Kansas State University Promotes Eleven Women to Full Professor

Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, has announced the promotion of 31 faculty members to the rank of full professor. Eleven of these promotions went to women.

(L to R) Top row: Christine Aikens, Mary Cain, Bronwyn Fees, Carolyn Ferguson, and Joye Gordon.
Bottom row: Loretta Johnson, Migette Kaup, Julia Keen, Lisa Tatonetti, and Han Yu.

Christine Aikens was named professor of chemistry. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and earned a Ph.D. at Iowa State University.

Mary Cain is a new professor of psychological sciences. Her research focuses on the neurobiological basis of drug abuse. Dr. Cain earned a Ph.D. at the University of Vermont.

Bronwyn Fees was appointed professor of family studies and human services. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Ph.D. in child development from Iowa State University.

Carolyn Ferguson was promoted to professor of biology. Her research focuses on plant systematics, the evolutionary study of plant diversity. Professor Ferguson holds a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Texas at Austin.

Joye Gordon is a new professor of journalism and mass communication. Professor Gordon received her bachelor’s degree in finance from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. She earned her master’s degree in communication/public relations from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and her doctorate from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Michele Janette was appointed professor of English. She specializes in Vietnamese American literature and film. Professor Janette holds a Ph.D. from Yale University.

Loretta Johnson was named professor of biology. Dr. Johnson joined the faculty at the university in 1995. She holds a Ph.D. in plant ecology from the University of Connecticut.

Migette Kaup was promoted to full professor of apparel, textiles, and interior design. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Julia Keen was appointed professor of architectural engineering and construction science. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architectural engineering and a doctorate in education from Kansas State University.

Lisa Tatonetti is a new full professor of English. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Florida State University and holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English from Ohio State University.

Han Yu was named professor of English. Her research focuses on writing assessment, intercultural technical communication, and visual communication. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English from Illinois State University.