MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University recognized faculty scholarship, professional development and institutional contributions during its annual Dean’s Reception, held in Musselman Library on Tuesday, April 21. 

The event, established as a time to celebrate institutional support for faculty development and honor faculty achievements, highlighted research, creative work, promotions and grant recipients across campus. 

University leaders emphasized the importance of continued investment in faculty as a “vital and dynamic resource,” noting that Bluffton’s Faculty Development Program provides opportunities for professional growth through conferences, research support and collaborative initiatives. 

Several faculty members were recognized for receiving competitive internal grants supporting scholarship and creative work.

Dr. Stephen Harnish received a Naomi E. Lehman Faculty Scholarship Grant for his project exploring historical and computational approaches to the foundations of physics. His work includes developing historical vignettes on early quantum theory and advancing molecular dynamics simulations to strengthen student research connections in academic and industry settings. 

Two faculty members were awarded Bluffton University Research Center grants, which provide funding and limited reimbursement for research-related expenses. Dr. Lamar Nisly was approved for a book project examining late-style works of modern and contemporary authors, while Dr. Brad Potts received funding for a multidisciplinary study on academic and athletic identity and its impact on student engagement and retention. 

In addition, Dr. Jonathan Andreas was named the 2026-27 C. Henry Smith Peace Lectureship recipient. His project will explore Anabaptist perspectives on peace through a series of international podcast interviews conducted in the United States, Canada, Switzerland and the Netherlands. 

The C. Henry Smith Peace Lecturer is selected annually, alternating between faculty at Bluffton University and Goshen College. The purpose of this lectureship is to highlight Anabaptist peace perspectives for the Bluffton and Goshen campus communities.

A highlight of the event included faculty sharing recent accomplishments, including publications, conference presentations and creative works. Projects ranged from scholarly articles and books to fiction writing and national conference presentations, demonstrating the breadth of Bluffton faculty expertise and engagement. 

The program also reflected on the university’s civic engagement theme, “Who is My Neighbor? Knowing, Loving, and Serving Our Neighbors,” connecting faculty work to Bluffton’s mission of preparing students for lives of purpose, service and responsible citizenship. 

Dr. Paul Neufeld-Weaver was also recognized as being selected by graduating seniors to deliver the 2026 Baccalaureate address—an honor reflecting his impact on students and the campus community.

The event concluded with a moment of reflection and appreciation as five faculty members were granted emeritus status. Kathleen Aufderhaar was named emeritus librarian; Dr. Daniel Berger, emeritus professor of chemistry; Dr. Martina Cucchiara, emeritus professor of history; Dr. Gayle Trollinger, emeritus professor of education; and Dr. Paul Neufeld-Weaver, emeritus professor of education and Spanish. Formal citations and recognition will take place during Bluffton’s commencement ceremony on May 2.