Academics

Get more than a major — develop skills that will last a lifetime.

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The Power of Exploration

This is where it all begins. Where you start a journey of academic exploration, take chances, tap into your curiosity and discover the path that’s right for you. With 31 undergraduate programs,  eight pre-professional programs, seven master’s programs, and two doctoral programs at Graceland University, you’ll have plenty of room to explore — both in the classroom and with hands-on experiential learning. In fact, we believe that building strong leaders and changing lives happens through all our educational opportunities, be that academic or otherwise, and joining the Graceland community is about more than just earning a quality degree — it’s about discovering who you are, what you want to become and going after it.

Explore Programs
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A Second Major for Our Leaders

With over 35 areas of study, including nine pre-At Graceland, we mold professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and performers, and for 125 years we’ve walked with our students as they’ve become leaders in their industries. Starting in 2022, students who graduate with a 4-year degree will take with them at least two majors — one or more within their discipline and one in transformational leadership. It’s our mission to send our leaders out into the world prepared and ready to change it for the better.

Schools and Departments

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It’s All in the Numbers

Lamoni Campus

16:1

Student to faculty ratio

Fall 2023 Fact Book

71.5%

Job placement rate after graduation

Based on graduates surveyed by Career Services (2018)

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Graceland Student’s Perspective
Graceland helped me realize my individual potential as a learner. The nursing school's faculty and administration always made me feel like they wanted me to succeed. Building on their support, I've had the confidence to apply myself and get into a competitive overseas nurse training program.
Claudia Higdon Tang '20 Healthcare Support Worker, Addenbrooke's Hospital and BMI Nursing
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Graceland Student’s Perspective
The Graceland community is extremely kind and helpful. Ranging from the administrative staff, to the professors, and students everyone is always ready to help and contribute to the development of each student.
Evaristo Casimiro '19 MBA Graduate Student Business Administration, Economics
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Graceland Student’s Perspective
Because of the small class sizes I was able to ask questions and learn so much more from my professors than I would have otherwise. Still to this day I am in contact with former professors asking for advice and recommendations. They all care so much about us and want what is best for us well beyond our time in their classroom.
Allie Kaminski-Krabbenhoft '16 Math Teacher Mathematics and Secondary Education
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Graceland Student’s Perspective
Attending classes and building relationships with my professors were a highlight of my time at Graceland. I loved it. I love being challenged and learning new material. My professors all worked tirelessly to provide a supportive environment for students to grow. The CSIT Department is unparalleled when it comes to providing students with opportunities that will later benefit students tremendously after graduation.
Dylan Fox '21 Software Engineer & Project Management Computer Science and Information Technology, Data Science, Mathematics
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Graceland Student’s Perspective
We were fortunate to have some incredible professors in the C.H. Sandage School of Business & SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise, now Enactus) Program. Professors who had been successful in the world of business world before offering up their knowledge as professors to students. Even the ones who had been in education their whole careers found a way to relate their course material to real-world scenarios.
Brady Blankenship '12 Cloud Transformation Services Lead, TEK Systems Business Administration, Economics
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Graceland Student’s Perspective
The single most valuable thing about Graceland for me are the people – the students, the lecturers and professors, the coaches, and other faculty and staff. The people at Graceland are the at the heart and core of the University which I believe is why the school is not only successful itself, but produces well-rounded, balanced and progressive people who go on the flourish in many industries all across the whole.
Ellena Finneran '20 Teacher, PE Direct Sport Management
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Meet Graceland's Talented Faculty

The majority of Graceland’s faculty members hold the highest degree they can achieve. Studying at Graceland gets you personal access to talented and caring professors.

Christopher Doering, MEd
Christopher Doering, MEd
School of Education Site Director and Instructor
Natasha Gourley MA, ATC, LAT, NRP
Natasha Gourley MA, ATC, LAT, NRP
Assistant Professor of Health and Movement Science
Jacob Sherer, DC
Jacob Sherer, DC
Instructor of Nutrition
Robert J Buszek, PhD
Robert J Buszek, PhD
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Sirajum M.  Sarwar, PhD
Sirajum M. Sarwar, PhD
Assistant Professor of Finance
Leigh Murray, PT, PhD
Leigh Murray, PT, PhD
Program Director, Clinical Professor
Alexia N. Lairson, PT, DPT, PhD
Alexia N. Lairson, PT, DPT, PhD
Director of Clinical Education, Clinical Assistant Professor
Reem Essam Bedeir, PhD
Reem Essam Bedeir, PhD
Associate Professor of Accounting
Leah Holder Wyman
Leah Holder Wyman
Visiting Assistant Professor and Director of Choral and Vocal Studies
Mallory Willeke, MSN-Ed, RN
Mallory Willeke, MSN-Ed, RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Arup Ghosh, PhD
Arup Ghosh, PhD
Department Chair Math and Computer Science, Assistant Professor of Computer Science & Information Technology (CSIT)
Keagan Perkins
Keagan Perkins
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Becky Reddell
Becky Reddell
Assistant Professor of Education
Jenna Segraves, PT, DPT, NCS
Jenna Segraves, PT, DPT, NCS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Samantha  Byrnes, DNP
Samantha Byrnes, DNP
Assistant Professor Track Coordinator BSN-RN and RN-BSN program
Dena Lynn Taylor, MSN, FNP & AGACNP
Dena Lynn Taylor, MSN, FNP & AGACNP
AGACNP Clinical Track Coordinator, Clinical Assistant Professor in Nursing
Cara Phipps
Cara Phipps
Assistant Professor of Theatre and Theatre Program Coordinator
Parker Worden
Parker Worden
Director of Bands and Music Program Coordinator
Fei Ma, DMA
Fei Ma, DMA
Adjunct Instructor of Voice
Stephanie Jacques
Stephanie Jacques
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Matthew Casale, PT, DPT, PhD
Matthew Casale, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor
Jamie Dyson, PT, DPT
Jamie Dyson, PT, DPT
Assistant Clinical Professor
Wendy Herbert, PT, PhD
Wendy Herbert, PT, PhD
Associate Clinical Professor
Jamie Holloway, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
Jamie Holloway, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
Director of Student Affairs, Assistant Clinical Professor
Mareli  Klopper, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
Mareli Klopper, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Clinical Professor
Patricia R. Nelson, PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Patricia R. Nelson, PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Director of Curriculum, Clinical Professor
Taylor Rees, DPT, PhD
Taylor Rees, DPT, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor
Becca Reisch, PT, DPT, PhD
Becca Reisch, PT, DPT, PhD
Director of Research and Faculty Development, Clinical Professor
Shaen  Polasky
Shaen Polasky
Assistant Professor of Education
Iqra Shagufta Cheema
Iqra Shagufta Cheema
Chair, Department of Humanities, Assistant Professor of Humanities
Austin  Harrington
Austin Harrington
Assistant Professor of Humanities
Layne  Nowlin, M.S.
Layne Nowlin, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Health and Movement
Jake McGinnis
Jake McGinnis
Assistant Professor of Humanities
Keith  Jenkins, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, AGNP-C
Keith Jenkins, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, AGNP-C
Assistant Professor
Vanessa K. King, DC, MS, MTAA
Vanessa K. King, DC, MS, MTAA
Faculty Associate in the Nutrition & Human Performance MS Program
Rhonda Pittman, DC, MS
Rhonda Pittman, DC, MS
Faculty Associate in Nutrition & Human Performance MS Program
Yubu Kazungu, MFA
Yubu Kazungu, MFA
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
Wendy Berdych, MSN, RN
Wendy Berdych, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Nicole  Ortiz, MEd
Nicole Ortiz, MEd
Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Health
Kevin Brunner, PhD
Kevin Brunner, PhD
Professor of Information Technology and Ackerley Scholars Director
Sehwan Kim, PhD
Sehwan Kim, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sport Management
Sean  McMannamy
Sean McMannamy
Assistant Professor of Data Science
Ioseb
Ioseb "Soso" Gabelaia, PhD
Associate Professor of Business and MBA Program Director
Nancy  King, Ph.D.
Nancy King, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Matt  Schneider
Matt Schneider
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Breann McMannamy
Breann McMannamy
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Yong Wang, PhD
Yong Wang, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sport Management
Shawnna  Jackson, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC
Shawnna Jackson, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Debra Stedem, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Debra Stedem, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing
Melanie Mason, DAT, LAT, ATC, CES, PES
Melanie Mason, DAT, LAT, ATC, CES, PES
Health and Movement Science Department Chair - Assistant Professor of Health and Movement Science
Mary Elizabeth Shawgo, PhD
Mary Elizabeth Shawgo, PhD
Natural Sciences Department Chair, Professor of Biology
Jason Smith
Jason Smith
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Brian White
Brian White
Director of the Honors Program - Dr. Brian White, Professor of English
Elise Hector, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN
Elise Hector, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Nursing Programs and Associate Professor of Nursing
Jack Ergo, MM
Jack Ergo, MM
Faculty Emeritus
James Geiselman, DC
James Geiselman, DC
Associate Professor of Allied Health
Evan Kennedy, PhD
Evan Kennedy, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Jeana Wilcox, PhD, APMHCNS-BC
Jeana Wilcox, PhD, APMHCNS-BC
PMHNP Track Coordinator, Professor of Nursing
Eric Elliott
Eric Elliott
Instructor of History
Sharon Little-Stoetzel, PhD, RN, CNE, CCRP
Sharon Little-Stoetzel, PhD, RN, CNE, CCRP
Dean, School of Nursing and Professor of Nursing
Wilai Rojjanasrirat, PhD, RN, IBCLC, FILCA, FAAN
Wilai Rojjanasrirat, PhD, RN, IBCLC, FILCA, FAAN
Professor and Director of Research & Scholarship
Jeri Sindt, PhD, RN
Jeri Sindt, PhD, RN
Professor of Nursing
Robert Poulton, PhD
Robert Poulton, PhD
Professor of Economics
Paul Binnicker
Paul Binnicker
Director Center Graduate Studies, Adjunct Faculty - Business Administration
Jeff McElroy, EdD
Jeff McElroy, EdD
Chair - C.H. Sandage School of Business, Professor of Business Administration, Sam Walton Fellow
Robert T. Davidson
Robert T. Davidson
Director of Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance Program – Associate Professor of Nutrition and Human Performance
Allison Dudley
Allison Dudley
Associate Professor of Education
Tanya Coffelt
Tanya Coffelt
School of Education Chair, Professor of Education
Barbara Walden
Barbara Walden
Faculty Associate
Brittany Longsdorf
Brittany Longsdorf
Faculty Associate
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin
Faculty Associate
Matt Frizzell
Matt Frizzell
Faculty Associate
Charmaine Chvala-Smith
Charmaine Chvala-Smith
Seminary Chaplain, Focus Session Coordinator
Jared Beverly
Jared Beverly
Faculty Associate
David Anderson
David Anderson
Faculty Associate
Zac Harmon-McLaughlin
Zac Harmon-McLaughlin
Dean of Community of Christ Seminary, David and Betty Nipper Dean Chair
Mike Hoffman
Mike Hoffman
Campus Minister, Director of Spiritual and Religious Life, Adjunct Faculty
Michele Dickey-Kotz
Michele Dickey-Kotz
Professor of Education
Melanie Hijaz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Melanie Hijaz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing Programs and Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing
Max Pitt, MBA, CMA
Max Pitt, MBA, CMA
Associate Professor of Business
Kimberly Manuel
Kimberly Manuel
Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair; Associate Professor of Theatre and Design; Technical Director for the Theatre Program
Kathy Lenz
Kathy Lenz
DNP Track Coordinator, Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing
Jennifer Poulton, PhD
Jennifer Poulton, PhD
Professor of Biology
Jane Garrow, MSN-Ed, RN
Jane Garrow, MSN-Ed, RN
Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Steven Glazer
Steven Glazer
Social Sciences Department Chair - Professor of History
Anthony Chvala-Smith
Anthony Chvala-Smith
Associate Professor of Religion, Paul E. Morden Seminary Chair of Religion
Barbara Voshall, DNP, RN
Barbara Voshall, DNP, RN
Professor of Nursing
Karen Gergely
Karen Gergely
Associate Professor of Art, Art Program Coordinator

Graceland University Professional Licensure Disclosure

Pursuant to U.S. Federal Regulations 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32), Graceland University is required to disclose consumer information regarding curricular programs that “foreseeably lead” to careers requiring state licensure. This regulation requires Graceland University to determine whether or not licensure-related program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in each U.S. state or territory.

This policy is in accordance with U.S. Federal Regulations amendment 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) & (c) effective as of July 1, 2024. This policy also meets the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) rules listed in the most recent handbook.

Graceland University academic programs have been designed to meet the licensure/certification in specific disciplines. Since licensure and/or certification requirements vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change, a student considering a program that leads to licensure and/or certification should contact the licensing agency for the state or territory in which they intend to practice to confirm the most current requirements.

Graceland University makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee that successful completion of the degree or certificate program will permit or guarantee that a state board or licensing agency will accept a graduate’s application for licensure and/or certification. No statement made at any time by any member of the Graceland University faculty or any other representative of Graceland University shall be deemed to be such a representation, warranty, or commitment.
Graceland is a participant institution in NC-SARA.

School of Nursing
School of Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy

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