Belk terrace overlooking lake at St. Andrews in Laurinburg, NC

How does a small, non-profit, liberal arts college offer so much and accomplish so much? Passion. It’s because people don’t just work at St. Andrews. Our dedicated staff, faculty, and leaders eat, breathe, sleep, and live education and the educational experience. It’s who they are. We remember this from our days on campus. So many of our most memorable experiences with college leaders were outside of class.

You can see that the same is true today. When we interact with St. Andrews leaders, it’s usually on weekends or late into evenings. Our University President, Dr. Wade (St. Andrews class of ’87) flies in from Florida monthly to be on campus for his leadership role, even when chemotherapy compromised his immune system and air travel was not advised.

Our campus president, Dr. Bernhardt, also flies to Florida once a month to be with her husband, while remaining ever faithful to her duties on the Laurinburg campus. As just one of many examples, recently, Dr. Bernhardt was needed at home for her husband’s heart valve surgery. On the drive through Florida, she was still working – on the phone with an alumnus who wanted to discuss public relations to the alumni. As she approached her house where her husband and family were waiting, the alumnus was not done speaking. So, Dr. Bernhardt pulled over at a coffee shop and listened for another half hour before going to her family.

As Dr. Wade and Dr. Bernhardt both actively illustrate, for the leadership of St. Andrews today — just like alumni have experienced for a generation — the door is always open. Here are the people with management responsibilities and leadership roles at St. Andrews.

Faculty

The faculty are not only important because they have the strongest influence on the quality of the educational experience, but at our college they also 100% control the curriculum. The Curriculum Committee consists entirely of full-time faculty.

As is traditional at St. Andrews, new St. Andrews faculty members are interviewed and selected by current faculty. While our favorite faculty from decades past eventually move on to new challenges or retire, the choices they made for their successors echo their influence into the character of St. Andrews throughout the following years.

The 2020 – 2021 faculty consists of 65 diverse and dedicated professionals (not counting faculty emeriti). Nearly seven out of ten of our faculty are full-time employees (if not full-time faculty) – about 32% above national average. Forty-one percent of full-time faculty have served St. Andrews for a decade or more, and nearly half of those long-time professors were with St. Andrews in the previous century. More than half of our faculty holds a degree from one of the top 5% colleges in the U.S., and one in seven received one of their degrees from St. Andrews.

Faculty Executive Committee

Dr. Edna Ann Loftus – Dr. Loftus earned her M. A. and Ph. D. degrees, in English, at Princeton University. She has provided education and leadership at St. Andrews since 1977. Learn more about Dr. Loftus below.

Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez – Dr. Hernandez has served St. Andrews for more than two decades in various leadership roles. She holds two doctorates from Wingate University. Learn more about Dr. Hernandez below.

Dr. Ellen Bernhardt – Dr. Bernhardt joined St. Andrews three years ago, brining more than three decades of higher education leadership and management experience. She earned her doctorate in business administration at Keiser University (a top 5% college in the U.S. and ranked by U.S. News among the 2021 Best National Universities). Learn more about Dr. Bernhardt below.

Dr. Bonnie Draper – In addition to the Faculty Executive Committee, Dr. Draper serves St. Andrews as the University Marshal and as an Associate Professor of Biology. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Marymount University and her Ph. D. from The Catholic University of America.

Dr. Jonathan Evans – Dr. Evans is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management. He earned his bachelors and masters from Baylor University and completed his Ph. D. at the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Chris McDavid – Chris McDavid has served St. Andrews as an Associate Professor of Art since 1986. He earned his BFA from University of Kentucky and his MFA from Florida State University.

Elizabeth Blair – Elizabeth Blair serves St. Andrews as an Assistant Professor of Music and as Director of the St. Andrews Singers. She received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from East Carolina University and a Master of Arts degree from Erskine Seminary. Professor Blair joined St. Andrews in 2018.

Cinny Beggs – Cinny Beggs is an Assistant Professor of Theatre and began her instruction at St. Andrews in 2015. Professor Beggs earned a BA in Art History with a minor in Theatre from Eckerd College and a MBA from St. Andrews. She is also Founder and Executive Producer of Moore OnStage.

University President

The university president is the chief executive officer of Webber International University and each of its branches including St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, NC. The university president is responsible for the entire administration and oversight of the university. The university president appoints all committees.

Dr. H. Keith Wade

Education: D. B. A. Management; Argosy University, 2003. M.A. Organizational Management; University of Phoenix, 1992. B.A. Business and Economics; St. Andrews Presbyterian College, 1987. Advanced Professional Graduate Business Certificate in Marketing; 2004. Advanced Professional Graduate Business Certificate; International Business; 2004.

Experience: 2008 – present: President and CEO at a small, independent, not-for-profit, SACS-accredited university (among The Princeton Review’s 2021 Best Colleges of the Southeast, “academically outstanding”). 20+ years of senior management experience, including significant experience working with diverse groups of stakeholders. Significant accreditation experience (both regional [SACS] and programmatic [IACBE]). 10+ years of university teaching experience at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. Significant experience with fundraising and event production. At St. Andrews since 2011.

Campus President

Campus presidents (not to be confused with a university president) provide important management and leadership. Campus presidents manage their respective campuses, efficiently implementing the strategies set by governing bodies and other administration. Campus presidents do not individually set major policy, curriculum, admissions standards, or tuition. However, they are involved in daily supervision and management that implements many of these policies.

Dr. Ellen Bernhardt, B.A., M.B.A., D.B.A., Interim Campus President of St. Andrews University

3 years at St. Andrews

Dr. Ellen Bernhardt earned her D.B.A. from Keiser University 2021 (Delta Mu Delta Honor Society) (a top 5% college in the U.S. and ranked by U.S. News among the 2021 Best National Universities); M.B.A. from University of South Florida (a top 5% college in the U.S.); B.A. from Indiana University (a top 5% college in the U.S.). She is also member of Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Delta Mu Delta honor societies.

Prior to joining St. Andrews, Dr. Bernhardt had 35 years of leadership and management experience in higher education. She was COO at St. Andrews University and Associate Vice Chancellor of Keiser University (a not-for-profit university system of 20,000 students with a freshman retention rate at 8 of 10, a 4-year graduation rate 54% above the national average, a student loan default rate slightly below national average, and 90th percentile earners averaging 15% more than other students six years after entry). Dr. Bernhardt resides in Laurinburg and has passion for the community. She is on the Board of Directors for the Laurinburg Chamber of Commerce.

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean

Dr. Edna Ann Loftus

44 years at St. Andrews

Dr. Edna Ann Loftus completed her undergraduate degree (Magna Cum Laude) at Sweet Briar College, Virginia, where she was also elected to the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society. She then earned her M. A. and Ph. D. degrees, in English, at Princeton University. She accepted a position as Assistant Professor of English at the former St. Andrews Presbyterian College, in 1977. She currently holds the rank of John D. Currie, Jr. Distinguished Professor of English. Previously, Dr. Loftus served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs under four previous Academic Deans, as Chair of Humanities and Fine Arts Division, Chair of St. Andrews General Education, and Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Vice President of Enrollment Management

Overall leadership, supervision, and management of the operations of the Admissions Office and all student recruitment activities at all locations. Coordination, development and execution of marketing strategies, message, and materials. Supervises the Financial Aid Office.

Brian Stanley

3 years at St. Andrews

Brian Stanley attended Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina where he completed his Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. In 2007, Stanley joined the Art Institute of Charleston and he served as the Senior Director of Admissions for five years. He was promoted to Admissions Specialist in overseeing 18 campuses on the east coast with the Art Institute and working closely with Marketing and High School Programs. He held that position for 5 years prior to joining St. Andrews University. 

Vice President for Administration

Overall management and supervision of: Intercollegiate Athletics, Physical Plant budget preparation and management for those areas under his/her supervision.

Glenn T. Batten

23 years at St. Andrews

An alumnus of St. Andrews, Mr. Batten received his bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Psychology. He received his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. Mr. Batten has done course work for a Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Batten became an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in September 1992 and remains a member in good standing of the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina. Mr. Glenn Batten, Vice President for Administration and Athletics Director joined the former St. Andrews Presbyterian College in 1998 as Director of Church Relations. He has served St. Andrews as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, supervised Institutional Advancement, Dean of Students, and Athletic Director.

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Stanton Cadow

1 year at St. Andrews

In 1982, Stanton Cadow graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond with a B.A. in Communications. Before joining St. Andrews, Stanton served as the Director of Institutional Advancement for the St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Executive Director for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of St. Augustine, and as the Director of Development and Stewardship for the Diocese of St. Augustine. He has been a CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) since 1994; President Emeritus of the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals); former board member of the Palm Beach Chapter Board of Directors, and the First Coast Chapter of AFP.

Dean of Students

Overall responsibility for residence life and student affairs.

Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez

21 years at St. Andrews

Dr. Hernandez came to St. Andrews in August of 2000 as the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach.  She holds a B.A. in English from the Abbey and an M.A. in English Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In addition, she earned her Ed.S and Ed.D from Wingate University in Educational Leadership. In 2009, Elizabeth transitioned from athletics to student support services after being named the Director of the Center for Academic Success while continuing her teaching responsibilities. In June of 2013, she was named the Assistant Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator. Then, in October of 2020, she was named Dean of Students. In addition, she has also served as a member of the SAGE 125 team and worked as an Academic Advisor for first year students.

Equestrian Program Director

Overall management and supervision of the equestrian staff, programs, and equestrian facilities, budget preparation and management for those areas.

Margaret L. (Peggy) McElveen

22 years at St. Andrews

Education: Graduate Studies, University of South Carolina B.A. American Studies Sweet Briar College 1971.

Winner of the 2017 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Experience: National Judge, ANRC (Affiliated National Riding Committee); Steward, ANRC Intercollegiate Riding Championships; Executive Committee ANRC; Board of Directors IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association); 1992 – 2000 Director, MacNair’s Country Acres (equestrian facility); Coach, NC State Univ. & Peace College equestrian teams;  1983 -1992 Associate Director, Camp Seafarer; 1979 – 1983 Director of Land Activities, Camp Seafarer; 1972 -1979; Assistant Director, Hickory Top Riding School. At St. Andrews since 2000.

Director of Financial Aid

Dawn Van Arsdale Young

4 years at St. Andrews

Dawn Van Arsdale Young, a 25-year Financial Aid veteran, started at St. Andrews University in September 2016 as the Director of Financial Aid. Young earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications (Broadcasting and Journalism) from Carson-Newman University; and was a member of the Track/Field Team. Young is currently working on her master’s degree through St. Andrews University’s new Master of Arts Degree in Education: Instructional Design and Curricular Supervision. 

Director of Athletics

Elizabeth Burris

15 years at St. Andrews

Elizabeth Burris graduated Cum Laude from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.A. in Psychology and an overall GPA of 3.7. She was also honored as a Scholar Athlete with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and was named Conference USA Scholar Athlete at her alma mater, where she lettered four years with the 49ers softball team. Burris began her post-undergrad coaching career as head softball coach of the Central Cabarrus High School (Harrisburg, NC) softball junior-varsity team and assistant coach of the school’s varsity team. 

Elizabeth Burris also serves as the head coach of the St. Andrews University softball program and Senior Woman Administrator. Learn More.

Controller

LaTanya Malone

5 years at St. Andrews

LaTanya Malone earned her Bachelor of Science degree, dual majoring in Accounting and Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College. She then then continued to receive a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. With over 16 years of experience in the accounting industry, LaTanya Malone is a motivated Controller who has brought positive change to St. Andrews University. LaTanya joined St. Andrews as a Senior Staff Accountant and quickly rose in the ranks to become the campus’ Controller. Ms. Malone is also a visiting faculty member, teaching Intro to Business for the SA Online program.

Academic Affairs

Overall supervision of academic affairs. Responsible for preparation of course schedules, department budgeting, academic planning, faculty appointments, non-renewals, promotions, leaves, recruitment, evaluation, and student-faculty mediation.

Academic Dean & Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dr. Edna Ann Lofts

Dr. Edna Ann Loftus

See the Vice President section above for a profile.

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Loren Cornish

Prior to beginning as an Associate Professor of Accounting at St. Andrews, Professor Cornish taught at the State University of New York at Alfred. He has brought 46 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant to the university and is licensed in both New York and North Carolina. In addition to his experience as a professor, he is also a member of the Statewide Committee on Insurance, Retirement, and Annuities for the United University Professions. Professor Cornish holds the honor of being a past Exalted Ruler for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a past Noble Grand for the Independent order of Odd Fellows.

Associate Dean for Academic Advising and Retention

Stephanie McDavid

Professor Stephanie McDavid has been sharing her creativity with St. Andrews University since 1992. She earned her BA at University of Kentucky, a MFA from Florida State University, and is currently working on a MA. Ed at St. Andrews. Prof. McDavid has previously fulfilled the role of Chair of the Humanities and Fine Arts Division and has served on numerous committees. She and her husband, Professor Christopher McDavid, make up the Art Program faculty.

Department of Natural & Life Sciences

Chairperson: Dr. John A Knesel

Dr. John Knesel has been with St. Andrews since 2010. He earned his BS and MS from Northeast Louisiana University and a Ph. D. from Purdue University. In May of 2020, Dr. Knesel was awarded the Foster McGaw Professorship in Science. This professorship is awarded to a faculty member in the sciences with a strong interest in supporting undergraduate science education. Prior to St. Andrews, he spent time as a professor at Grambling State University, Purdue University, and The University of Louisiana at Monroe. He has been published in multiple journals, which includes topics on “housing, management and nutrition of veal calves” and “spermatology of alligator and common snapping turtles”.

Department of Health Sciences

Chairperson: Dr. Dorothy Miller

Dr. Dorothy Miller has been a nurse and instructor for more than 20 years. She received a B.S.N. from Landers University, a M.S. from Regis University, and a Ph. D. from Phoenix University. In addition to serving as the Department Chair for Health Sciences, she is also the founding Program Chair for Nursing at St. Andrews University. Dr. Miller was instrumental in the development and implementation of the BSN program. She also collaborated with key administrative leaders to develop our RN to BSN program.

Department of Teacher Education

Chairperson: Dr. Robin Calcutt

Dr. Calcutt was brought aboard St. Andrews as an Assistant Professor in the Education Department in 2018 after earning 34 years of experience in the Moore County, NC school system. She earned a B.S. from Wingate University, a M.A. Ed. from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Ed. D. from East Carolina University. Dr. Calcutt will be extending her expertise to the recently added MAEd program. Prior to joining the St. Andrews faculty, Dr. Calcutt was a public-school teacher, a district-level Instructional Technology Facilitator, high school assistant principal, middle school principal and a district-level director for testing, research, and school improvement.

Department of Sports Studies

Chairperson: Dr. Ash Walker

Dr. Ash Walker is a certified clinical exercise physiologist and has been teaching in higher education for 13 years. He earned his B.S. and M.A. at University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a Doctor of Health Sciences at A. T. Still University. Additionally, Dr. Walker is a designated fellow with the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and serves on the AACVPR board of directors in the role of treasurer. He loves sharing his passion with others and is a sought-after keynote speaker for health and medical conferences across the United States.

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Chairperson: Rev. Dr. Timothy Verhey

Rev. Dr. Timothy Verhey was awarded the Warner L. Hall Professorship in Religion and Philosophy in May of 2020. This professorship is awarded to a faculty member who is an outstanding undergraduate instructor of interdisciplinary studies. He received a B.A. from Hope College, a M. Div. from Union Theological Seminary, and a Ph. D. from Emory University. Dr. Verhey has been with St. Andrews since 2014 and served as the Dean of Students for a period of time. In addition to writing for various publications, Rev. Dr. Verhey is the author of Robust Liberalism: H. Richard Niebur and the Ethics of American Public Life (Baylor University Press, 2011).

Department of Business and Economics

Chairperson: Dr. Annette Webster

Dr. Annette Webster joined the St. Andrews faculty in the fall of 2019 to lead the new Health Services Administration program. She earned her B.S. and M.B.A. from Methodist University and a Doctor of Health Sciences from A. T. Still University. She brought to St. Andrews significant experience as a faculty member and administrator, teaching at Methodist University and serving in clinical administrative positions in nursing and rehabilitation facilities in the area. Annette immediately became an enthusiastic member of the St. Andrews faculty dedicated to serving students and supporting their academic and professional success. She has taught courses in Business, Health Services Administration, Biology, and SAGE. She established the HOSA chapter at St. Andrews, served on the Curriculum and Outcomes Assessment Committee, and contributed her expertise and energy to many Admissions events and programs.

Division of Liberal and Creative Arts

Interim Chairperson: Stephanie McDavid

Stephanie has served St. Andrews for nearly 30 years. She earned her B.A. at the University of Kentucky and her M.F.A. at Florida State University.


*Top 5% Colleges: In 2020, the Department of Education reported data for 6,694 colleges. Here, top 5% colleges are those recognized in a generalized ranking system as being in the top 334 colleges nationwide. Most colleges counted as top 5% here are actually in the top 200 nationwide.

 

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