Six New Assistant Professors at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina

Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina has announced the hiring of six faculty members for the coming academic year. All six are women.

Karen Babcock Brassea was appointed an assistant professor of theater and dance. She has performed on Broadway and in national touring productions and regional theater. Brassea is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She holds a master of fine arts degree from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Janeane Houchin was named an assistant professor of nursing. She has been a registered nurse since 1986. Houchin is a graduate of Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in nursing from South University, based in Savannah, Georgia.

Tricia Petak is a new assistant professor of accounting. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Argosy University in Fullerton, California. She is currently enrolled in the doctoral program in business administration at California Southern University, based in Irvine.

Andrea Picklesimer was named assistant professor of nursing. She had been serving on the faculty at Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas. Picklesimer is a graduate of Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She earned a master’s degree in nursing at South University.

Kathy Sweeney was named an assistant professor of nursing. Sweeney has 30 years of nursing experience. She is a graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University and earned a master’s degree in nursing through South University.

Kristine A. Rodriguez was appointed director of the department of teacher education. She has taught at Kansas State University, Salina and Bethany College. Dr. Rodriguez is a graduate of Southwestern College, where she also earned a doctorate in educational leadership. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton in Ohio.