VANCOUVER, Wash. — Five new full-time professors will join the Washington State University Vancouver faculty this fall from as far away as Michigan, Ohio and Virginia to as close as California and Portland. They will add to the faculty in growing programs and fill vacant positions.
Laurie Drapela joins the public affairs program as an assistant professor of political science. She most recently was a program evaluation specialist from the Multnomah County Evaluation and Research Unit’s Budget and Quality office and has taught at Oregon State University. Drapela earned her master’s and doctorate from University of Texas. This fall she teaches two courses, crime control and criminal justice issues.
Mark Stephan also joins the public affairs program as an assistant professor of political science. Before coming to WSU, he was a visiting assistant professor at Georgetown University. Stephan’s master’s and doctorate are from Princeton University. This fall he will teach American public policy.
Christine Portfors joins the science program as an assistant professor of biological science. She most recently was a research instructor in the Department of Neurobiology and Pharmacology at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. She received her master’s from McMaster University and her doctorate from York University, both in Canada.
Gary Caton joins the business program as an assistant professor of finance. He most recently taught at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. He received his bachelor’s degree from Western State College of Colorado and his doctorate from University of Oklahoma. This fall he will teach finance and advanced financial management.
Susan Finley joins the education department as an assistant professor of teaching and learning. Previously, Finley was an assistant professor at Michigan State University. She received her master’s from Eastern Michigan University and her doctorate from University of Michigan. She will teach content area reading instruction, theory and practice this fall.
ah125-01
