Alverno College Announces Faculty Promotions

It is with great pride that Alverno College announces the recent promotions of our esteemed faculty, who were honored at a reception on May 21.

Jennifer Johanson, Ph.D. has been promoted to Professor of Physical Sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences. Johanson holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Science in Geosciences from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Minnesota - Duluth.

Heather Mernitz, Ph.D. has been promoted to Professor of Chemistry in the School of Arts and Sciences. Mernitz holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism and a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Tufts University in Boston, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Patricia Varga, Ph.D. has been promoted to Professor of Nursing in the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions. Varga holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Science in Nursing from Marquette University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

Stephanie Bruce, MS, RN, ACNS-BC has been promoted to Associate Professor of Nursing in the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions. Bruce earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Marquette University.

Randa Suleiman, Ph.D. has been promoted to Associate Professor of Education in the School of Professional Studies, Education Division. Suleiman holds a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education from Cardinal Stritch University, a Master of Arts in Urban Education from Alverno College and a Bachelor of Dental Oral Surgery from the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan.

About Alverno College

Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy and business are open to women and men.

A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For the past two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.