Briar Cliff University Announces New Faculty and Staff Hires for the 2025-2026 Year

September 10, 2025

(Sioux City, Iowa – September 10, 2025) Briar Cliff University is pleased to welcome the new faculty, staff, and athletic hires to campus for the 2025-2026 academic year. The additions bring a wide range of expertise, experience, and energy to the Briar Cliff community.


New Faculty Hires 

  • Doug Marquardt — Assistant Professor Business Administration 

  • Courtney Kuenn — Assistant Professor in Health and Exercise Science 

  • Ted Bobak — Assistant Professor in Psychology 

  • McHale Davis — Assistant Professor in Psychology 

  • Farhad Akhbardeh — Assistant Professor in Computer Science 

  • Lauren Clark — Assistant Professor in Music 

  • Shannon Merk — Professor of Nursing, Department Chair 

 

New Staff Members

  • Alyssa Miessner – Advancement Officer 

  • Anthony Rossi — Alumni Officer 

  • Sean Ehlers — Housekeeper 

  • Cindy Bates — Housekeeper 

  • Mariam Luqman — Dual Enrollment Manager 

  • Dari Brandt — Maintenance Technician 

 

New Athletic Coaches

  • Joshua Culliver – Assistant Coach Baseball 

  • Grant Hopkins — Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball 

  • Riley Miessner – Head Coach Cross Country, Track and Field 

  • Ernesto Hidalgo – Head Coach Women’s Soccer 

  • Bernardo Torres — Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach 

 

The following staff and faculty received promotions:

  • Andy Osborne – promoted to Assistant Director of Admissions 

  • Jeff White – promoted to Assistant Professor 

  • Amy Boland – promoted to Associate Professor 

  • Paul Santos – promoted to Associate Professor 

  • Rhea Greer – promoted to CRM Administrator 

  • Alejandra Orozco – transition to Career Services and HR Specialist 

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