniew Granat.

Kerry Dunn

Kerry Dunn

Education

"Nazareth College is known and honored for their exceptional program for educators." One reason is professors like Kerry Dunn and her "undeniable LOVE for her students both past and present." — Melanie Antos '15, '17G, third-grade teacher

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams

Business and Leadership

In Prof. Adams’ classes: “The hands-on experience is what helped me prepare for my job as a digital marketer.” — Marissa Tortora '19

Tom Lappas

Tom Lappas

History

Prof. Lappas makes an impact on students through “his generosity, accessibility, and commitment to teaching” and his support of students “both in and out of class” — alum Caitlin Howlett

Corinne Dempsey

Corinne Dempsey

Religious studies; international and global studies

"Dr. Dempsey provides insight, challenges you, asks the tough questions, and encourages you to think about the world and the way it works on a larger level. Dr. Dempsey also makes herself relatable to students, treating you as a peer." — Megan Matott '14

Dr. Shafiq

MOHAMMAD SHAFIQ

Religious Studies

"We don't change people's way of believing," says Dr. Shafiq. "We change their behavior towards those with fundamentally different backgrounds than them."

Marjorie Roth

Marjorie Roth

Music

About Dr. Roth: “Her vocation and her dedication to her students are beyond belief. She is demanding in all the best ways, and makes striving for excellence feel as natural as being alive.”

David Steitz

David Steitz

Psychology, gerontology

Dr. Steitz formed a creative partnership to hold college courses for Naz students and elder residents together at a senior living community, where students learn from, and with, the elders.

Susan Nowak

Susan Nowak

Religious studies

From Dr. Nowak: "The transformation that I'm hoping for is that each student is able to find his or her true self, for the moment, to be authentically and justly who he or she is. I want each student to feel empowered to be the strongest, most compassionate, hopeful, energized person that they can be."

Jennifer Leigh

Jennifer Leigh

Business & leadership

Wish you could solve a big challenge facing society? Prof. Jennifer Leigh offers classes on leadership, ethics, and social entrepreneurship and hands-on projects and conference experiences.

Sam Nolte-Yupari

Samantha Nolte-Yupari

Art education

About Dr. Nolte-Yupari: “She’s so willing to give support, advice, help with research, and to make connections for us. She’s energetic, enthusiastic, and overall makes it a fun experience. It makes it easy to remember the lessons.” — Emily Richmond ‘16G