First-Year Seminar (FYS)
Catawba College's First-Year Seminar Program is designed to help you make a smooth transition from high school to college. It will introduce you to the academic values of the Catawba College community, and introduce you to many of our renowned faculty that will become your advisors and mentors.
Catawba students may choose among Seminar sections that feature as many as 16 different topics; however, every section emphasizes the development of critical reading and writing skills. The Seminar instructor serves as the academic adviser for the students in her/his section.
All new students, including transfer students with less than 18 credit hours, are required to participate in one of our First-Year Seminars during your first semester at Catawba.
Fall 2026 Course Descriptions
Professor Sandra Sullivan
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley
The CatawbaGo Van is ready for you yet where will you go? What will the community of Catawba and Salisbury become to you as a college student and future citizen? What will you care about as you engage in your new local community? How do you develop community? From your new dorm to your new city? How will you live our Rowan County motto of “Be an original?”
Of course, Salisbury is the home of Cheerwine and Catawba yet also cherishes a rich history as a small town. As you make a new home in a new community, you will learn what resources and opportunities Catawba offers yet also explore what Salisbury has to offer and become an influential factor in the future of change in your new home. We will attend local events, tour the historical locations of Salisbury, and learn how we as a Catawba community can be of service as citizens of that community. Essentially, we will search for an answer in our new experiences to focus on what it means to be a good community member and citizen. Our ongoing study of Beartown by Fredrik Backman will center us in this study.
This course will address the learning outcome for the Center for NC Politics and Public Service: Students will explain how they can engage and participate in public life to address collective challenges faced at any level of society—local, regional, state, national, or international.
Professor Sandra Sullivan joined the English department at Catawba in 2024 after teaching in the Rowan Salisbury School system at Salisbury High for 34 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in English Education. After she retired, Salisbury High honored her impact by naming her English department hallway Sullivan’s Way. She has been a member of the Salisbury community for her entire life and is excited to share her home and “way” with new Catawba students through this FYS course.
Dr. Jennifer Klebaur
What does it mean to be human in an age of rapidly advancing brain science and why does it matter for your life right now? Inside the Brain: Science, Society, and You explores neuroscience through questions that connect brain function to behavior, learning, mental health, decision-making, and social systems. The course examines how society, culture, and technology shape the brain and how neuroscience, in turn, influences individuals and communities. Participants will study the biological foundations of brain function, the brain’s capacity to change across the lifespan, and the ethical and societal implications of emerging neuroscientific tools. Through topics such as sleep and learning, mental health and well-being, substance use, law and responsibility, and neurotechnology, the course encourages critical evaluation of how neuroscience informs personal choices, public policy, and visions of a more just and inclusive future.
Dr. Jennifer Klebaur is an associate professor of psychology and has been at Catawba since 2017. She completed her BA in Psychology and Spanish at Auburn University and her PhD in Psychopharmacology at the University of Kentucky. Following this, she moved to Michigan where she completed post-doctoral studies at the University of Michigan. Her research interests include examining the biological and environmental influences that underlie behaviors associated with substance use disorders. Dr. Klebaur recently became an empty nester after her daughter graduated college and moved to Durham. While she misses her daughter, she is enjoying having more time for herself, spending it reading, practicing yoga, cooking, and taking walks on the greenway, although she would much prefer a stroll along the beach.
Dr. ChaMarra Saner and Prof Steffanie Jimenez West
*Restricted to students who are “First Gen” college students: those whose parents did not complete four-year college*
Being First to Enact Change: Building Access and Opportunity is a dynamic First-Year Seminar for first-generation and trailblazing students that explores how education shapes opportunity locally and globally. Anchored in the UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), the course blends readings, reflective writing, skill-building workshops, service learning, and community-engaged field experiences in Charlotte, Greensboro and Asheville to examine barriers to education, environmental justice, disaster recovery, and strategies for inclusion across diverse communities. Students use these North Carolina case studies as a foundation for understanding broader systems of inequality, then extend their learning to New Orleans as a living classroom, where historical policy, climate vulnerability, and environmental racism intersect. The course culminates in a Firsts Narrative Portfolio and a required, College-funded immersive learning trip to New Orleans at the conclusion of the semester, where students apply local lessons to community-based engagement and environmental justice work, strengthening their identities as first-generation scholars and emerging changemakers.
Dr. ChaMarra Saner is an educator and higher-education professional committed to student success, equity, and experiential learning. A first-generation college student, she brings a personal understanding of access and opportunity to her work with STEM and pre-professional students, supporting career development, scholarly communication, and leadership growth. ChaMarra has been at Catawba College for 11 years and serves in campus and community leadership roles, including board service, with a strong focus on sustainability and purposeful education that connects academic learning to culture and service.
Prof. Steffanie West, MBA, is the college’s IT Operations Director and also serves as the Director of the Unanue Scholars program. A first generation college student and Catawba alumna for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, she has held management positions in diverse areas of the College including Admissions, Registrar, data, and technology. A two-time winner of the President’s Award for Staff Excellence for the 2015-2016 and 2020-2021 academic years and the President’s Award for Community Service for the 2022-2023 academic year, Steffanie is passionate about using leadership skills to strengthen the campus community.
Dr. Aisha Adams
Attention MythBusters at Catawba! Have you ever wanted to explore and investigate myths and misconceptions about human behavior? Do you “people watch” and wonder if that thing you heard about some people is actually true or not? Then this is the class for you! Myths and misconceptions come in multiple forms; some are completely wrong with zero evidence supporting it, while others are more nuanced and depend on the situation or the person, or some combination of the two. For example, have you ever heard that “we use only 10% of our brain (or some other random number)”? FALSE! That myth is very pervasive yet not true at all! What about the idea that “opposites attract”? NUANCED! In this case, the research associated with this topic consistently finds that opposites DON’T attract and in fact, the more similarities you have with your partner, the more successful your relationship. However, when we are compatible with someone and share similarities with them, we tend to focus on how much we’re different versus how similar we actually are, making us think we’re soooo different. In this class, we will investigate different myths and misconceptions that surround us on a daily basis to develop and strengthen our mythbusting toolkit (i.e., scientific literacy skills).
Dr. Aisha P. Adams joined Catawba in 2024 and is an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology. She earned her PhD and MS in Experimental Psychology from the University of Georgia and her BS degree in Psychology from the University of Florida. Dr. Adams’ research specializes in memory and visual perception, specifically trying to understand what happens when it goes wrong.
Professor Kristin Kavanaugh
Pilates and Wellness is an interactive course that blends movement, conversation, and exploration of how the body and mind work together. Through Pilates-based mat practice, engaging discussions, media, and guided reflection, students will investigate topics such as posture, strength, stress, focus, and overall well-being. The course emphasizes active learning, encouraging students to engage with information in a variety of formats and connect academic ideas to embodied experience. Through guided discussion and reflective writing, students will make connections between course content and their own experiences, learning how to communicate ideas, analyze information, and build sustainable habits for a balanced college life. No prior Pilates or fitness experience is needed—just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to try something new. Expect to leave the course feeling stronger, more focused, and better equipped for the demands of university life.
Professor Kristin Kavanagh is an Assistant Professor of Dance in the Shuford School of Performing Arts. She holds undergraduate degrees in Dance and Sport and Exercise Science from DeSales University and an M.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Arizona. Prior to her appointment at Catawba College, Kavanagh served as Instructor of Dance at Western Illinois University and as Dance Coordinator at Frostburg State University. Before entering academia, she performed as a dancer and aerialist with the Emmy Award–winning company RWS Global. Her research interests center on dance science and injury prevention, with a particular focus on how safe, sustainable movement practices support the whole dancer—artistically, physically, and mentally. Kristin is also a certified Pilates mat instructor and is passionate about helping students build confidence in their artistry while pursuing their goals with curiosity, courage, and joy.
Dr. Ashley Schoppe
Every day, we wake up and dress. Whether you invest a lot or a little in what you wear, your clothes convey messages about your identity and values. However, much of this information is implicit, and few of us stop to consider the meaning invested in our clothing. This course asks us to think critically about what we wear. How do we construct identity through our dress? How do clothes embody ideas about gender and class? How has fashion consumption changed through time, and what are the ethical implications of clothing production and disposal?
Dr. Ashley Schoppe is a member of the English Department. She teaches composition and British literature of all periods but is especially interested in the early modern era. Her research interests include Fashion Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. Her book project, Divisive Threads: Politicized Fashion, Elite Women, and Eighteenth-Century Literature, examines the political uses of fashion in the lives of women and literary texts across the eighteenth century. She loves introducing students to new authors and ideas, as well as helping them discover their unique voices in their writing.
Dr. Ewa Tomczak-Woźniak
Starting college is more than showing up to class and taking notes — it’s a transition into a new way of learning, thinking, and connecting with others. This First Year Seminar is a space to slow that process down and figure it out together. In this course, we explore sustainability as a lens for understanding college life and the world around us. Sustainability here is not technical or science-heavy. Instead, it shows up through everyday choices, shared spaces, and community life at Catawba.
Along the way, you’ll practice the skills that matter most for college success: active reading and listening, note-taking, short writing, discussion, collaboration, and time management. You’ll also learn how to use campus resources, ask for help when needed, and feel more confident navigating college expectations.
Think of this seminar as a low-pressure introduction to college — a place to practice being a student, get comfortable with campus life, and discover why sustainability matters so much at Catawba.
Dr. Ewa Tomczak-Woźniak is a bilingual (Polish/English) educator, researcher, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, research, and business practice. She holds a Ph.D. in Management and has taught a wide range of courses in economics, management, European studies, project management, and entrepreneurship at universities in Europe and the United States. She is the author of over 55 academic publications and has spent many years combining teaching and research with real-world business experience as a co-founder and co-owner of companies operating in international markets. What matters most to Dr. Tomczak-Woźniak is working with students, not just teaching them. Throughout her career, she has supervised student research clubs, mentored student organizations, supported entrepreneurship teams, organized conferences and workshops, and consistently encouraged students to engage in activities beyond the classroom - because these experiences often shape future careers more than grades alone.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys horse riding, sailing, climbing, and dancing, and is an enthusiastic reader and traveler. As an “incurable people-person”, she loves getting to know new people and discovering different cultures through food and music.
Dr. Melissa Tapp
Want to get better at something that actually matters to you? In this course, students investigate and apply evidence-based practices for meaningful improvement. Drawing on ideas from Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise (Ericsson & Pool, 2016) and Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things (Grant, 2025), students will explore the science behind goal setting, motivation, and high performance. Students will create personal goals in areas they choose (e.g., academics, athletics, leadership, social life, or self-care), and apply deliberate, sustainable practices to support growth. Rather than chasing perfection, students will learn how to build effective habits, stay motivated, and adjust goals when challenges arise. By the end of the course, students will leave with a clear set of goals, a personalized action plan, and the tools to succeed in college and beyond.
Dr. Melissa Tapp is an assistant professor of special education and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the Teacher Education Department. She joined Catawba in 2022 and currently serves as department chair. Previously, she has worked in North Carolina public schools in a variety of roles. Dr. Tapp has led and collaborated on several research studies. Her research interests include increasing engagement of students with extensive support needs within school settings with a focus on communication and behavioral interventions and teacher education.
Dr. Bijay Shrestha
Have you ever wondered why a short, steep trail feels harder than a long, flat one? Why does downhill hiking hurt your knees more than uphill? Why do hikers zig-zag up mountains instead of walking straight up? Or why a wet cotton shirt can actually be dangerous outdoors?
Into the Wild: Physics of the Outdoors uses hiking and outdoor experiences to introduce students to scientific thinking in a practical and engaging way. Using hiking and outdoor experiences as a guide, this course connects science to everyday life. The course examines the biomechanics of walking and hiking through a physics lens, helping students understand fatigue, balance, joint stress, and the effects of carrying weight. Students will also explore how trails are designed and maintained. In addition, students will develop useful outdoor skills, including reading topographic maps, using a compass, interpreting basic weather patterns, and recognizing the impacts of temperature and altitude on the body. Along the way, we will evaluate real hiking risks and what safe hiking practices are.
The course will incorporate hands-on activities, simple experiments, and guided discussions of short scientific articles to build confidence in interpreting data and scientific information. No background in physics is required. The course emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving, helping students see science not as memorization but as a practical tool for understanding everyday experiences and making informed decisions. By the end of the course, students will apply scientific reasoning to real situations, evaluate information critically, and gain confidence interacting with science in their everyday lives.
Dr. Bijay Shrestha is a visiting assistant professor of physics at Catawba College. He earned his PhD in physics from the University of Oklahoma, where his research focused on understanding the fundamental particles and forces of nature as part of the international ATLAS Collaboration at CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. His current work also includes studying how granular materials like sand and soil move and flow, to involve undergraduate students directly in hands-on research.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Shrestha enjoys hiking, exploring national parks, and finding ways to connect science to everyday experiences. He believes physics is not just a subject for scientists but a way of thinking that helps people understand the world around them. Through this course, he hopes students will see that science is approachable, useful, and relevant to their own lives, whether they plan to become scientists or not.
Dr. Annie O’Brien
Whether it’s streaming a new show, rewatching a favorite movie, or doomscrolling reels before bed, we spend a lot of our time consuming visual media. And what we’ve seen, or haven’t seen, heard of, or haven’t heard of can act as a shared language — helping us get to know each other, make friends, and even build communities. But what does the media we consume — and create! — say about who we are, what we believe, and what we value? What can a film tell us about the time and place it was made, the people who made it, and the people who loved and still love it? These are some of the questions and ideas we’ll be exploring together this semester. Together, we’ll watch a number of different films — including classics, cult classics, animated films, and box office hits — to think about what these pieces of media and their popularity tell us about society, culture, and history.
Dr. Annie Rose O’Brien is an Assistant Professor of Religion in Catawba’s Philosophy & Religion Department. She received her PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill in Religious Studies, specializing in Religion in the Americas; she also received a PhD certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. Her dissertation focused on intersections of race, religion, and public memory in the Southern US. Her current work is on material culture and religion – with one project on religious materiality in Mad Max: Fury Road, and another on considering trash and waste as sacred matter. She enjoys roller skating, gardening, and singing made-up songs to her rowdy and unruly cats.
Dr. Katherine Baker and Dr. Scott Morton
The technology sector is experiencing whirlwinds of activity. Artificial intelligence, a field that has existed for decades, has recently seen unprecedented growth. This raises the question: are we heading towards a future dominated by robots? Meanwhile, quantum computing is nearing a breakthrough. Additionally, two brain-computer interfaces have already been tested in humans. These instances represent only a fraction of the significant technological advancements occurring today. What does the future hold? This course will explore the origins, ethical considerations, and future possibilities of contemporary innovative technologies. We will examine current advancements such as AI, quantum computing, brain-computer interfaces, military technology, robotics, and more. The critical questions we will address include: What direction are we heading in, and is it the direction we ought to pursue?
Dr. Katherine Baker, professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, started at Catawba in 2017. She holds undergraduate degrees in both Mathematics and Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. She spent 11 years in the United States Air Force, where she was responsible for the control of encryption and decryption materials for communications by the E-9, Airborne Warning and Control Center. She currently teaches Mathematics, Computer Science, and Information Systems classes. Outside of school, Dr. Baker is a diehard gamer and cat lady.
Dr. Scott A. Morton, is a professor of communication and digital media production. He began his career at Catawba College in 2017 following his doctoral graduation from the University of Alabama’s Department of Communication and Information Science. Dr. Morton has a background in mass communication history and specializes in 20th Century propaganda, especially in radio and film. Before coming to academia, he spent ten years running one of Alabama’s largest nonprofit scholarship programs, The J.L. Bedsole Scholars Program. Dr. Morton teaches communication classes including media history, public relations, digital media production, and media writing.
Dr. Troy Carlton
Why is football played on Sundays? Why do we immortalize players and coaches by erecting statues of them? Have sports stadiums replaced churches as places of worship? Sport consumption is one of the most popular and significant dimensions of the human experience and when coupled with religion, make up two central facets of contemporary life that are deeply rooted in cultures around the globe. Both sport and religion can be enriching influences but can also be the root for social evils—greed, corruption, hate, idolatry, commercialization, racism, and sexism to name a few.
In this course, we will examine, both as a class and individually, the similarities and connections between sports and religion. Specifically, we will attempt to understand the role of religion in the cultural origins, history and current state of football (and other sports) in American society and beyond. Topics include the relationship of religion and culture, political ideologies of the football subculture, the role of women and minorities, the practices of religious ministries, and the religious implications of football fans' fascination with the weekly tradition of tailgating, tackling, and touchdowns. The format of the class will combine readings, research, case studies, personal reflections, discussions, and presentations. The course culminates with a Saturday trip to a rivalry football game within either the ACC or SEC conference to experience the religion of football with our own eyes.
Dr. Troy Carlton, Professor of Sport Management, started at Catawba in 2019. He holds an undergraduate degree in Sport Management from Elon University and a PhD in Parks, Recreation, & Sport Management from NC State University. At Catawba College, Dr. Carlton teaches Sport Marketing, Facilities & Event Management, and History of Sport among other classes. He also serves as the college’s Faculty Athletics Representative and co-director of the Rowan County Special Olympics. During his free time, Dr. Carlton loves to go backpacking in the mountains, training for half-marathons, and watching college basketball. He lives in Salisbury with his wife, Marella, two sons (Sawyer and Holden), and daughter, Adalyn. Most of his weekends are spent building Lego creations with his boys and singing songs from Moana and Frozen with his little princess.
Prof. Lewis Alexander
This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to financial literacy, integrating concepts from business, economics, psychology, and sociology to help students develop responsible financial decision-making skills. Topics include financial planning, bank accounts, credit and loans, wages and taxes, investments, personal data ownership and protection, property ownership, and insurance. By exploring the psychological and social factors that influence financial behavior, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of personal finance. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement a life-long plan for financial success, preparing them to navigate financial challenges in both personal and professional contexts, as well as common financial security-building concepts.
Prof. Lewis Alexander is an adjunct professor in the Ketner School of Business who teaches courses in managerial finance and other topics.
Dr. Bala Mulloth
What if business could be a force not just for profit, but for solving some of the world’s most urgent problems? This seminar explores social entrepreneurship—the practice of using innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking to address challenges such as poverty, health access, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
Students will investigate how individuals and organizations turn ideas into action, blending social purpose with economic models. Through real-world case studies, global examples, discussions, and hands-on projects, the course examines how social entrepreneurs identify opportunities, design solutions, test ideas, and measure impact. Along the way, students will reflect on their own values, interests, and capacities as changemakers.
This course emphasizes active learning, collaboration, and applied problem-solving while encouraging students to consider how their talents might contribute to the common good in a complex, interconnected world.
Dr. Bala Mulloth is an internationally recognized educator, innovator, and entrepreneur with a global perspective. His work centers on social entrepreneurship and innovation, and he brings extensive academic and industry experience to his teaching and research. Dr. Mulloth joins the Ketner School of Business at Catawba College from the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, where he served on the faculty for ten years. He is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Hava, a materials science venture developing advanced fabrics designed to help people breathe cleaner air. Previously, he was a faculty member in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management at Central European University (CEU) Business School in Budapest, Hungary, where he also directed CEU’s experiential MBA program in New York City. His past roles include Visiting Faculty Fellow at the National Defense University and Senior Manager at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Office of Innovation Development, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Mulloth holds a Ph.D. in Technology Management from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
Dr. Buster Smith
* Students must be accepted members of the College Honors Program*
In this course we will examine the end of societies, both real and imagined. By studying the breakdown of civilization, we will acquire an appreciation for those elements of social life that we tend to take for granted. What happens when mass media is no longer available? How do people react if police stop preventing crime? Where does one turn for solutions when dramatic upheaval occurs?
We will attempt to answer these questions and others by looking at historical situations where human cultures have collapsed. In addition, we will study groups that have thought the end of the world was near and study their reactions. Finally, we will watch movies and read speculative fiction that tries to examine what might happen in these circumstances. By examining varied sources it will be possible to discover what elements of society are the most essential, how people interact in difficult times, and where media accounts differ from reality.
Dr. Buster Smith, professor of sociology, received his undergraduate degree in mathematics and religion from Middlebury College. He then went on to receive his PhD from Baylor University in sociology. Dr. Smith’s teaching and research focus on the sociology of religion with an interest in showing the interdisciplinary nature of studying society. He has taught several courses in the honors program including Cash, Money, Billionaires and Breaking All the Rules.
Dr. Timothy Clark
* Students must be accepted members of the College Honors Program*
Researchers across disciplines have discovered a troubling pattern many have dubbed a “friendship recession.” US adults have less friends than they did a generation ago, and the trend appears worse for young adults—Gen Z and Millennials. People are also less likely to join clubs, associations, and other forms of communal bonding than they were in earlier generations. This decline of sociality is suspected to correspond with all sorts of troubles, from lower levels of life satisfaction, greater political strife, and higher levels of social conflict.
The first portion of our class will explore the “how and why" of these trends, considering areas of life like the economy, social media and technological change, and rapidly changing cultural norms. We will then discuss what to do about these trends. This will include reflections and activities on our own lives and connections, and how to become more socially engaged with our communities. Assignments in the course will vary, but many will revolve around social engagement. For instance, interviewing an elder, spending a weekend off social media, organizing social gatherings, and joining or starting clubs that bring people together around shared interests.
Through this class, you will learn a great deal about how Catawba and the greater community offer you opportunities to make friends and belong. Additionally, we will challenge ourselves to grow our ability to form real bonds with others and build new communities.
Dr. Tim Clark is a sociologist at Catawba College. Dr. Clark came to Catawba College in the fall of 2022. Before that, he worked as a researcher at the University of British Columbia and the University of Washington. Despite this jaunt in the Pacific Northwest, he feels most at home hiking around and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains or swimming in the springs near his “second hometown” in Austin, Texas. He specializes in environmental sociology, with research on maritime community development and sustainable development, generally. As a sociologist, he believes tackling complex social problems starts with how people come together and collectively act and think about the world. He believes that how we treat the earth is an extension of how we treat each other. Dr. Clark enjoys hiking, fishing, playing basketball, and cooking for his friends and family. He takes good care of his cat and tries to learn something new every day. He is currently learning, or trying to learn, Spanish and calculus. For his own sake, he believes learning is a process of stumbling and struggling in the right direction. He does his best to get involved in the community, and volunteers regularly for organizations that align with his values. He loves to travel and experience the world. Two summers ago, he presented at a conference in Barcelona but mostly used the trip as an opportunity to eat a lot of food, stay out late at Tapas bars, and explore the Mediterranean Costa Brava. Perhaps with Spain on his mind, Dr. Clark believes life is best enjoyed at a slower pace. He likes to walk slowly, or mosey as the Texans say, doesn’t care to talk too fast except when nervous, and reads slowly—especially if the book is good. He is addicted to his phone but is self-aware about it and hopes that this class can help with that a little bit.
Dr. Maria Vandergriff-Avery
* Students must be accepted members of the College Honors Program*
Dystopian novels have captivated readers for over a century, but in the past two decades, young adult dystopian fiction has exploded – dominating bestseller lists and shaping an entire generation of readers. What explains the massive appeal of these stories? What do their imagined societies celebrate, control, or reject? Who holds power, and who is systematically denied it? How do young protagonists challenge injustice and imagine resistance?
This seminar digs into these questions by examining popular young adult dystopian texts as reflections of our own world. Using sociological, political, philosophical, and psychological perspectives, we’ll explore how these imagined futures reveal contemporary American fears, hopes, and contradictions. Along the way, we’ll consider what these novels suggest about adolescent development, social inequality, collective identity, and the ongoing struggle for justice—and why dystopia continues to feel so uncomfortably relevant.
Dr. Maria Vandergriff-Avery, or “Dr. V-A” as her students call her, has been teaching at Catawba College since 2001 and is a Professor of Sociology and the Director of the Catawba Honors Program. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee and her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Dr. V-A is most interested in exploring the sociology of families, the various ways in which social inequality manifests itself in our society, and social movements. She is passionate about teaching and was awarded the Swink Prize for Outstanding Classroom Teaching in 2012-2013, the Professor of the Year Award in 2022-2023, and the Trustees Award for Outstanding Contribution to the College in 2022-2023. When she isn’t on campus, Dr. V-A enjoys running, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Douglas Clark / Dr. Anne Marie Martin / Dr. Natalie Rogers
* Students must be accepted members of the Pursuit Program*
Despite expanding platforms and apps enabling connection, people today struggle more than ever to form meaningful relationships. Indeed, the United States Surgeon General issued a 2023 report on America’s “epidemic of loneliness and isolation,” noting that belonging is “a fundamental human need” that consists of “deep connection with social groups, physical places, and individual and collective experiences.” It’s easy to recognize the truth in this report—we all want to feel accepted, to find our people, our place, our purpose. But how do we understand deep connection in our everyday lives? How does it align with the digital realities of the 21st century? What does it mean to belong to a community? How do we create meaningful relationships with others, ourselves, the natural world, the places we live? And what keeps us from meeting this fundamental need? In this course, our approach to this issue will be grounded in the humanities; we will use transformative texts to guide our inquiry as we engage with these questions both globally and locally. Moreover, we will consider the ways that a sense of belonging or isolation might influence our choices, beliefs, and understanding of reality.
Dr. Douglas Brown Clark is a religion professor who teaches world religions, church history, New Testament, and American and African American religious cultures. He also assists with programming through the Chaplain’s Office and Lilly Center for Vocation and Values, including mentoring students serving in congregational leadership placements and training for summer camp ministries, and also serving as the college’s Interim Chaplain in Spring 2026. A graduate of Davidson College (B.A.) and Vanderbilt Divinity School (M.Div., Ph.D.), he is also ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He taught previously at Wofford College and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and also served as a hospital chaplain and youth minister. His current book project, A Solid Black Hyphen: Race, Religion, Identity, and the Black Power Activism of Gayraud S. Wilmore, examines the history of religion in the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, especially late 1960s Black clergy advocates for reparations. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, as well as the American Society of Church History, where he serves on the Research and Prizes Committee. He is married to Kara who is a children’s minister, and they are living the adventure of parenting two young boys. He enjoys running, reading, theater, and cheering for the Golden State Warriors.
Dr. Anne Marie Martin has been a member of Catawba College's History department faculty since 2020. She received bachelor’s degrees in history and Secondary Education from Clemson University, a master’s in library and information science from the University of South Carolina, a master’s in history from Sam Houston State University, and a PhD in History from the University of Arkansas. While Dr. Martin’s historical research focuses on death and burial in the US south during the Early Republic and antebellum periods (it is far less creepy than you might think), her teaching areas also include general US history, Latin American history, and religious history. In her free time, Dr. Martin enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her friends, family, and cats.
Dr. Natalie Rogers joined Catawba College in 2024 and is an assistant professor of English. She received a B.A. in English from Reed College, an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in Literary Studies from the University of Denver. She researches and teaches courses on fiction, creative nonfiction, and cult mind control. Her first novel, Fatty, was runner-up for the James Alan McPherson Prize in 2025 and will be published by Curbstone/Northwestern University Press in 2027. In her free time, she enjoys reading, eating good food, and jogging very slowly.
