Welcome new faculty
The beginning of a new semester means new faces on campus. Several new faculty members joined The W this fall, they include:
Dr. Melanie Anderson is an assistant professor of English – American Literature. She earned both her Master of Arts in English and her Doctor of Philosophy in American Literature from The University of Mississippi.
Dr. Anne Crafton is an assistant professor of English – Linguistics and early literature. She received both her Master of Arts in medieval studies and her Doctorate of Philosophy in medieval studies from Notre Dame University.
Dusty Craven is a visiting chef instructor of culinary arts. He received his Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management from The W in 2025. He has served as sous chef at Restaurant Tyler in Starkville since 2023.
Mikayla Johnson is an instruction librarian and assistant professor. She holds a Master of Science in information science from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts in English form the University of Alabama.
Jasmine Manasco is an instructor of speech-language pathology. She received her Master of Science in speech-language pathology from Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
Marion Stewart-Phillips is an instructor of baccalaureate nursing. She received her Master of Science – family nurse practitioner from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.
Caycie Trotter is an assistant professor of graphic design. She earned her Masters of Art in visual communication design from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.
Not Pictured:
Dr. Samantha Brady is a visiting assistant professor of biology. She received her Master of Science in biology and is working toward a Doctor of Philosophy in biology from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mary Hickox is an instructor of theatre. She received her Master of Arts in theatre education from Mississippi University for Women.