NNU Introduces New Faculty for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. Please join us in welcoming:

College of Arts & Humanities

Ron Curtis, Associate Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities

Ron Curtis earned his BA in Music Education from Northwest Nazarene University and his M.M.Ed. from Boise State University. With 30 years of experience as a K-12 Music Educator, including his role as the Choir Teacher at Ridgevue High School, Ron has been deeply involved in shaping young musicians. His desire to return to his alma mater, NNU, stems from his passion for music’s unique ability to connect with individuals beyond the ensemble. Motivated by a lifelong dream and plenty of encouragement, Ron is most excited about inspiring the next generation of music educators and music makers at NNU. Outside of teaching, he enjoys traveling and playing games.

Stephanie Tomlinson, Director of Concurrent Credit Program (Associate Professor)

Stephanie Tomlinson earned her Ph.D. and MA in Instructional Communication from the University of Washington, and dual BAs in Communication and Religion from Pacific Lutheran University. Since 2019, she has been a dedicated member of NNU, initially serving as Content Strategy Manager in the Marketing & Communications Department before moving to her current role in the Concurrent Credit Program. Additionally, she has been an adjunct professor in NNU’s Department of Communication Studies since 2015. Stephanie’s diverse experience includes seven years as Public Relations and Marketing Director and Co-Founder of Boise’s Got Faith, a non-profit supporting Idaho families battling childhood cancer, and five years as a Communication Consultant for CoolWater Group in Seattle. With over two decades in education and more than a decade in higher education, Stephanie is a dynamic communication professional and leader. Her favorite thing about working at NNU is its amazing students.

College of Behavioral & Social Sciences

Kyle Brasil, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Kyle Brasil earned his Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from the University of South Alabama in July 2024. He also holds an MS in Counseling Clinical Track from Northwest Nazarene University (2017), and a BS in Psychology, BA in Philosophy and a minor in Japanese Culture from Boise State University. Kyle’s diverse teaching experience includes co-teaching and guest lecturing roles at Utah State University and Boise State University, where he taught courses such as Abnormal Psychology and conducted group supervision. He has an extensive research background with multiple publications each year from 2021 to 2023, including several works currently in preparation and under review for 2024. Kyle has also presented at numerous conferences over the past decade. Recently, he relocated from Logan, Utah, to Nampa, Idaho, bringing his passion for psychology and teaching to NNU.

College of Natural & Applied Sciences

Tucker Friberg, Instructor of Mathematics

Tucker Friberg earned his BS in Mathematics with a minor in Secondary Math Education from Northwest Nazarene University. With experience as a Research Associate at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, Tucker has contributed to innovative projects, including designing network solutions for firefighters using drones and analyzing weather data during a solar eclipse with a drone-mounted anemometer. He has also served as a Spiritual Life Intern and Peer Mentor at NNU, fostering community and supporting students. Tucker was drawn to higher education by the opportunity to teach at the college level and share his passion for mathematics. Excited to make a difference in the lives of his students, Tucker aims to inspire a love for math while giving back to his alma mater. Outside of the classroom, Tucker enjoys fly fishing, camping, kayaking, surfing and exploring atmospheric science and mathematical modeling.

Kaydee Mick, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

Kaydee Mick earned her MS in Kinesiology from the University of North Georgia and holds a BA in Kinesiology from Northwest Nazarene University, where she was awarded the Martha J. Hopkins Award for her impact on the department and involvement in the community. During her time as an undergraduate, she was an Academic All-Conference athlete in Track & Field and Cross Country. Kaydee currently serves as a Lecturer at the College of Idaho, where she teaches various courses including Human Health & Wellness, Personal Fitness and Sports Officiating. She focuses on equipping students with the skills to find trustworthy health information and set personal health goals. Since 2017, she has also been an Adjunct Professor at Northwest Nazarene University, teaching courses such as Fundamentals of Wellness and Pilates. Her additional work experience includes roles as a Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer and Track & Field and Cross Country Coach, showcasing her dedication to health, fitness and student development.

College of Nursing

HollyAnne Springer, Associate Professor of Nursing

HollyAnne Springer earned her RN from Linfield School of Nursing, MAT from Pacific University, MN from Washington State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing Education from University of Northern Colorado. She has extensive experience in Community Health Nursing and has served as a Professor of Nursing at Concordia University Portland/St. Paul, teaching both face-to-face and online. HollyAnne’s passion for teaching began early, as she chose nursing during a college fair in 8th grade. After spending a decade teaching science classes in a private Christian school, she decided to combine her love for nursing and education by pursuing advanced degrees to teach nursing. Outside of her professional life, Holly enjoys gardening, cooking, quilting, knitting and stargazing.

NNU is excited to welcome each of these individuals as they join a committed group of faculty and staff members dedicated to investing in the academic, spiritual and social growth of NNU students.