Faculty and Staff
* = Program Director
Educational Studies

Title: Associate Professor/Program Director
Program: Early Childhood Special Education
Office Location: DL 322
Email: pruittre@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5626
Educational Background:
Ph.D. Oklahoma State University
M.S. Oklahoma State University
B.A. Oklahoma Baptist University
Courses Taught:
Child Development
Child, Family, Culture and Community
Physical Development and Creative Expressions
Liability, Ethics and Advocacy in Early Education
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Introduction to Psychology
Applied Psychology
Research Interests:
Constructivist approaches in higher education
Epistemological development in adult women
Developmental benefits of interaction with nature
Novice teachers and developmentally appropriate practice
Early Childhood Special Education

Title: Associate Professor/Program Director
Program: Early Childhood Special Education
Office Location: DL 322
Email: pruittre@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5626
Educational Background:
Ph.D. Oklahoma State University
M.S. Oklahoma State University
B.A. Oklahoma Baptist University
Courses Taught:
Child Development
Child, Family, Culture and Community
Physical Development and Creative Expressions
Liability, Ethics and Advocacy in Early Education
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Introduction to Psychology
Applied Psychology
Research Interests:
Constructivist approaches in higher education
Epistemological development in adult women
Developmental benefits of interaction with nature
Novice teachers and developmentally appropriate practice

Title: Assistant Professor
Program: Early Childhood Special Education
Office Location: DL 323
Email: jreyes5@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5014
Educational Background:
2008 Ed.D., Educational Organization, University of Illinois
1996 M.Ed., Educational Psychology, Loyola University
1992 B.A., Psychology and Spanish, St. Louis University
Elementary Education

Title: Assistant Professor/Program Director
Program: Elementary Education
Office Location: DL 312
Email: obrienan@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5241
Educational Background:
1996 MS University of St. Francis
1990 BA University of St. Francis
Courses Taught:
- Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9 Undergraduate Level
- Differentiated Instruction Undergraduate Level
- Instructional Methods K-9 with Field Experience Undergraduate Level
- Child and Adolescent Literature and the Fine Arts Undergraduate Level
- Methods of Teaching Language Arts K-3 Undergraduate Level
- Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Mathematics in Special Education P-12 Undergraduate Level
- Instructional Methods K-9 with Elementary Field Experiences Undergraduate Level
- Classroom Management with Elementary Field Experience Undergraduate Level
- Elementary/Middle School Student Teaching Graduate Level
- Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9 Graduate Level
- Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Mathematics in Special Education P-12 Graduate Level
- Endorsement Certification Mathematics 6-9 Graduate Level
Research Interests:
- Early Childhood
- Singapore Math
- Brain Based Learning

Title: Assistant Professor
Office Location: DL 305
Email: hlee6@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 834-5139
Educational Background:
Ph.D., Educational Studies, Purdue University
M.A., Gifted Education, Columbia University
B.A., Elementary Education, Seoul National University of Education

Title: Assistant Professor
Program: Elementary Education
Office Location: DL 313
Email: mwilkins1@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5258
Educational Background:
2016 Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Lewis University
2009 M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University
2007 B.S., Elementary Education, University of Illinois
Secondary/Middle Level/Foreign Language

Title: Professor/Accreditation and Regulatory Coordinator
Department: Educational Studies
Office Location: DL 132D
Email: huvaerdo@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5885
Educational Background:
1997 Ph.D. Loyola University
1989 M.A. Northeastern Illinois University
1981 B.A. Northeastern Illinois University
Courses Taught:
Educational Psychology
Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Adolescents
Secondary Education Student Teaching
Research Interests:
Improving Teacher Quality

Title: Associate Professor
Program: Secondary/Middle School/Foreign Language
Office Location: DL 132B
Email: kwiatker@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5984
Educational Background:
2013 PhD, Mathematics Education, Illinois Institute of Technology
1997 M.Ed., Mathematics Education, University of Missouri-Columbia
1994 B.A., Mathematics & Psychology, Lewis University
Courses Taught:
Methods of Teaching Mathematics
Elementary Field Experience
Classroom Assessment and Intervention
Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers
Research Interests:
Improving Clinical and Field Experiences for Prospective Elementary Teachers
Mathematical Knowledge of Prospective Elementary Teachers
Preparing Elementary Education Candidates for the edTPA
Workshops, Conference Presentations, Lectures, Events:
Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2014). Preparing Elementary Candidates for edTPA: Documenting Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching in a Coordinated Math Methods Course and Field Experience. 2014 American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education 66th Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN.
Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2014). Developing Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching: Documenting Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Experiences. 2014 Association of Teacher Educators Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO.
Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Preparing Elementary Teacher Candidates for the edTPA prior to Student Teaching: Documenting Experiences in a Math Methods Course. 2013 EdTPA National Implementation Conference, San Diego, CA.
Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Developing Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching: Documenting Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Experiences. Lecture given at Lewis University, sponsored by the Lewis University Diversity Committee.
Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Let’s Take a Tour of the Common Core Math Standards. Professional Development Workshop, St. Norbert School, Northbrook, IL.
Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Family Curriculum Night. Event conducted at Lewis University.
Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2012). Family Curriculum Night. Event conducted at Lewis University.

Title: Associate Professo/Program Chair
Program: Secondary/Middle School/Foreign Language
Office Location: DL 132C
Email: palmich@lewisu.edu
Phone: 815-836-5963
Educational Background:
2009 Ed. D. Curriculum and Social Inquiry, National-Louis University
2003 C.A.S. Administration and Supervision, National-Louis University
1994 M. Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, National-Louis University
1991 B.A. Education and English, National-Louis University
Courses Taught:
History and Philosophy of Education
Pedagogy and Assessment for Effective 6-12 Instruction
Student Teacher Supervision
Research Interest:
Critical Pedagogy
Social Justice and Responsibility
Multicultural Education

Title: Associate Professor/Department Chair
Program: Secondary/Middle School/Foreign Language
Office Location: DL 336
Email: rentfrla@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5026
Educational Background:
Ed.D. 2007 in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University
Ed.S. 2005 in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University
M.S. 1989 in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University
M.S. 1987 in Neurobiology and Physiology from Northwestern University
B.S. 1986 in Psychology from Culver-Stockton College
Courses Taught:
Instructional Strategies & Learning Communities for Adolescents
Secondary Field Experience
History and Philosophy of Education
Special Methods: Teaching Science
Research Interests:
Ethically constructs of building level administrators and teachers
Methods of teaching science
Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
Reading Instruction within the Science classroom
Recent Publications/Presentations:
Rentfro, L.D. (2013, May). Let’s take action: Applying science knowledge & technology incorporation through service learning projects. Presentation at the National Science Teacher Association STEM Conference & Expo. St. Louis, MO.
Rentfro, L.D., & Rentfro, B.B. (2013, April). How science shapes art – the next chapter: Sharing student work and reflections. Presentation at the National Science Teacher Association Annual Expo & Conference. San Antonio, TX.
Rentfro, L.D. (2013, February). So you wanted to be a teacher? 10 ideas to make life better for you and your students. Presentation for the Diocese of Joliet Region 1 Schools Institute Day, Glen Ellyn, IL.
Rentfro, L.D. (2012, July). So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 2: What the learning brain likes and doesn’t like in the classroom. Presentation at the Summer Seminars for Educators Session hosted by Lewis University, Shorewood, IL.
Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June). So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 1: The Brain & Classroom Management. Presentation at the Summer Seminars for Educators Session hosted by Lewis University, Shorewood, IL.
Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June). ¿Cuándo me convertí en cirujano cerebral? Creí que era un professor: El cerebro y el manejo de aula (So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 1: The Brain & Classroom Management.). Presentations at the School of Pedagogy and the School of Languages at The Royal and Pontifical Major University of Saint Francis Xavier of Chuquisaca, Sucre, Bolivia.
Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June). So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 2: What the learning brain likes and doesn’t like in the classroom. Presentations at the School of Pedagogy and the School of Languages at The Royal and Pontifical Major University of Saint Francis Xavier of Chuquisaca, Sucre, Bolivia.
Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June). Métodos de enseñanza: Qué está siendo discutido actualmente en los Estados Unidos… (Methods of teaching: What’s currently being discussed in the United States…Presentation at the School of Pedagogy at The Royal and Pontifical Major University of Saint Francis Xavier of Chuquisaca, Sucre, Bolivia.
Rentfro, L.D., Huvaere, D., & Klump, R. (2012, May). Green and renewable energy workshop (GREW): A STEM summer experience for K-8 teachers. Presented at the National Science Teacher Association STEM Conference & Expo. Atlantic City, NJ.
Klump, R., & Rentfro, L.D. (2012, April). GREW: Green and renewable energy workshop. Poster presented at the U.S. Department of Education Math and Science Partnerships Regional Conference. Chicago, IL.
Rentfro, L.D. (2012, March). Rubrics: Engaging students in constructing assessments.
Presented at the National Science Teacher Association Annual Expo & Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
Rentfro, L.D., & Rentfro, B.B. (2012, March). How science shapes art: The real science/art connections through content. Presented at the National Science Teacher Association Annual Expo & Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
Rentfro, L. (2011, June). So when did I become a brain surgeon? What the brain likes and doesn’t like in the classroom. Presentation at the Summer Seminars for Educators Session hosted by Lewis University, Tinley Park, IL.
Rentfro, L. (2011, April). Using discrepant events to engage students in inquiry-based learning. Paper presented at the Midwest Association of Teachers of Education Conference, Lafayette, IN.
Rentfro, L. (2011, February). Drop the Worksheets! Inquiry-based Science Instruction for Grades K-8. Presentation at St. Andrew Elementary School Teacher Institute Day, Romeoville, IL.
Rentfro, L. (2011, February). Teachers and Ethical Decision-Making: What No One Warned You About. Presentation at Aux Sable Middle School Institute Day, Joliet, IL.
Rentfro, L. (2010, September). Using research-based teaching strategies to teach Sunday school and to engage children. Presentation at the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, New Lenox, IL.
Rentfro, L. (2010, August). So when did I become a brain surgeon? I thought this was teaching! Presentations at Valley View School District 365U Summer Teacher Institute, Bolingbrook, IL.
Rentfro, L., & Alexander, S. (2008, October). Staff Meetings & Institute Days: A Perfect Opportunity to Model Engaged Learning! Presentation at the 37th Annual Principals Professional Conference & Educational Exhibition, Peoria, IL.
Rentfro, L. (2008, October). Parent University: Learning & Fun for the Whole Family. Presentation at the 37th Annual Principals Professional Conference & Educational Exhibition, Peoria, IL.
Rentfro, L. (2008, October). Toward a code of ethics: An inquiry into the ethical constructs valued by selected superintendents. Paper presented at the 13th Annual Values & Leadership Conference, Victoria, BC.
Rentfro, L. (2007, April). Parent universities: Family fun and learning nights. Presentation given at the National Conference of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Seattle, WA.
Special/Combined Education

Title: Associate Professor
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL 124C
Email: bussje@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5627
Educational Background:
2015 Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago
2000 Masters Administration Type 75 Aurora University
1996 B.A. Illinois State University Special Education
1993 Joliet Junior College
15 additional Graduate hours completed
Courses Taught:
Foundations Teaching Learning
Instructional Strategies for the Exceptional Learner in the Community
Student Teachers Supervisor
Clinical Instructor
Research Interests:
Inclusion
Autism

Title: Associate Professor/Program Director
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL124B
Email: fishermm@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5651
Educational Background:
1996 Ph.D. University of Virginia
1977 M.S. University of Illinois
1973 B.A. Saint Mary’s College
Courses Taught :
Assessment for Learning
Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Reading and the Integrated Language Arts, P-3
Special Education Field Experience
Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Communities

Title: Professor
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL 124A
Email: robertch@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5317
Educational Background:
1998 Ph.D. Texas A&M University
1991 M.Ed. Sam Houston State Univeristy
1987 B.A. Stephen F. Austin University
Courses Taught:
Instructional Planning and Performance Based Assessments
Foundations of Teaching and Learning
Research Interests:
Teachers as Leaders
Intergrated Teacher Preparation Programs
Adult Lives of People with Disabilities

Title: Associate Professor
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL124E
Email: sturmel@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5624
Educational Background:
2015 Ed.D. Lewis University
2005 M.A. Lewis University
2003 B.A. National Louis University
Courses Taught :
Development and Characteristics of Unique Learners
Approaches and Applications for the Multicultural Classroom
Special Education Clinical Experience II
Special Education Clinical Experience III
Instructional Strategies and Learning Comm. for Social Studies P-12
Research Interests:
Social Studies and Diverse Learners
Social Justice and Equity in Schools
FOUNDATIONS, LEADERSHIP & LITERACY

Title: Professor
Program: Literacy
Office Location: DL 304
Email: augsbude@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5883
Educational Background:
2001 Ed.D. Northern Illinois University
1996 M.Ed. Northern Illinois University
1986 B.A. Wheaton College
Courses Taught:
Child and Adolescent Literature
Clinical Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Problems
Foundations and Methods of Teaching Reading P-3
Methods and Strategies for Reading Comprehension Instruction
Practicum for the Reading Specialist
Technology in the Reading and Writing Program
Practical Research for Learning Communities
Research Interests:
Storytelling
Diversity Literature
Reading Teacher Education
Children's Engagement with Poetry
Educational Leadership

Program: Foundations, Leadership & Literacy
Office Location: DL 132A
Email: davilaer@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5103
Educational Background:
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Ph.D., Educational Policy Studies, June 2005
Dissertation: Educational Policies in Lived Context: Puerto Ricans Schooled in Chicago
Adviser: Yoon K. Pak
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Masters of Education, August 2001
Major: Educational Policy Studies
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Chicago, IL
Bachelors of Art, May 1999
Majors: Elementary Education, Sociology
Endorsements: Middle School, Language Arts, and Social Sciences Certification: Illinois Type 03 (K-9)
Courses Taught:
Policy Studies in Education
Critical Pedagogy and Assessment
Critical Perspectives in School Law
Theories of Cultural Difference in Education
Research Interests:
Critical Race Theory in Education, Latinx Studies, Critical Studies in Mathematics

Title: Associate Professor
Program: Educational Leadership
Office Location: DL 324
Email: wrightve@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5662
Educational Background:
2002 Ed.D. Loyola University, Chicago
1997 M.Ed. Loyola University, Chicago
1995 B.S. Loyola University, Chicago
Courses Taught:
Principalship
Curriculum Planning and Program Improvement
Educational Organization and Administration
Practicum in Administration
Research Interests:
Neuroscience
Effective Schools
School Leadership
Literacy

Title: Professor
Program: Literacy
Office Location: DL 304
Email: augsbude@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5883
Educational Background:
2001 Ed.D. Northern Illinois University
1996 M.Ed. Northern Illinois University
1986 B.A. Wheaton College
Courses Taught:
Child and Adolescent Literature
Clinical Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Problems
Foundations and Methods of Teaching Reading P-3
Methods and Strategies for Reading Comprehension Instruction
Practicum for the Reading Specialist
Technology in the Reading and Writing Program
Practical Research for Learning Communities
Research Interests:
Storytelling
Diversity Literature
Reading Teacher Education
Children's Engagement with Poetry

Title: Assistant Professor/Program Chair
Program: Literacy
Office Location: DL 306
Email: kimju@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5099
Educational Background:
2010: Ph.D., University of Illinois-Chicago
2004: M.Ed., University of Illinois-Chicago
2000: B.A., University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
Courses Taught:
Children's and Adolescent Literature
Academic Reading Skills
Practical Research for Learning Communities Foundations and Methods of Teaching Reading 4-12
Research Interests:
Critical pedagogy
Popular culture and the curriculum
Issues of equity and social justice
Critical Race Theory
Multiliteracies

Title: Professor
Program: Literacy-Instructional Technology
Office Location: DL 325
E-mail: kimse@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5042
Educational Background:
1997 Ed.D. University of Houston
1994 M.Ed. University of Houston
1983 B.S. Sungkyunkwan University
Courses Taught:
Technology for Teaching and Learning
Integrating Technology for Teaching and Learning I & II
Web Design and Development
Online Virtual Learning
Seminar in Instructional Technology
Research Interests:
Constructivist Approaches in Technology Integration
Online/Web-based Learning Environment
Multimedia Design and Development
Design and Development of School/Classroom Web Sites
Teacher Preparation with Technology
Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation of Technology-based Instruction

Title: Assistant Professor
Office Location: DL 302
E-mail: jmaravillacano@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 834-6107
Educational Background:
2020 Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago
2012 M.Ed. University of Illinois at Chicago
2007 B.A. University of Illinois at Chicago
Staff

Title: Data Manager
Office Location: DL 337
E-mail: harrisll@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5847

Title: Administrative Assistant
Office Location: BE 104
E-mail: lucasje@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5266

Title: Administrative Assistant, Educational Leadership/Literacy
Office Location: DL 326
E-mail: McConole@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5121/5316

Title: Clinical Coordinator
Office Location: DL 307
E-mail: kmulcahy@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5773

Title: Administrative Assistant
Office Location: DL 301
E-mail: mvillarreal2@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5398/5316

Title: Licensure Officer
Office Location: DL-308
E-mail: rzdych@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5268
