Welcome new faculty members to Appalachian State University's Reich College of Education. Read on to learn more about each, including research interests and why they joined the faculty at App State.
Dr. Vicente Handa
Department of Curriculum and Instruction - Associate Professor
Handa earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education and Master of Arts in education from West Visayas State University in the Philippines, as well as a graduate certificate in interdisciplinary qualitative studies and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.
Prior to Appalachian, Handa was an academic professor of science education and qualitative research, and the director of research at West Visayas State University. He was also the commissioner for cultural dissemination for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the Philippines.
“I am most excited to meet new people, live in Boone and become part of its community, and begin my new academic career at Appalachian State University. I was in the U.S. as a doctoral student about 14 to18 years ago and I am thankful for this opportunity to return and teach at Appalachian State University. I am excited about what this opportunity will bring to me and my family.”
Handa has researched and is interested in research that focuses on socio-cultural dimensions of science education, preservice science teacher education, and service learning.
Through various research opportunities, Handa was able to travel and learn about other cultures and science education in East Asian countries. He completed cross-cultural research on the indigenization and hybridization of the science curriculum in Thailand and Japan and included some side trips to Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
Why Appalachian?
“I am so excited to become part of an institution known for its tradition of excellence in teacher education located in one of the most beautiful places on Earth--the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
Dr. Kevin Sutton
Department of Curriculum and Instruction - Assistant Professor
Sutton earned a Bachelor of Science in technology education from North Carolina State University, a master's degree in education from Virginia Tech University, and an Ed.D. in Technology Education from NC State.
Prior to Appalachian, Sutton was an assistant teaching professor at NC State.
“This year I look forward to meeting new people, learning, and pushing myself professionally in my teaching, scholarship, and service.”
Sutton has been working with a team on the development of hands-on Aviation-themed Integrative STEM Activities for the AeroEducate program. This program has free resources for students and educators to open up interest and pathways to careers in aviation.
Why Appalachian?
“Educators and mentors in my life encouraged me to create opportunities and make the most of the ones that were available. As a Boone native, these opportunities have brought me back home with the ability to do what I love as a teacher and I look forward to being a part of the App State community.”
Dr. Randa Dunlap
Department of Family and Child Studies - Assistant Professor
Dunlap earned a Bachelor of Science in education, a Master of Arts in teaching, and a Ph.D. in early childhood education from East Tennessee State University.
Prior to Appalachian, Dunlap was an adjunct professor and doctoral fellow for the Early Care and Education Program at East Tennessee State University, as well as an assistant professor of early childhood education at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
“I am most excited to tackle new challenges, like learning about course development through a different Learning Management System for online classes, teaching a variety of diverse courses, and working with new students. I am also excited to collaborate with colleagues and to continue strengthening my professional skills and abilities. I hope to build lasting relationships here and to provide students with meaningful learning experiences.”
Dr. Dunlap’s research interests include examining empathy with young children, using constructivist teaching strategies (i.e., implementing the Project Approach) to promote empathy and other prosocial behaviors in the classroom, and examining children's literature as a tool for creating a more culturally responsive classroom environment.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Constructivist Teaching.
Why Appalachian?
The people at Appalachian State University have been extremely helpful and welcoming, and it feels similar to the home where I grew up, worked, and completed my education. I look forward to working closer to home after spending time in South Carolina, and I am excited about the diverse opportunities that this university offers. I also look forward to working at an institution that closely resembles the same theories and pedagogies that I was introduced to at ETSU.
Amanda Gregory
Department of Family and Child Studies - Lecturer
Gregory earned a Bachelor of Science in birth-kindergarten education from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in education and child development from Regent University.
Prior to Appalachian, Gregory was an early intervention specialist through the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program and program director for a residential group home. Gregory also was a part of the early childhood and teacher preparation faculty at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Surry Community College.
“I am most excited to work with students and be a part of such a wonderful team.”
Gregory is interested in research that examines the impact of trauma on young children and the benefits of early intervention services for children and families.
Why Appalachian?
“Appalachian is a leader in education and has a wonderful reputation for preparing the best teachers. As a graduate of the BK program myself, I am excited to prepare future educators to work with young children. App State also has a wonderful on-campus lab program for young children, Lucy Brock.”
Dr. Katherine Biddle
Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling - Assistant Professor
Biddle earned a master’s degree in expressive arts therapy and mental health counseling from Lesley University and earned a Ph.D. in counselor education from Virginia Tech University.
Prior to Appalachian, Biddle was a mental health therapist, an adjunct professor at Hollins University and Virginia Tech, and a program director for a healing arts program.
“I look forward to connecting in meaningful ways and collaborating with students and my new colleagues. I know I will learn and grow so much during this first year.”
Biddle is interested in research concerning expressive arts and arts-based approaches in counseling, health, and education.
Why Appalachian?
“My experience with App students and faculty has been exceptional. I feel a real sense of community here. Of course, the history and continued development of a focus in expressive arts therapy are also unique and speak to a holistic approach to education and counseling that resonates with me.”
Dr. Tatjana Farley
Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling - Lecturer
Farley earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Appalachian State University, and she recently completed her Ph.D. from Florida State University.
“I am most excited to watch my students grow within their classes and as they begin to see clients.”
Farley is interested in research concerning anger and aggression among youth.
Why Appalachian?
"I received my master's degree from Appalachian’s marriage and family therapy program and it felt great to be able to come and give back to this program."
Dr. Alan Mueller
Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling - Lecturer
Mueller is a four-time graduate of Appalachian State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and religion, a Master of Arts in college student development, an Ed.S. in higher education, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership.
Prior to Appalachian, Mueller served as the assistant dean of students at Salem College, an assistant academic dean at Guilford College, and a consultant with Adaptive Challenge Consulting.
“I am excited to work with graduate students as a primary focus. I've been a student affairs practitioner for 20 years, but primarily supported undergraduate students while serving as an adjunct for graduate students on occasion. I'm excited that the graduate students in this program will be the primary focus of my work this year!”
Mueller’s research interests include co-curricular leadership development programs and student affairs practices in North Carolina.
Why Appalachian?
“It will be a joy to return to my alma mater to teach for the 2022-23 academic year as a visiting professor/lecturer. The student affairs administration master's program was instrumental in my growth as a professional 20 years ago, and I can't wait to help build up the next generation of practitioners. Also, having earned four degrees at Appalachian under three different chancellors in two different centuries, it's fair to say I have a deep appreciation for what Appalachian can be at its best.”
Dr. Frannie Varker
Department of Leadership and Educational Studies - Lecturer
Varker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in special education from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in parks and recreation management, a Master of Arts in peace and conflict studies, and a Ph.D. in educational studies with a concentration in cultural foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Prior to Appalachian, Varker taught as an adjunct instructor at various institutions in North Carolina.
“I am most excited to have the opportunity to focus on getting to know App State better and not be torn between several universities.”
Varker’s research interests include experiential education, social justice education, community building, critical pedagogy, and peace and conflict studies focused on education.
Why Appalachian?
“I have been teaching the foundations course here since January 2020. I understand and feel some kinship with the students as App State is where many of my friends and family members went to school so I've been in Boone in this area off and on all my life. I believe I am able to connect with students in ways that encourages them to feel comfortable as we process through all that the foundations class offers to me and to them. Having worked at other universities, I feel like I fit in and like this is home.”
Dr. Kindle Turner Nash
Department of Reading Education and Special Education - Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Literacy
Nash earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Prior to Appalachian, Nash was an assistant professor of language and literacy at the University of Missouri. She was also an associate professor and program director for the Early Childhood Education program at the University of Maryland.
“I am excited to collaborate and engage with faculty, teachers, and those committed to early literacy in North Carolina.”
Nash’s research and teaching focus on the practices of high-performing early childhood literacy teachers. Her work is focused on creating and sustaining relationships with PK-12 schools. A related research interest centers on the preparation of quality teachers for the profession.
Why Appalachian?
“I am delighted to join Appalachian to serve as a literacy leader and liaison at the university and in North Carolina.”
New Faculty
