Lenoir-Rhyne introduces assistant deans to enhance academic programs

Lenoir-Rhyne University has appointed five faculty members to new assistant dean roles within its academic colleges, effective Jan. 1, 2026, as part of a broader realignment of Academic Affairs. These appointments will strengthen direct student and faculty support and create more agile structures to help ensure effective administrative responses to evolving student and program needs.

“This realignment allows us to place leadership closer to where teaching, learning and student support are happening every day,” said Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “By expanding leadership capacity at the college level, we are improving communication, increasing responsiveness and allowing our deans to focus more fully on strategic priorities that advance student success.”

Chris Nigrelli, DMA

Assistant dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

Chris Nigrelli, DMA, professor of music, was appointed assistant dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Nigrelli joined the Lenoir-Rhyne University faculty in 1997 and teaches music history and appreciation courses, brass and jazz ensembles, and applied lessons in low brass instruments.

He has served multiple terms as coordinator of the music program and co-led the University’s summer youth music camps from 2013-2024. Nigrelli regularly serves as music director for Playmakers productions. 

Beyond the University, Nigrelli has held leadership roles with the Western Piedmont Symphony and Harper School of Performing Arts and has served as a member-at-large for the North Carolina Bandmasters jazz section. He performed as principal trombonist with the Western Piedmont Symphony for nearly 20 years. He participated in the Appalachian College Association’s Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute, a year-long investigation into effective and strategic leadership in colleges like Lenoir-Rhyne.

Nigrelli earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in trombone performance from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; a Master of Music from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and a Bachelor of Music in music education from Western Michigan University.

Tunay Oguz, Ph.D.

Assistant dean, College of Business and Economics

Tunay Oguz, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and finance, was appointed assistant dean of the College of Business and Economics. Oguz joined the Charles M. Snipes School of Business and Economics at Lenoir Rhyne University in 2015. Over more than a decade at the university, she has contributed to academic operations, program development and student support across undergraduate and graduate programs, including her service as MBA Program Director.

Throughout her tenure, Oguz has participated in a wide range of college and university initiatives involving curriculum, assessment and strategic planning. She has also engaged in professional development through regional programs such as BRIDGES Academic Leadership and the ACA Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute, which have broadened her perspectives on higher education and institutional effectiveness.

As a teacher scholar, Oguz teaches courses in economics and finance, emphasizing applied learning, analytical skill building and evidence-based teaching practices. Her research examines issues affecting vulnerable populations and has been recognized in national and international academic outlets.

Oguz earned a Ph.D. in economics and an MBA in finance from the University of New Mexico and a bachelor’s degree in textile engineering from Cukurova University.

Scott Schaefer, Ph.D.

Assistant dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Scott Schaefer, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, was appointed assistant dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Schaefer joined the Lenoir-Rhyne University faculty in 2006 following a postdoctoral position in horticulture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Schaefer teaches courses in biology, with teaching and research interests centered on plant biology and molecular biology. His work reflects a strong commitment to undergraduate education and scientific inquiry, engaging students in understanding biological systems at both the cellular and organismal levels.

In addition to his teaching and research, Schaefer has contributed to the academic life of the University through service within the sciences, supporting curriculum development and student learning in the natural sciences. His experience in both research and instruction positions him to support faculty and students across disciplines within the College.

Paula Swindle, Ph.D.

Assistant dean, College of Education and Human Services

Paula Swindle, Ph.D., associate professor of counseling, was appointed assistant dean of the College of Education and Human Services. Swindle is a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor and serves as the Hickory campus program coordinator for the counseling program.

Swindle brings more than 24 years of clinical experience to her work, including founding and providing counseling and consultation through the Center for Healing Religious Harm, youth and family therapy, private practice, and inpatient and partial psychiatric services. She has also designed and implemented mental health programs in medical settings, including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation and oncology services, and is deeply committed to interdisciplinary collaboration in health care environments.

She serves as vice president of the Catawba Valley Association of Counselors and Therapists and provides clinical supervision for provisionally licensed counselors in North Carolina. Swindle’s research interests include counseling in medical settings and the intersection of counseling and spirituality, particularly in cases of religious trauma and spiritual abuse. She is also co-host of the podcast Sacred Intersections, which explores religion and mental health.

Swindle earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a master’s degree from Appalachian State University and a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University.

Shahin Tasharrofi, Ph.D.

Assistant dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Shahin Tasharrofi, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice, was appointed assistant dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Tasharrofi joined the Lenoir-Rhyne University faculty in fall 2020 and teaches criminology, criminal justice, criminal investigation, research methods, criminal justice statistics, juvenile delinquency and corrections.

Tasharrofi’s research focuses on developmental criminology, health criminology and juvenile justice, with an emphasis on evidence-based policy and practice. He brings professional experience in juvenile corrections and evidence-based assessment and supervision practices, and holds multiple professional certifications related to risk and needs assessment and community supervision.

In his administrative role, Tasharrofi will support academic planning, student success initiatives and program operations within the College. In addition to his academic and administrative work, he is active in the local community as a soccer referee.

Tasharrofi earned his Ph.D. and master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Brent Driggers, Ph.D., M.Div.

Associate dean, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

Brent Driggers, Ph.D., M.Div., associate dean of academic programs at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, teaches courses in biblical studies, including Bible survey and electives in the canonical Gospels and biblical theology. He joined the seminary faculty to guide students in both intellectual growth and Christian discipleship, emphasizing close reading, historical context and dialogue with the broader theological tradition.

Driggers’ research focuses on the Gospel of Mark, employing historically informed narrative criticism to explore its distinctive contributions to Christian theology and spirituality. He is also a periodic contributor to Working Preacher, an online resource for church leaders.

As associate dean, Driggers collaborates with seminary leaders, faculty and students to maintain a rigorous curriculum and meaningful student experience. Outside the seminary, he enjoys preaching and teaching in local churches, reading widely, listening to music, hiking and spending time with his family.

He earned a Ph.D. and M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Theological Studies from Duke Divinity School and a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University.