Four faculty members promoted at SMWC
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN (03/13/2026) — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College's (SMWC) Board of Trustees approved faculty promotions during its February meeting. The promotions will be effective at the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year.
Robert Vandermolen, Ph.D., has been promoted to associate professor of mathematics with tenure. He started at SMWC as an assistant professor in August of 2020. Vandermolen has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mathematics from the College of Charleston. His Ph.D. in Algebraic Geometry is from the University of South Carolina. Vandermolen has also authored two publications and two posters on theoretical mathematics and an open educational resource math textbook on proofs. His second open educational resource textbook on statistics is underway. At SMWC, he teaches all math programs and physics courses, as well as general education statistics. He also developed and advises the computer science major. He won the Pomeroy Faculty Award in Teaching in 2022.
Christine Delnat, Ph.D., RN, has been promoted to professor of nursing. She started at SMWC as an assistant professor in August of 2014 and was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2020. Delnat has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a master's in nursing education from Indiana State University and a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Hawaii. She earned a Master of Science in Public Health in 2024. Delnat teaches upper-level nursing courses, including research, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and one graduate course for the Master of Nursing program. Her research and teaching interests include population health, public health/poverty, health care policy and interprofessional education. She also has numerous presentations and publications at the regional and national levels.
Edward Ferguson, Ph.D., has been promoted to professor of equine. He came to SMWC in 2021 as an associate professor and chair of the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies. Ferguson has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, a Master of Science in Animal Science, a Master of Science in Natural and Applied Science and a Ph.D. in Animal and Dairy Sciences. An expert in large animal reproduction and health, Ferguson created SMWC's Pre-Veterinary Studies program, the Master of Science in Equine Studies and the Associate of Science in Racetrack Management.
Penny Quinn, Ph.D., has been promoted to professor of kinesiology and wellness. She started at SMWC in 2019 as an associate professor and serves as chair of the department of sciences and mathematics. She won the Alumni Faculty Leadership Award in 2023. She has both a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Indiana State University and a Master of Science in Physical Education/Recreation Management from Washington State University. She developed and teaches courses in kinesiology, health and wellness, exercise science, and leadership in recreation and sport, and created a Woods Core capstone course on access to wellness in America and a graduate course for the Master's in Sport Leadership. Her research interest is currently in student success.
"Celebrating the achievements of Drs. Vandermolen, Delnat, Ferguson and Quinn highlight the exceptional faculty leadership that strengthens the mission of SMWC," said Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost /executive vice president for academic affairs. "Their dedication and expertise enrich the academic experience at The Woods."
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