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

(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