College of Arts and Humanities Welcomes Nine Outstanding Faculty

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Nine faculty join the Lindenwood University College of Arts and Humanities for the 2024-25 academic year.

Joe Baumann, PhD

A local of St. Charles, Mo., Baumann will teach in Lindenwood's top-notch MFA in Writing program. With specialization in fiction writing, Baumann will enhance Lindenwood's small classrooms and provide personalized attention to students.

"As a local, I have long been familiar with the Lindenwood MFA in Writing, and was excited about the opportunity to work as the program director. As a fiction writer, teaching students about the infinite possibilities of short story through language and imagination is the central thrill of my profession," Baumann said.

Baumann holds a bachelor's and master's from Truman State University, and a PhD from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Morgan Butler, MFA

From Folsom, Ca., Butler comes to Lindenwood University and joins the Communications program. Specializing in broadcast, Butler's enthusiasm for the industry aligns well with the University's commitment to real experience fostering success.

"I love all things television, and I am fortunate that I get to share that passion with the students at Lindenwood University. I'm excited to teach students the ins and outs of live television production while we use the medium to inform and entertain the Lindenwood and broader community."

Butler holds an MFA in Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts from San Francisco State University.

Emily Colmo, PhD

Joining Lindenwood's history program is Emily Colmo, a longtime resident of St. Charles. Colmo's areas of interest include 1960s culture and social movements, women's history, and urban studies.

"Growing up in St. Charles, I often passed by Lindenwood (usually on my way to Grandma's cookies on Main Street) and awed at the beautiful, historic buildings. Never would I have guessed that I would be fortunate enough to teach within those walls.," Colmo shared. "I fell in love with teaching while a graduate student at SLU where I was able to meet so many incredible students. I cannot wait to teach at Lindenwood as well!"

Colmo holds a bachelor's from University of Missouri-St. Louis and earned both a master's and PhD from Saint Louis University.

Justin Dicenzo, MMMT

Joining Lindenwood's music program is Justin DiCenzo, of Kirkwood, Mo. DiCenzo's area of specialization is music technology, and this appointment reflects the changing needs of the industry.

"My passion is making music more captivating, the production more fun, and passing the information I've learned over the course of my career on to my students," DiCenzo said. "It's been my mission since I returned to my hometown, to be the teacher I needed when I was getting ready to face the music industry."

DiCenzo holds a Bachelor of Music from Webster University, and a master's in music technology from Southern Utah University.

Michael A. Harding, MFA

A specialist in acting and directing, Harding joins Lindenwood's theatre program as an associate professor. From Gainesville, Va., Harding steps into a program focused on preparing students for life in the performing arts.

"I admire Lindenwood's commitment to real experience for the student(s). Of all my own experiences as a student, those that I remember and am affected by to this day were more than lecture, more than reading, more than observation," Harding said. "They are all memories of experience, actual application and the effects to my being. I look forward to being a part of this with Lindenwood University!"

Harding holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the College of William & Mary and an MFA with Distinction in Shakespeare Studies and Directing from University of Exeter.

Sara Kaufman, PHD

From Antioch, California, Sara Kaufman joins Lindenwood University in the communications program. Kaufman's area of emphasis is interpersonal communication.

"I am excited to join the Lindenwood community because of the focus on student-centered learning and real-world experiences. Communication influences so much of our everyday lives, and I enjoy sharing with students how we communicate in order to influence, connect, and create meaning with others," Kaufman said.

Kaufman earned a master's from Portland State University and a PhD from Purdue University.

Connor Scott, DMA Candidate

Connor Scott joins Lindenwood University's College of Arts and Humanities as an instructor in the music program. Scott specializes in voice, organ, piano, and musicology of the French Baroque.

"I am so honored and thrilled to be succeeding Professor Pamela Grooms after her 17 years of commitment to the LU Choral Program," Scott said. "I am a St. Louis area local, growing up in Hillsboro, MO, a Gorlock, and a former teacher in the Parkway Schools. I'm thrilled to return from the west coast back to "home." I am also the Director of Music: Organist & Choir Director at Christ Church Cathedral, our historic 205-year congregation downtown at Olive and Locust. I am so thrilled to be joining the amazing community that is the LU Music Program, to be conducting the three choirs, and training the Music Education students, the next generation of music leaders in our schools."

Scott holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Webster University, a master's in music education from University of Missouri Kansas City, and is a degree candidate for a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music.

Michelle Trantham, MFA

The English Department at Lindenwood welcomes alumna Michelle Trantham as an instructor. With expertise in composition and literature, Trantham comes to Lindenwood having previously called Springfield, Missouri home.

"I'm so excited to connect with the campus community here at Lindenwood! Composition I and II sees every type of student, and I love how interesting that dynamic is in class," Trantham said.

Trantham holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Missouri State University, a Master of Arts in Literature from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University.

Michael Wartgow, MFA

No stranger to Lindenwood, Wartgow joins the faculty as an assistant professor specializing in painting and drawing.

"I've been at Lindenwood University for 11 years in various roles and am excited to be teaching in the Art and Design Department. Teaching art allows me to share my passion for the subject, and guide students to find their artistic voice," Wartgow said.

From Belvidere, Ill., Wartgow holds an MFA and will expand Lindenwood's art offerings.

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