From left: Chris Fasano, Audra Goach, Bob Simmons, Chris Goble, Tiffany Springer, and Mike Connell
MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (October 9, 2025) — During the summer, Monmouth College announced the creation of six academic schools to better align its strengths and create new opportunities for collaboration and student success. This week, after a competitive process, the college announced the appointment of the schools' six inaugural chairs:
Mike Connell, Chair of the School of Business
Chris Fasano, Chair of the School of Engineering, Sciences, and Innovation
Audra Goach, Chair of the School of Health and Natural Sciences
Chris Goble, Chair of the School of Communication and Creative and Performing Arts
Robert Simmons, Chair of the School of Humanities and Civic Engagement
Tiffany Springer, Chair of the School of Education and Human Development
"I'm excited to see how this new structure fosters deeper connections both within and between disciplines," said Goble, a longtime member of Monmouth's communication studies faculty.
"We have a great tradition of that already at Monmouth, and I think this is only going to make it stronger. This is a great group of faculty, and I look forward to working closely with them to serve our students. And that is ultimately what this is all about — the students."
"I'm excited to build new collaborations both inside our school and between the schools," said Fasano.
"We're already talking about things like quantum engineering, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy. I'm excited to get started."
Under the umbrella of the School of Health and Natural Sciences that Goach chairs are the majors of chemistry, which she teaches, as well as biology, biochemistry, nursing, health science and human movement, exercise science, neuroscience, physical education, nursing, health education, and kinesiology.
"I'm excited to brainstorm with my talented colleagues about the programming that will encompass the best of what each of those majors currently has to offer, from research projects to courses to internships," she said.She said grouping those programs into one school provides "targeted mentoring for discovering the best path for their desired careers," be it health-related positions or academic or industrial careers in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
On a personal note, Goach said her new role will allow her to expand her leadership experience, a sentiment echoed by Springer.
"This new leadership role presents a unique opportunity to support the work of the colleagues within my school and across the college campus," said Springer, an educational studies professor, who reports that her school has already met a handful of times.
"We are excited about the energy of the group and potential opportunities to collaborate with one another across disciplines."
A 2003 Monmouth graduate, Springer has the shortest time on the faculty, returning in 2023. The longest tenure belongs to Connell, who joined the faculty in 1992 as a business and economics professor.
"I've always believed that business is the liberal art of the 21st century," he said. "I think everyone should know about the core principles of business and economics. These changes will allow more students to see the power of liberal arts values in new and exciting contexts."
A classics professor, Simmons has long been a proponent of the liberal arts through the humanities.
"It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to shape the School of Humanities and Civic Engagement with colleagues across disciplines with whom I have worked closely for years on different projects," said Simmons.
"We share essential values and approaches, which will expedite our efforts at innovation."
The Dean's Council
"We had many dedicated, gifted faculty apply for these important leadership roles," said Dean of the Faculty Mark Willhardt. "Their willingness to step forward reflects their commitment and enthusiasm and speaks to the rich pool of talent across campus."
Soon, the six new chairs will meet regularly as the Dean's Council with Willhardt.
"There are a lot of reasons to do this — about our programs, about interdisciplinary discussions, about the potential for generating new programs," said Willhardt of the new academic structure.
"And administratively, it's an opportunity for some efficiencies. Those effect issues such as budgetary control, assessment, personal development and, most importantly, curriculum."
On the latter issue, Willhardt said, "There will be ideas for new majors, and those ideas will come with a feasibility study. There won't just be a few good ideas — there'll be a few good ideas with some data behind it.”As Goach mentioned, enhancements to the mentoring Monmouth's faculty provides will also benefit students."Part of the goal of the schools is to cross-train people in other programs," said Willhardt, citing a hypothetical engineering and computer-science collaboration as an example. "There will be opportunities for our students to have more and better-informed mentors, and that will come sooner than later."
Said Goble: "This first year is about finding our shared vision. We all do great work individually and in our former departments. Now we must ask ourselves where does all of this work intersect and how can we utilize those intersections through collaboration in the classroom, on the stage, and in the studio or lab — all along building a vibrant school that allows our students to be success ready and grow into professionals who communicate, create, and preform meaningful works that impact people."
"Monmouth College faculty have always been entrepreneurial," said Willhardt. "This gives them ways to act on that. There's a vision and a structure for these things to happen."
