Sterling College welcomed eight new faculty members to campus for the fall semester. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 17.
“We are proud to welcome these full-time faculty and clinical instructors to the Sterling College family, and we are looking forward to how these individuals will engage and interact with the students we are here to serve,” said Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College. 
Dr. Emily Becker comes to Sterling as assistant professor of history. Becker comes from St. Peters, Mo., where she finished her Ph.D. in Medieval and Early Modern History earlier this year from St. Louis University. Becker has earned her Master of Arts in Medieval History from St. Louis University and her Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Hannibal-LaGrange University.
Luke Brake comes to Sterling as assistant professor of language and literature. Brake comes from the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn., where he has been a graduate instructor while also working on his Ph.D. in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communications. Brake also earned his Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, and a minor in Communication Studies, from Union University. 
Ashley Gaeddert comes to Sterling as assistant clinical professor of athletic training. Gaeddert comes from Barton Community College, where she has been an assistant athletic trainer since 2018. Gaeddert received her Master of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Emporia State University, completed her Bachelor of Arts in Athletic training from Bethany College, and passed her Athletic Training licensing certification in 2018.
Ryan Hale comes to Sterling as assistant professor of psychology. Hale comes from Estes Park, Colo., where he has had extensive experience in the field of counseling and intervention. He’s been an instructor at Colby Community College and has also held a private practice for various counseling needs. Hale earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts in both Physical Education and Applied Psychology and Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
Terell Krone comes to Sterling as assistant professor of sports management. Krone is a familiar face to many on campus, as she has transitioned from the Office of Student Life to her new role as an assistant professor of sports management. Krone earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Sterling College in 2007, and then her Master of Science in Sports Administration from the University of Colorado.
Brian Prugh comes to Sterling as assistant professor of art & design. Prugh attended Knox College where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Mathematics, the University of Chicago where he received his Master of Arts in Philosophy, the University of Iowa where he received his Master of Arts in Painting with a secondary concentration in Art History, as well as his Master of Fine Arts in Painting, with a secondary concentration in Art History. 
Holly Schmidt comes to Sterling as assistant professor of public relations & digital media. Schmidt brings extensive experience as a business and marketing professional, working with many companies within the marketing and communications field, including organizations such as Snap-On, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and the Wichita Business Journal. Schmidt received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and her Master of Liberal Studies in Organizational Leadership with a heavy emphasis in Communications, both from Fort Hays State University.
Shebuel Varghese comes to Sterling as assistant professor of theology & ministry. Varghese comes from Spokane, Wash., where he was an adjunct professor, while also working on his Ph.D. in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Varghese has earned his Master of Arts in Theology and his Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Northwest University, respectively. 
Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.