Welcome, new tenure-track faculty - Wheaton College Massachusetts

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Welcome, new tenure-track faculty

Winter 2022

Tenure-track professors 2021-22 — Pictured left to right: Assistant Professor of Education Alessandra Ward, Assistant Professor of English Ada McKenzie Thomas, Assistant Professor of Anthropology Hope Bastian and Assistant Professor of English Wesley Jacques

Wheaton welcomed four new tenure-track faculty members during the fall semester. They are Assistant Professor of Education Alessandra Ward, Assistant Professor of English Ada McKenzie Thomas, Assistant Professor of Anthropology Hope Bastian and Assistant Professor of English Wesley Jacques. Wheaton magazine editor Sandy Coleman asked each about their research focus and their hopes for students.

New tenure-track faculty

Assistant Professor of Education Alessandra Ward

Assistant Professor of Education Alessandra Ward

“I do research on reading motivation and engagement, especially in the primary grades. I’m interested in what gets kids excited about reading."

Assistant Professor of English Ada McKenzie Thomas

Assistant Professor of English Ada McKenzie Thomas

“I want every student to learn to take risks and to learn to love the journey. No matter what happens, you will grow by taking risks and by immersing yourself in the richness of your college experience.”

Assistant Professor of Anthropology Hope Bastian

Assistant Professor of Anthropology Hope Bastian

"I want students to learn to think critically, to look for the backstory and go to the roots to understand the world as it is today. Nothing is a coincidence and it all makes sense if you dig deeper or change your perspective.”

Assistant Professor of English Wesley Jacques

Assistant Professor of English Wesley Jacques

"My research is about considering the earnest potential and power of youth culture in our politics, entertainment and collective efforts to positively impact the future.”