Tri-State University President Earl D. Brooks II recently announced the promotion of four faculty members, as determined at a January meeting of the TSU board of trustees. The four faculty members represent a cross-section of the institution, and their promotions underscore the contribution of each in the areas of teaching, service, and scholarship at the university.

Professor John Milliken, J.D., a four-year educator in the Jannen School of Arts & Sciences, was promoted from assistant to associate professor. Milliken teaches several criminal justice courses in the Department of Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Social Sciences. Prior to joining TSU, Milliken taught criminal justice at the Four-County Area Educational Cooperative in Kendallville, following over 25 years with the law firm of Gallagher, Milliken, and Stelzer in Bryan, Ohio. He also serves as adviser to the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity on campus. Milliken earned his juris doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law in Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Donald Kreitzer, a five-year educator in the Ketner School of Business, was also promoted from assistant to associate professor. Kreitzer was instrumental in launching the entrepreneurship minor, which has now evolved into a major, on campus. Prior to joining TSU, Kreitzer worked in human resources for several Fortune 500 companies, including Lincoln National Life Insurance Co., Hughes Defense Communications, and Magnavox Electronics Systems Co. In addition to his effort in the classroom, Kreitzer serves as chair of the Department of Business Administration. He earned his doctorate from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind.

Dr. Sue Van Wagner, a 25-year educator in the Franks School of Education, was promoted from associate to full professor. In addition to exemplary classroom instruction and service to the institution, Van Wagner is highly regarded by her peers in teacher education in Indiana and throughout the nation, actively participating in many professional organizations. She serves as dean of the Franks School, providing leadership and guidance to all faculty in this area. Van Wagner earned her doctorate at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

Dr. David R. Finley, a 12-year educator in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology, was also promoted from associate to full professor. TSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Finley continues to teach the professional practice course for senior engineering students. Respected by regional and national peers, he has been instrumental in securing a number of external grants as a faculty member and former dean. Prior to joining TSU as an assistant professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, Finley worked in the environmental engineering field the Detroit metropolitan area. He studied at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.