Friends University is pleased to welcome the following new faculty to campus this fall:
Dr. Roja Esmaeeli
Dr. Roja Esmaeeli will serve as the new assistant professor of mechanical engineering. She received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and her master’s degree in energy systems from Alzahra University. Dr. Esmaeeli moved to the U.S. where she received her doctorate from the University of Akron in mechanical engineering. While pursuing her PhD, Dr. Esmaeeli held the position of Graduate Research Assistant at the Center for Tire Research which is a National Science Foundation funded research center.
Jerree Forbes
Jerree Forbes is the new Executive-in-Residence for the Master of Health Care Leadership program. He received his Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and Master of Science in Management from Friends University and his Doctorate in Education, Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University. Forbes’ extensive career brings a unique perspective of first-hand experiences of the health care industry to advise on the Master of Health Care Leadership program, mentor students on career opportunities and serve as an adjunct professor.
Sheldon Mba
Sheldon Mba will serve as the Assistant Professor of Music Theatre and Dance. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance Performance from North Carolina Central University and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mba has performed in a wide range of roles and his choreographic works have been featured at The National Black Theatre Festival, American Dance Festivals, various colleges and throughout the Durham, N.C. area. He uses his movement background combined with theatrical training to groom actors to become confident with their bodies.
Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore
Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore will serve as the Director of Choral Studies and Singing Quakers Director. Dr. Moore earned his bachelor’s degree in choral music from the University of Southern California, his master’s degree in choral conducting from California State University, Fullerton and his doctoral degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, N.Y. Moore has an extensive choral conducting resume and is a versatile performer. He has sung back up for The Rolling Stones, Barry Manilow, Patti Austin, Andrea Bocelli, Kathleen Battle and Deborah Voigt. He specializes in topics on conducting pedagogy, concert programming and interpreting African American spirituals. Dr. Moore will also be the new director of the Wichita Chamber Chorale.
Dr. Moses B. Rumano
Dr. Moses B. Rumano has been appointed to serve as the division chair for education. He received his undergraduate degrees in history and religious studies from the University of Zimbabwe and Africa University. He then moved to the U.S. where he earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Otterbein University and further pursued his doctoral degree in educational administration from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Dr. Rumano previously served in several educational roles as the Associate Professor in the School of Education and Human Development, the Chair of the Education Department, and Director of the Education Graduate Programs at Malone University in Canton, Ohio.
Jenny Venn
Jenny Venn will serve as the Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic Arts, Interim Program Director: Visual Arts. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in fine arts from Fort Hays State University and completed an Impact Design for Social Change Residency at the School of Visual Arts, in New York, N.Y. Venn has held roles in graphic design as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Wichita State University, Adjunct Instructor of Art at Friends University, Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design at Fort Hays State University and Assistant Professor of Art, Graphic Design at the University of Wyoming. She also educated impassioned artists and designers at Gordon Parks Academy, a media arts magnet school, and designs independently for clients.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.