Alverno College Announces 2025 Faculty Promotions

It is with great pride that Alverno College announces the recent promotions of our esteemed faculty.

Steven Dunn, PhD, has been promoted to professor of religious studies. He earned his PhD in biblical theology from Marquette University, and has taught at Alverno since 2010.

Melissa Bonds, PhD, has been promoted to associate professor of education. She earned her PhD in educational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, and has taught at Alverno since 2018.

Ronett Jacobs, EdD, has been promoted to associate professor of education. She earned her EdD in educational leadership from Alverno College, where she has taught since 2018.

Andrea Skyberg, MFA, has been promoted to associate professor of art education/art therapy. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in fiber art with a master certificate in museum studies from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

The following faculty are retiring and have been recognized by their peers for the status of faculty emeritus or emerita:

• Patricia Bowne, PhD, professor of biology
• Joyce Tang Boyland, PhD, professor of psychology
• Rebecca Burton, PhD, professor of biology
• Jean Groshek, MA, associate professor of communication
• Lauralee Guilbault, PhD, professor of chemistry
• Jennifer Johanson, PhD, professor of environmental science
• Mary Kitten, DNP, RN, CRRN, professor of nursing and public health
• Dara Larson, MFA, professor of art
• Daniel Leister, PhD, professor of religious studies
• Robert O’Brien-Hokanson, PhD, professor of English
• Margaret Rauschenberger, MSN, RN, dean emerita and professor of nursing
• Thomas Reed, MFA, professor of theatre
• Paul Smith, PhD, professor of psychology
• Lynda Sommers-Herzog, MFA, professor of art

About Alverno College

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women. Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Certificate programs, digital badges, degree completion programs and graduate programs are open to all genders. A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report.