Search Advocate Program


In August 2020, SPU piloted a new hiring initiative modeled after Oregon State University’s Search Advocate Program. The program is designed to promote equity, mitigate bias, and increase diversity in faculty and staff searches.

SPU search advocates serve on search committees and hiring teams across campus to ensure best practices and provide guidance and support at every phase of the search. We are grateful for the participation of these faculty and staff who serve as search advocates:

  • Peg Achterman, Assistant Professor of Communication and Journalism, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Julie Antilla, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, School of Education
  • Stephanie Armes, Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy/Director of Internship, School of Psychology, Family, and Community
  • Jake Carlson, Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs, School of Business, Government, and Economics
  • Tracie Delgado, Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Cher Edwards, Professor of Counselor Education, School of Education
  • Megan Hamshar, Associate Director of Graduate Programs, School of Education
  • Emily Huff, Director of Field Placements, School of Education
  • Krystle Jalalian-Chursky, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, School of Education
  • Josh Kanehen, Director of Business Systems, Computer Information Systems
  • Jeff Keuss, Professor of Christian Ministry, Theology, and Culture, School of Theology
  • Jennifer LaBrie, Director of Development Research and Information Strategy, University Advancement
  • Bo Lim, Associate Professor of Old Testament, School of Theology
  • John Lindberg, Professor of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Geri Mason, Associate Professor of Economics, School of Business, Government, and Economics
  • Jennifer McFarland Harris, Associate Professor of English and Cultural Studies, College of Arts and Sciences
  • April Middeljans, Associate Professor of English, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Raphael Mondesir, Assistant Professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Chuck Strawn, Associate Provost for Community life, Office of Student Life
  • Cindy Strong, Education Librarian/Instructor, University Library
  • Amanda Stubbert, Director of Alumni, Parent, and Family Relations, University Advancement
  • Jenny Vaydich, Assistant Professor of Psychology, School of Psychology, Family, and Community