Emeriti Professors

Professor Emerita of Theology
Inducted 1996

Professor Emeritus of Art
Inducted 2023

Professor Baldus earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art from Briar Cliff College and his Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Sculpture from the University of South Dakota. His collegiate instructional career began at Briar Cliff as an adjunct instructor in 1997. However, he previously worked at Briar Cliff in the 1980s as the Assistant Director of Admissions and the Director of Alumni Relations. He began teaching full-time at Briar Cliff in 2009 as an Assistant Instructor and advanced in rank during his time at Briar Cliff, reaching the rank of Professor. He served as the Department Chair for Art. He retired at the end of the spring, 2023 semester. He additionally served Briar Cliff as the Curator of the Clausen Art Gallery as well as serving on multiple faculty committees. Since 1997, he has served as the Art Editor for the Briar Cliff Review, including selection of works for inclusion as well as collaboration in art installation at the Sioux City Art Center. He is a skilled potter with deep connections to many individuals in the Siouxland art community and throughout the Midwest. His work has been displayed in dozens of galleries across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains regions. He has served on the Sioux City Art Center board (including as Chair), the Catholic Charities board, as a juror at art competitions and festivals, and with meals on Wheels. He has been selected by the Council of Independent Colleges to participate in national art seminars on three separate occasions. Briar Cliff also recognized his service and character with the Spiritus Franciscanus award, the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award, and the Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award.

Professor Emerita of Biology
Inducted 2019

Professor Emerita of Nursing
Inducted 2022

Barbara Condon, Ph.D., RN, served Briar Cliff from 2003-2020. She began as an assistant professor and advanced to a full professor before retirement. She taught in all of Briar Cliff’s nursing programs, undergraduate, masters, and doctorate. Condon served as department interim chair for nursing, along with being a member of the promotion and tenure committee, and the faculty development committee. 

She also served on the Board of Directors for Sunrise Manor retirement Community and donated to many different charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, ALS, Walk for the Cure, Clare Guest House, UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s, and Chad’s House. 

Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Inducted 1999

Professor Emeritus of Social Work
Inducted 1999

Dr. John Cordoue taught full-time in the Department of Sociology of Social Work at Briar Cliff from 1975 to 1995; though he has served as an instructor at BCU for twice that amount of time. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s University, a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America. The student newspaper at Briar Cliff once described Dr. Cordoue as a “deeply contemplative man who has mastered the art of thinking before speaking,” and for years he impacted students by teaching subjects like “sociology of the family”. Dr. Cordoue was also instrumental in securing the Department of Social Work’s initial accreditation by the National Council on Social Work Education — an accreditation that the department has proudly held since 1974.

Professor Emerita of Social Work
Inducted 2017

Ms. Heather Craig-Oldsen was a Professor in the Social Work department and a faculty member at Briar Cliff University for twelve years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and French from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska. For eleven of her years at Briar Cliff University she served as the chair and program director for Social Work. During that time, she led the development of Briar Cliff University’s social work online degree completion program, which was launched in the fall of 2014. She served the university and faculty in multiple ways including as Chair of the Faculty as well as on the Faculty Development Committee, the Academic Policies Committee, the Curriculum Committee, and the General Education Committee. She was also a member of the Franciscan Team. In the classroom, she was a dedicated and enthusiastic instructor, well-respected by her students and her colleagues. Her aptitude, energy, and devotion to Briar Cliff and her professional development was recognized on three separate occasions by the University, presenting her the Emerging Faculty Award (2006), the Bonaventure Award for Collaborative Development of Learning Communities (2010), and the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award (2013). She also led the development of educational conferences associated with the annual Memorial March to Honor Lost Children starting in 2012. She has served the surrounding community, especially the Native American tribes in the region by developing and administering a grant to help increase the number of Native American B.S.W. child welfare workers, a critical shortage in the region; facilitated the Native American Foster Home Initiative in 2010; and co-wrote the Native Families for Native Children grant with the Winnebago Tribe in 2013. A quote from her nomination letter summarizes everything, “Her commitment to teaching, advising, service, and scholarship throughout her time at Briar Cliff University and beyond demonstrate that she is immensely deserving of this honor.”

Professor Emerita of English
Inducted 2023

Dr. Currans-Sheehan earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with Secondary Education and Speech/Drama from Briar Cliff College in 1973, her Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in writing at the University of South Dakota in 1978, and her Doctor of Philosophy in English with emphases in 20^th Century Literature, Creative Writing, and Gender Studies at the University of South Dakota in 1997. Her career at Briar Cliff began as an adjunct instructor in 1980 and she joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor in 1986 and successfully was promoted at the earliest opportunities to Associate Professor and then professor. She is the Founding Editor of the Briar Cliff Review and just saw the 35th edition of it successfully published. The Briar Cliff Review has been recognized nationally, by multiple organizations, for the quality of its included work and its publication value. In addition to serving her department and profession, she served the university through multiple committees: Senate (secretary), presidential search, strategic planning, institutional review, rank/promotion and tenure, faculty development, publications, teacher education, convocation, provost, 75^th anniversary, inauguration, and many search committees. She has served and engaged with the Siouxland community through book club organization and participation, writing group participation, Siouxland Iowa ERA Committee (chair), Friends of the Sioux City Public Library (President and board member), Siouxland Women’s Political Caucus (chair), and more. Professionally, she has read and presented dozens of times, had dozens of short stories published (with multiple awards received in addition to nominations), published two collections of short stories, and published a trilogy of novels with a colleague and friend, Jeanne Emmons. Her efforts for Briar Cliff University have been recognized with the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellent Award, the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award, and the Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award. Her nominator shared, “In my six years at Briar Cliff University, I have been blessed to call Tricia a colleague, friend, and mentor. I have never seen anyone who works so tirelessly to promote literacy, champion women’s rights, and raise the bar of writing and literature in our country. She has inspired several generations of teachers who have left Briar Cliff and are making their mark in Siouxland, the surrounding communities, and the United States.”

Professor Emerita of Music
Inducted 2023

Sr. Mary Day received her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Briar Cliff College in 1968, her Master of Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa in 1972, a Diploma of Vocal Performance from the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria in 1978, and her Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa in 1994. She joined the faculty of Briar Cliff in 1978 and retired from the department in 2015. Professionally, she has performed at multiple Midwest locations as well as internationally in Austria. She has been a frequent clinician for high school and college vocal auditions as well as establishing and coordinating for 29 years the Pre-All-State Choral Music Camp for Iowa high school students. She served as a member of Briar Cliff College’s Board of Trustees and as a member of many university committees: academic council, promotion and tenure, faculty development, academic policies, awards and citations, university budget, teacher education, general education, Chair of the Division of Fine Arts, and Chair of the Faculty. She served her community in leadership roles with the Iowa Chapter or the National Association of Teachers and Singing (President), the National Association of Teachers of Singing (Central Region Governor and National Board Member), Iowa Women Lead Change (Siouxland Steering Committee), and as a member of the Siouxland Coalition Against Human Trafficking. She additionally has served on boards for the Siouxland Arts Council, Sioux City Concert Course, Youth Symphony, Cathedral Arts Guild, Mary J. Treglia Community House, Sioux City Chamber Music Association, Human Rights Commission, teaching ESL at Lutheran Services, and establishing “Emerging Women’s Voices” for immigrant women at Mary J. Treglia Community House. She was recognized by the university with the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award. She left a very visible mark on the Siouxland community through her efforts with the Gilchrist Foundation and the Missouri River Historical Development to fund and find artists to paint pictures of immigrants, honoring their historic contributions to our community on murals along historic 7^th street in Sioux City.

Professor Emeritus of Business Administration
Inducted 1997

Professor Emeritus of English/Writing
Inducted 2016

Jeanne Emmons served as a professor of English and Writing at Briar Cliff University for 34 years, from 1980 through 2014. During this time she specialized in teaching modern poetry, Victorian literature, linguistics, mythology and poetry writing. In 1988 Dr. Emmons won the Minnesota Voices Poetry Competition and was named for a Pippistrelle “Best of Small Press” award for her first collection of poetry, “Roobound.” Her second collection, “Baseball Nights and DDT,” was published by Pecan Grove Press in 2005 and her third collection, “The Glove of the World,” was published by Backwaters Press in 2006. Dr. Emmons received the Iowa Woman Poetry Award in 1991, the South Coast Review Poetry Award in 1992, the Sow’s Ear Review Poetry Award in 2003, the James Hearst Poetry Award in 2005, and the Comstock Review Poetry Award in 2009. Dr. Emmons has also had her work published in numerous literary journals including Alaska Quarterly Review, American Scholar, Confrontation, Cream City Review, Prairie Schooner, New Orleans Review and many others. Dr. Emmons was the recipient of the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award in 1998 and the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award in 2008.

Professor Emerita of Social Work
Inducted 2020

Professor Emeritus of Business Administration/Accounting
Inducted 2017

Mr. George Frangedakis was an Associate Professor in the Business department and a faculty member at Briar Cliff University for 31 years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Briar Cliff College and his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. For many of his years at Briar Cliff University, he served as the chair of the department and oversaw expansion of programming, including off-campus sites and new majors. He served as Chair of the Faculty and also on the majority of faculty committees as well as many university-wide committees during his tenure at Briar Cliff University. He also served as the advisor to multiple student organizations, including the BAMM Club and the Accounting/Finance Club. Regarding his quality as a professor, a colleague had this to say, “George was a respected teacher and colleague. His students received a quality education from him and while his classes were not easy, he freely gave of his time for individual instruction.” A student had shared the following, “The wisdom he shared each and every day was above and beyond what any of us expected to learn.” He was a model of the Briar Cliff professor. Off-campus, he served on the board of the Siouxland Economic Development Corporation and made numerous presentations to regional civic organizations.

Professor Emeritus of English
Inducted 2017

Adam was a professor in the Modern Languages department for thirty-eight years. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan, his Master of Arts in English Literature degree from the University of Washington, and his Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His areas of specialization include British and American poetry and fiction, Shakespeare, and Science Fiction. For nearly half of his time at Briar Cliff University, Adam served as the Chair of the department. He led the development and implementation of a separate writing major within the department. He served on the majority of faculty committees, served on the strategic planning committee of the mid 2000s, was Acting Associate Dean of Faculty (1986-1987), and Chair of the Faculty (1997-1998). He helped to write several grants for the university including a Title III, FIPSE, and Burlington Northern grant. He twice delivered the Distinguished Faculty Lecture, presenting on “Heroes and Victims in Recent Science Fiction Films” in 2006 and on “The Arts Rejoin the Sciences: Our Post-convergent Future” in 2016. As an instructor, he held students to high standards. Students in his classes learned and they earned their grades. He had integrity and modeled scholarship and discipline for his students. Outside of Briar Cliff, Adam was a member of the Science Fiction Research Association and served as his professional organization’s president in 2007-2008. He published in multiple journals and regularly presented at professional conferences, in particular on topics surrounding science fiction literature and film.

Professor Emeritus of Education
Inducted 2017

Dr. Leo Frommelt was a Professor in the Education department and a faculty member at Briar Cliff University for 32 years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Loras College, his Master of Arts in Education from Marquette University, and his Doctorate of Education from the University of South Dakota. For many of the years of his tenure, he served as the chair of the department. He was a forward-thinking educator, who strove, always, to improve the preparation of our students for their future careers as educators. His dedication saw program expansion to provide additional hours of field experience, the use of technology in the classroom, and early childhood education. His dedication to his students and their preparation extended into the community, where he would personally visit every school that had a student placed there to visit with personnel about expectations for student teaching so that the best possible outcomes could be achieved. He became known throughout the community for his professionalism, his high expectations, and his respect for others, with his nomination letter stating, “He was highly respected, both on campus and in the larger Siouxland community.” The education department has continued to build on his legacy, continuing to improve on teaching the appropriate use of technology in classrooms, developing curriculum libraries for student preparation, and establishing meaningful and additional field experience hours to the benefit of our students.

Professor Emerita of Physical Education
Inducted 1999

Professor Emerita of Theology
Inducted 2011

Sister Michaela Galles served as professor of theology at Briar Cliff University for 28 years from 1982-2010. Sister Michaela Galles entered the Franciscan community in 1954 and took her final vows in 1960. She has a BS degree from Briar Cliff, MS degree in biology and an MA in theology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and did postgraduate studies at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.; the University of Portland, Ore.; Boston College; and Maryknoll, Ossining, N.Y.  She has been called a “cornerstone” of the faculty in the theology and philosophy departments, which she chaired for a number of years. Among her many accomplishments, she helped found Briar Cliff’s Church Ministries Program to assist the Diocese of Sioux City and its parishes with staff development. In 2002, Sister Michaela received Briar Cliff’s Bonaventure Award for her work in advancing holistic education. Sister Michaela received Briar Cliff’s Paul and Frances Duff Award for the Pursuit of Excellence in 2010, for demonstrating the importance of faith and unselfish service. Sister Michaela is currently a member of the congregation’s Charism Team, where she facilitates the congregation’s Franciscan Way of Life program in Oelwein, Waterloo and Ames.

Professor Emerita of History
Inducted 2002

Professor Emeritus of Health, P.E. & Recreation
Inducted 2017

Jay was a professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER)/Sports Science department for twenty-nine years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education – Physical Education degree from Missouri Southern State College, his Master of Science in Physical Education degree from Pittsburgh State University, and his Doctor of Education in Physical Education degree from the University of Arkansas. His areas of specialization include athletics, kinesiology, fitness, and exercise physiology. He helped lead and serve as the chair of the HPER/Sports Science department and programs. In addition to serving his students well in the classroom, he was recognized as a strong advisor, always providing accurate and helpful information to the students that he served. The Sports Science major was added under his leadership, providing that additional opportunity for students at Briar Cliff. He served on over a dozen faculty and university committees, including Budget, Curriculum, Promotion and Tenure, and General Education. He also twice served as Briar Cliff’s Athletic Director, once between 1986 and 1991 and again from 1998 to 2001. The development of the football program occurred under his watch and he chaired the search  committee for the first football coach. Outside of Briar Cliff, Jay was a long-time member of both the American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) and also the state professional organization Iowa AHPERD. He was an active member in the state organization, serving multiple leadership roles, including Executive Director, Treasurer, Financial Management, Budget Committee, and Research Chair. He was a volunteer coach for many children’s sports teams in the community, served on the Sioux City Public Schools Physical Education Curriculum Committee, and also additional local boards where expertise was needed.

Professor Emeritus of Political Science
Inducted 2008

Michael Hand served as professor of political science at Briar Cliff for 39 years, from 1968 to 2007. He holds an undergraduate degree in political science from St. Ambrose College and a Master of Arts degree from Marquette University. Known for his friendliness, quick wit and the ability to stir enlightening and impassioned political discussions in the classroom; Mr. Hand taught various courses in political science, history, government and constitutional law during his time at Briar Cliff. Though greatly respected for his mind; Mr. Hand is perhaps even more beloved because of his heart. Now a deacon at St. Michael’s, St. Boniface and the Cathedral of the Epiphany Parishes in Sioux City, he has been described by our local newspaper as “a man intent on helping the disenfranchised.” As a 21-year-old undergraduate student at St. Ambrose, on the first day of spring in 1965, Mr. Hand was one of 8,000 civil rights protestors who marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma, Alabama.

Professor Emeritus of English/Writing
Inducted 2014

Phil Hey served as professor of English and Writing at Briar Cliff for 43 years, from 1969 to 2012. He received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa.  Known for his original, high-energy teaching style, his sense of humor and his devotion to Briar Cliff University, Mr. Hey helped countless students at BCU find their voice as writers. Mr. Hey is the published author of many collections of poetry including: “In Plain Sight,” “Reorganizing the Stars,” “Plain Label Poems,” “A Change of Clothes, Ballads and Songs,” “How it Seems to Me,” and “St. Francis: A Collection of Poems.” As an editor, Mr. Hey has co-edited the Iowa Poets series of Pterodactyl Press, the Celestial Light Press and “The Briar Cliff Review” — University’s national prize-winning magazine of writing and art. Mr. Hey has been recognized with the Paul and Frances Duff Award for the Pursuit of Excellence, the Iowa Council of Teachers of English’s Literacy Award, and Briar Cliff’s Spiritus Franciscanus Award. Finally, Mr. Hey is known by many of the university’s students and alumni as the author of the lyrics to our beloved “Briar Cliff Hymn.”

Professor Emeritus of Computer Science
Inducted 2022

Tom Kleen, MS, began teaching at Briar Cliff in 1980 and taught 41 years before retirement. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Briar Cliff University and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Iowa. Kleen came out of retirement to support instruction needs while the University onboarded new faculty during fall of 2021.  Kleen served as the coordinator for the computer science major and was responsible for creating and implementing the major with his hire. He continued to revise the curriculum as recommended by the Association for computing Machinery (ACM) to maintain standards for Briar Cliff graduates.

Professor Emeritus of Sociology/Anthropology
Inducted 2019

Dr. Herb Kuehne was a professor of anthropology and sociology at Briar Cliff University from 1973 to 2001. He earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, an M.A. from Northwestern University.  He received a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Kentucky. From 2001 until he retired in 2011, he served as a crime analyst for the Sioux City Police Department.

Prior to his tenure at Briar Cliff, Herb studied in Ireland with the help of a 10-week National Science Foundation grant. Shortly into his career at Briar Cliff, Herb won a National Fulbright Fellowship and taught two graduate courses at the National University in Montevideo, Uruguay.

During his tenure at Briar Cliff, Herb taught a wide range of courses and helped institute a Freshman Liberal Arts curriculum. He organized and conducted many student and community tours to central Mexico to promote intercultural education. For several years, he and his students offered before-school Spanish instruction at several Sioux City elementary schools. In his last years at Briar Cliff, he promoted the use of Geographic Information Systems for local governmental services.

Across 44 years, Herb served the Siouxland community in many ways. He helped found the first Sioux City Recycling Center (closed in the late 1970s), served as a member of LULAC, a group that provided scholarships to Hispanic students, was appointed to and served on the Sioux City Human Rights Commission, served several years on the Sioux City Community Mental Health Center Board, and was elected for two terms to the Sioux City Community School Board. After retirement, he volunteered his time for many organizations, including VITA, a program to assist low-income people with income tax filings, the Sioux City Public Museum, Meals on Wheels, Iowa's Senior Health Insurance Information Program, the Soup Kitchen, the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Art Splash, and the Missouri River Clean Up.

Professor Emerita of Social Work
Inducted 2009

Sylvia Kuennen served as professor of social work at Briar Cliff University for 36 years from 1969-2005. She holds a BA degree from Briar Cliff, MA from Fordham University and MSW from University of Iowa. Mrs. Kuennen has dedicated her life to social work education and practice. She was a founding member of the Task Force on Battered Women (forerunner of the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.) In 2002, Mrs. Kuennen received Briar Cliff’s Distinguished Faculty Award for her outstanding scholarship in teaching, service and community-based application of knowledge. Mrs. Kuennen then received Briar Cliff’s Paul and Frances Duff Award for the Pursuit of Excellence in 2003, for displaying existential integrity by committing personal energy to the fullest development of her God given gifts. Mrs. Kuennen was recognized as Iowa’s Social Worker of the Year in 2008.

Professor Emerita of Nursing
Inducted 2001

Professor Emerita of Art
Inducted 1999

Professor Emerita of Nursing
Inducted 1999

Professor Emeritus of Biology
Inducted 2007

Professor Emerita of Mathematics
Inducted 1997

Professor Emeritus of Biology
Inducted 2012

Dr. Robert Olson taught in the Department of Biology at Briar Cliff for three decades, from 1981 to 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Great Falls, a master’s degree in general physiology from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. in general anatomy from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Olson taught courses in human anatomy, huan physiology, human biology, nutrition, immunology, pathophysiology and histology. It was Dr. Olson who established the University’s human cadaver laboratory, which to this day is still one of the region’s only educational cadaver labs. Many graduates attest to the profound impact that both this laboratory — and Dr. Olson’s tutelage — had on their professional success. Known for his soft-spoken good humor, tireless dedication to his students and generous spirit of service for Briar Cliff, Dr. Olson received the University’s Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award in 2004, the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award in 2011, and the Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award in 2012.

Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Inducted 2010

Dr. Thomas Padgett served as professor of psychology at Briar Cliff for 35 years, from 1967 to 2002. He holds an undergraduate degree from Albion College, a Master of Arts degree from Miami University in Ohio, and a Ph.D. from the University of South Dakota. Known for his dedication to Briar Cliff and the community, and his genuine care for his students, Dr. Padgett taught a variety of courses related to behavior and psychology. As someone who has been described by community leaders as “embodying the true spirit of public service,” Dr. Padgett has served as Sioux City Mayor, Councilman, Sioux City School Board member, and a variety of volunteer positions in the community. As a professor of psychology at Briar Cliff, he was called upon to help counsel families of victims and survivors in the aftermath of the Flight 232 crash — many of whom stayed on Briar Cliff’s campus while grieving — and further embodied Briar Cliff’s Franciscan values of “serving, caring and openness to all.”

Professor Emerita of Health, P.E. & Recreation
Inducted 2017

Marian was an assistant professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) department for forty-seven years. She was an enthusiastic educator and advocate for Briar Cliff’s students. She taught a broad range of classes within her department and served as the chair from 2013 through 2015. She was the lead for many years on new student orientation and freshmen advising. As a part of that, she developed and coordinated the Peer Advising Leaders (PAL) program, where experienced students were partnered with incoming freshmen groups to help provide guidance and acclimation to the campus. Many students commented on and appreciated her guidance as they began their time at BCU. Students also appreciated that she was always enthusiastic, always helpful, and always striving for student success in and out of the classroom. During her tenure, she helped the HPER/Sports Science program transition to Kinesiology in order to meet growing demand for students with that more specialized background. Marian served on numerous faculty and university committees, including Admissions, Policies, Curriculum, Academic Council, Executive Council, and University Council. She served as the chair of the faculty and as a faculty representative to the Board of Trustees. She also served the university as the Interim Dean of Student Affairs. For her leadership and many contributions to the campus community, she was the recipient of the Paul and Francis Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award. Outside of Briar Cliff University, she was an active member of the American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD), the Iowa AHPERD, and the National Athletic Trainers Association. She also served the American Red Cross, in particular assisting with training others in first aid, CPR, and guarding and water safety.

Professor Emeritus of Nursing
Inducted 2022

Rick Petersen, Ed.D., MSN, served from 2006 to 2022 and taught classes at the undergraduate and graduate level. Petersen served as the chair of the department for over a decade, along with the director of the graduate nursing program. Under his leadership, both master’s and doctoral level nursing programs received accreditation through the CCNE and approval through Iowa’s Board of Nursing.

Professor Emeritus of Theatre/Speech
Inducted 2016

Richard Poole served as professor of theatre and speech at Briar Cliff University for 37 years, from 1978 to 2015. Though he originally swore off teaching, and he hitchhiked out west in the 1960’s to become a railroad welder, he soon realized he wanted to go back to school. Mr. Poole holds a bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Portland. He is an actor, director, playwright, professor and Fulbright Scholar, who taught for a year at National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Mr. Poole is known by alumni for his booming voice; his passion for students and theatre; and his uncanny ability to see potential and recruit non-theatre majors who’d never thought twice about acting — and turn them into professionals. Mr. Poole co-authored the first published anthology examining traveling tent theatre from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also co-authored “The Opera Houses of Iowa,” and was featured in “The Guide to Popular Culture” and “The Cambridge Guide to American Theatre (2nd Edition)” textbooks. In 2008, he was the recipient of Briar Cliff’s Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award.

Professor Emerita of Business Administration
Inducted 2017

Ms. Barb Redmond was an Assistant Professor in the Business department and a faculty member at Briar Cliff University for 32 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Purdue University and her Master in Business Administration from Murray State University. She also completed her certification for Senior Professional Human Resources. She served as the Director of the Human Resource Management program for half of her time at Briar Cliff University, a program that she built from the ground up, and as the director of the Master’s in Human Resource Management from the time it was instituted until her retirement. During this time, she helped to oversee the development and administration of off-campus programs and then led the transition to online programming for degree completion. During her time at Briar Cliff University she also served for a couple of years as the chair of her department, as the chair of the faculty, and on numerous faculty and university committees. Additionally, she served as the advisor for the student organizations of SHRM and the BAMM Club. From her nomination letter, “Barb was a respected teacher and beloved by her students. Even though she has been retired for almost seven years, she maintains a relationship with many of her students. Many times she acted as a mentor to them, helping to get them their first job in HR. She also acted as an advocate if they needed one.” Off-campus, she routinely provided training seminars at national conventions and consultation and training to private businesses in the region, helping to expand the reach and recognition of both her program and of the University.

Professor Emeritus of English
Inducted 2009

Dr. James Redmond served as a professor of English and interdisciplinary studies at Briar Cliff 31 years, from 1977 to 2008. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis University, and his Master of Arts and doctorate from Purdue University. Known for his passion for students, literature, the environment and Briar Cliff University, Dr. Redmond — known more affectionately as “Jim” by his students — had the ability to expand learning well beyond the classroom walls. He accompanied students on countless experiential learning trips, to places like Guthrie Theater, to experience Shakespeare’s plays; or to the Black Hills, to explore some of the natural wonders of our region. To this day, Jim continues to embody and exhibit the Briar Cliff value of “care for creation.” As an advocate for the Loess Hills and Missouri River, Dr. Redmond is Northwest Iowa’s delegate for the Sierra Club, and he recently received the “Friend of Conservation” award from the Woodbury County Conservation Board.

Professor Emerita of Education
Inducted 2021

Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
Inducted 2021

Professor Emeritus of Accounting
Inducted 2009

Professor Emerita of Music
Inducted 2011

Sr. Mary Arnold Staudt, of the Order of Saint Francis, taught in the Department of Music and served as the University’s organist from 1979 to 2010. A Briar Cliff alumnae, Staudt earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa. She entered the Sisters of Saint Francis in Dubuque in 1949, and professed her final vows in 1955. Prior to Briar Cliff, she served as an elementary and high school music teacher at several different elementary and high schools in Iowa. For more than three decades, she taught music history, music appreciation, guitar, piano and organ courses at Briar Cliff. Sister Arnold inspired students in the classroom, captivated the Briar Cliff community with her organ recitals, and reminded everyone that the key to a healthy life is walking up and down our beloved Cliff every day — rain or shine — for 31 years. Known as one of the staunchest supporters of Briar Cliff athletics (the McCoy Arnold athletic center now bears her name), and an avid sports fan in general, it’s said that Sr. Arnold once caught a student filling out a “March Madness” basketball bracket during her music appreciation class — but rather than reprimand the student, she simply asked him: “Who do you have winning it all?”

Professor Emerita of Business Administration
Inducted 2024

Dr. Judy Thompson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lake Forest College in Illinois, her MBA from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and her Doctorate in Educational Administration, Adult and Higher Education from the University of South Dakota.  Professor Thompson’s collegiate instructional career began at Briar Cliff as an adjunct instructor in 1980, and she retired as a full-time professor in Business Administration in 2021. During her long and meritorious service at Briar Cliff, Professor Thompson taught courses in Marketing and Business Administration. She also served as the primary coordinator for the leadership conference for Briar Cliff students – Lessons of Leadership. Most notably, Professor Thompson served as the Director of the Small Business Lab, where she conceptualized, planned, and implemented an incubator for student businesses.  She helped raised funds for the project that resulted in the Roth Center for Entrepreneurship, and also organized and led Entrepalooza, a week of activities to highlight entrepreneurs in Siouxland and provide financial assistance and support to them. “Swimming with the Sharks” is another of Dr. Thompson’s accomplishments, where entrepreneurs from the area pitch an idea to a panel of entrepreneurial experts with the possibility of receiving $5,000 to help start or grow their business. Dr. Thompson also directed the university’s Enactus team. In addition to excellent teaching in the classroom, Professor Thompson was also active in service to the community and the profession as she served on a variety of broads in such organizations and associations as the University of Northern

Iowa Regional Entrepreneurship Project, Startup Sioux City, Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, United Way, Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, and the Siouxland Humane Society. In 2014, Dr. Thompson was awarded the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award.

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Inducted 2022

Paul Weber, Ph.D., began his tenure as an instructor in 1980 and advanced to full professor before retiring in 2021. He served as the department chair for 30 years, and taught lower, and upper level organic, biochemistry, radiologic technology, and medical laboratory sciences. He was most notable for taking students to an exploration trip to Black Hills during the summer. 

Recently, Dr. Weber and another Biology faculty member led a dozen students to a national conference in San Diego for students to present their work, with two student research groups receiving conference-wide awards and recognition.

Professor Emerita of Art
Inducted 2009

Judith Welu served as a professor of art at Briar Cliff University for 45 years, from 1963 through 2008. Judy spent 29 of those years in academic administration. She was best known by her colleagues as being a tireless supporter of programs designed to enhance their pedagogy and mastery of their own disciplines.  Mrs. Welu was the recipient of the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award in 1991 and the Spiritus Franciscanus Award in 2001.

Professor Emeritus of Art
Inducted 2010

William Welu served as a professor of art at Briar Cliff University for 43 years, from 1996 through 2009. Over the years, Mr. Welu has made many significant contributions, including creating the sanctuary furniture in the Chapel, the bronze reliefs in Meis Recital Hall and in the Newman Flanagan Center and the sculpture of St. Francis. He has had numerous pieces of artwork displayed at the Sioux City Art Center. Mr. Welu was the recipient of the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award in 1984 and the Spiritus Franciscanus Award in 2006.

Professor Emerita of Sociology
Inducted 2016

Sr. Grace Ann Witte, of the Order of Saint Francis, taught in the Department of Social Work at Briar Cliff for 48 years, from 1964 to 2012. She entered the Order of the Sisters of St. Francis in 1955 and professed her perpetual vows in 1960. A Briar Cliff alumnae, she holds a master’s degree from St. Louis University and her doctorate from the University of Notre Dame — all in the field of sociology. A beloved professor, known for her commitment to students and demanding coursework — all delivered with her ever-present smile — Sister Grace Ann taught and inspired agents of social change at Briar Cliff for nearly half a century. She wrote the Department of Social Work’s very first self-study that resulted in its initial accreditation by the Council of Social Work Education, so she is credited as the visionary spark that ignited decades of excellence in social work education at our University. She received the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award in 2000, the Spiritus Franciscanus Award in 2005 and the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award in 2007. After retiring from Briar Cliff, Sister Grace Ann helped found Sioux City’s Clare House, a transitional home for women who have released from prison.