Northwestern is pleased to announce the addition of eleven full-time faculty for the fall 2026 term. Each faculty member brings a breadth of knowledge for their area of study and a heart for the UNWavering mission to love God’s Word and God’s world. We are excited to welcome them into new or expanded roles at Northwestern this fall.
Dr. Dalene Fisher, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs shared, “We thank God for bringing our newest colleagues to serve both the Northwestern community and His Kingdom. Through a wholehearted Christian faith, a love for God’s Word, and thoughtful engagement with God’s world, our faculty teach and mentor with wisdom and grace. Committed to rigorous, Christ-centered education, they foster whole-person growth and intentional disciple-making, equipping students to lead faithfully and serve effectively. We are delighted to welcome these new faculty members and look forward to their contributions to our shared mission.”
Dr. Eric Asante | Visiting Instructor of Business | Stoltz School of Business
Dr. Eric Asante holds a DBA in Finance and an MBA in Risk Management from Walden University, as well as a B.A. in Economics from the University of Cape Coast. He is a seasoned financial services professional, educator, and Christian leader with more than 15 years of experience in financial services and consulting. He brings expertise in auditing, governance, risk management, healthcare finance, fraud prevention, and project leadership, supported by professional certifications including CFE, CISA, CHFP, and PMP. Dr. Asante has taught finance courses at several faith-based institutions, including Oral Roberts University, Bethel University, and Nelson University. He is passionate about equipping students through academic excellence, professional experience, and biblical principles.
Dr. Richard M. Blaylock | Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies | School of Theology & Ministry
Dr. Richard Blaylock holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Theology and an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as an A.B. in Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Dr. Blaylock formerly taught at Western Seminary in Oregon and has experience pastoring in American and Filipino settings. He has authored several books and articles in professional journals and serves as the director of the Center for Evangelical Biblical Theology.
Dr. Debbie Chinn | Assistant Professor of Education | School of Education & Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Chinn holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Tyndale Theological Seminary, an M.A. in Special Education from the University of New Mexico, and a B.A. in English from the University of Wales. Her professional experience includes teaching ESL and English internationally in Malaysia, China, and Hungary; teaching at public charter and classical schools in Colorado; and serving locally as a curriculum and instructional specialist at New Life Academy. Her collegiate adjunct teaching includes Crown College and Colorado Christian University. Dr. Chinn also holds a Tier 4 Academic and Behavioral Strategist (K–8) License, issued by PELSB. Her languages include Chinese and Russian.
Dr. David Hoffner | Dean and Assistant Professor | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. David Hoffner holds a Ph.D. in Education, Policy and Leadership from the University of Minnesota, an M.T.S. in Theology from Regent College, and a B.A. in Philosophy from Wheaton College. Before coming to Northwestern, Dr. Hoffner spent the last 20 years at Minnehaha Academy serving as an Economics and Philosophy Teacher and most recently Executive Director of Faith Formation.
Creighton Long | Assistant Professor of Business Administration | Stoltz School of Business
Creighton Long earned an MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Biblical Studies from Bethel University. Creighton brings more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, finance, operations, and strategy to Northwestern. His career includes executive and general management roles with organizations such as Elevance Health, Change Healthcare, and DJO Global. Before joining UNW, Creighton taught business finance and economics as an adjunct professor at Bethel University. He is passionate about preparing students for the real-world business environment while integrating sound business practices with Christian faith.
Natasha Nolette | Visiting Instructor of Animation & Illustration | School of Arts & Humanities
Natasha Nolette is a UNW alumna who triple majored in Animation & Illustration, Graphic Design, and Art. After graduating from UNW, she went on to earn her master’s from the Royal College of Art in London, recently named the World’s No. 1 Art and Design University in the QS World University Rankings for the twelfth consecutive year. Her short film, Wayfarer, premiered at the Five16 Film Festival and has since been recognized at film festivals around the world. Natasha is passionate about animation, visual storytelling, and the creative process, and she is excited to bring her experience back to the UNW community.
Mary Richards | Assistant Professor | School of Nursing
Mary Richards recently began pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing at the University of Missouri and previously earned her M.S. in Complementary and Integrative Health from Drexel University, M.S. in Nursing from St. Catherine University, and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Minnesota. Mary has been a valued member of the School of Nursing for more than two years, serving as an adjunct faculty member. During that time, she has demonstrated a genuine heart for students, an unwavering commitment to mission, and a compassionate, student-centered approach to teaching. Her passion is helping students discover nursing’s potential to transform lives through compassionate, whole-person care grounded in the love of Jesus.
Dr. Mark R. Shannon | Dean and Associate Professor | Stoltz School of Business
Dr. Mark Shannon holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, an MBA in Managerial Finance from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Covenant College. He brings extensive experience in business leadership, Christian higher education, accreditation strategy, and organizational change to his role as the inaugural dean of the Stoltz School of Business. Most recently, he served as assistant dean of the Belhaven University School of Business, where he led strategic enrollment growth and student retention initiatives. His professional experience also includes leadership roles with Life Time, Inc., the Oklahoma Soccer Association, and his own business. His scholarship work includes a leadership development study examining the role of trigger events and leadership crucibles in the lives of authentic leaders. He is passionate about preparing students to lead with excellence, integrity, and a strong Christian foundation.
Dr. Brinn Watson | Assistant Professor of Psychology | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Brinn Watson holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University, a M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences, and a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Watson has 17 years of teaching experience in higher education and has served as an adjunct instructor at Iowa State University, Des Moines Area Community College, Bethel University, and for the last nine years, as Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Northwestern. Dr. Watson stepped into her role as Assistant Professor in January 2026. In her free time, Dr. Watson enjoys spending time outside with her husband and son, reading, and working out.
Alison Wilde | Assistant Professor of Accounting | Stoltz School of Business
Alison (Ali) Wilde is a Certified Public Accountant in Minnesota and North Dakota, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in accountancy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and holds a B.S. in Accountancy from the University of North Dekota. Ali brings more than 15 years of corporate accounting experience to her role as an Assistant Professor of Accounting in the Stoltz School of Business. Her professional experience includes roles with Deloitte & Touche LLP, Medtronic plc, and various accounting consulting organizations. Passionate about accounting as the “language of business,” Ali is committed to helping students develop the character, integrity, and excellence needed to thrive in the accounting profession.
Jake Yenish | Associate Professor of Theatre: Design & Technical Theatre | School of Arts & Humanities
Jake Yenish holds an MFA from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a B.A. from Bethany Lutheran College. He joins the Northwestern Department of Music & Theatre with more than 20 years of experience in Christian higher education, having most recently served in a similar role at East Texas Baptist University. He teaches and works in multiple areas of theatre, specializing in lighting design. Mr. Yenish has designed for and contributed to more than 135 productions in a variety of venues, several of which have been recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
