Dean of the College Todd McDorman has announced the promotion and tenure of four Wabash faculty members: Katie Ansaldi, Cara Healey, Nate Tompkins, and Heidi Winters Vogel.

Katie Ansaldi, an assistant professor of mathematics, is known as a devoted and skilled teacher who uses innovative approaches in the classroom and commits extensive time to students in one-on-one office meetings.

“She has explored new pedagogical approaches such as mastery grading and helps her students develop a growth mindset that allows them to thrive,” McDorman said. “Her close work with students extends to her scholarship, which has included working with students in the study of rainbow numbers, and her many student-centered service activities.”

Ansaldi is an emerging campus leader who successfully chaired the Teaching and Learning Committee, has taken on campus roles of increasing significance, and is providing excellent mentorship to new colleagues.

“I am excited and honored to receive tenure at Wabash and to be recognized for the work I have put into my teaching, research, and service,” Ansaldi said. “The Wabash community has allowed me to foster great connections with both colleagues and students. Wabash students are eager to learn and engage, both in and out of the classroom. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, students, and family.”

Ansaldi earned her B.S. at Loyola College in Maryland, an M.S. at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and both an M.S and PhD at the University of Notre Dame.

An assistant professor of Chinese and Asian studies, Cara Healey is described as a caring and empathetic professor committed to inclusivity and accessibility. She creates a positive, supportive environment for her students, and in turn students know that she wants them to succeed.

“Cara has taught a broad range of classes and is central to the Asian Studies minor, a program I expect she will contribute significant leadership to going forward,” said McDorman.

As a scholar, Healey has gained a national reputation in Chinese literary and cultural studies for both her research on Chinese science fiction and translations that have allowed works to gain greater exposure. McDorman said, “She is devoted to interdisciplinary studies and is an important voice in encouraging careful thought about how such programs advance student learning and can be better supported at the College.”

“I'm honored and delighted to continue working with supportive colleagues and excellent students as a tenured member of the Wabash faculty,” she said.

Assistant professor of physics Nate Tompkins is an excellent and thoughtful teacher who uses evidence-based pedagogies. He is particularly skilled at providing clear explanations of complex material that guides students through challenging topics. Students know Nate is available for help when needed and is invested in their success.

McDorman said Tompkins has been an excellent mentor to many students while engaging in innovative collaborative research on the production of low-cost scientific instruments as well as work in pattern formation. “As a campus citizen, Nate has been particularly impactful in his work on the Graduate Fellowships Committee in helping students obtain excellent post-Wabash placements,” he said.

“Tenure is a vote of confidence from the College administration and an acknowledgement of years of effort,” said Tompkins. “I look forward to continuing to serve the students and college to the best of my abilities.”

Associate professor of theater Heidi Winters Vogel is committed to leading students in the process of creative self-discovery. She brings enthusiasm to the classroom, exhibits a deep collaborative spirit, and fosters an environment that allows for the development of trust in exploring difficult topics.

“An advocate for social justice, Heidi’s creative work has brought important and difficult issues to the Wabash stage,” McDorman said, “making us think about both the world around us and our community, including directing our first virtual production during the pandemic and staging productions that raise difficult questions about race and belonging.”

In addition to producing scholarship on participatory and playback theater, Vogel is an active professional who continues to direct and act in off-campus productions. She also is a valued colleague who has led the Visiting Artist and Teaching and Learning committees and has made important contributions to accreditation and gender issues.

These promotions are effective July 1, 2024.