New Grace College Faculty Members Bring Impressive Résumés

This fall, Grace College welcomes four new faculty members to campus: Dr. David Winyard, associate professor of engineering; Mrs. Heidi Miller, assistant professor of digital marketing; Dr. César Soto, assistant professor of world literature; and Mr. Christopher Moore, assistant professor of actuarial science.

Dr. David Winyard, a seasoned engineer with more than 40 years of experience, joined Grace’s Department of Engineering this summer. Winyard graduated with his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester and his doctorate from Virginia Tech.

“It is a pleasure to work with Dr. Wentorf, students, and others at Grace. I’ve found they are very willing to try new things and collaborate,” said Winyard. “Many schools teach engineering ‘know-how,’ but at Grace we also teach the engineering ‘know-why.’ Everything we study and observe about mechanics is because God created it that way,” he added.

Winyard spent the majority of his career with The U.S. Office of Naval Research where he managed fast-track technology demonstration projects that supported military operations in Afghanistan, provided humanitarian assistance in Africa during the Ebola outbreak, and assisted disaster relief after hurricanes along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

“David brings a diverse background of knowledge and work experience to the Department of Engineering. The students really appreciate his instructional expertise and his willingness to help them understand difficult content. His many stories and sense of humor never fail to give everyone a good laugh,” said Department of Engineering Chair, Dr. Fred Wentorf.

Heidi Miller completed her M.B.A. at Indiana Wesleyan University and is currently working toward her Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from Anderson University. Early in Miller’s career, she served as the director of marketing for a financial company. Later on, she worked with a large real estate group where she utilized digital marketing to help increase her team’s sales even in the midst of the 2008 recession.

Miller’s real-world marketing experience is matched with many years of collegiate teaching. In 2006, Miller stepped into her first job as an adjunct professor, and in 2011, she became a full-time marketing professor at Ivy Tech where she developed its first-ever digital marketing class.

“The School of Business is thrilled to have Heidi Miller join our team. She is the type of faculty Grace boasts of — a captivating professor with a wealth of industry experience. We are excited for the leadership she will provide for our digital marketing major and her impact as the advisor for our Women in Business student club,” said Dr. Jeff Fawcett, dean of the School of Business.

“I have been an adjunct at Grace since 2013, and I have tremendous respect for Dr. Fawcett and the team,” said Miller. “I am a huge believer in the Grace College School of Business programs which masterfully prepare students for careers while shepherding them in their faith. I look forward to contributing to this culture by building relationships with my students and those in the community. I’m excited to not only teach marketing, but also to help shape minds, to know hearts and to send competent graduates into the industry to be ambassadors of Christ,” she said.

Dr. César Soto holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Notre Dame, and he obtained his M.A. and B.A. from California State University, Northridge. Soto comes with a strong record of scholarship. He has held several prestigious fellowships, including an National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowship and two Ford Foundation Fellowships. In addition, Soto was selected as an alternate for a Fulbright Ireland student award in 2016.

“We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Soto to the Department of Humanities,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, chair of the department. “Dr. Soto’s expertise in comparative world literature allows us to strengthen and diversify our curriculum. His extensive experience working with Latinx, first-generation, and nontraditional students also aligns with Grace’s commitment to engaging and supporting all students. Most of all, Dr. Soto’s teaching, research, and way of being in the world are all motivated by his Christian faith. We are proud to have him join our faculty,” she said.

Soto will teach many courses including Principles of Writing, Effective Writing, Global Perspectives, and a Classics of World Literature Private Tutorial. “I have come to enjoy writing not only as a professional tool, but as a craft and as a God-given talent,” said Soto.  “I want to help students acquire the belief that writing offers both professional and personal rewards,” he said.

Christopher Moore obtained his Master of Science in Statistics from the University of Akron and his B.A. from Malone College. As a graduate of Malone, a Christian liberal arts school in Ohio, Moore looks forward to teaching with the same faith-centered framework that impacted him as an undergraduate.

“I love teaching, and I want to use it to serve my Lord Jesus. It is a true privilege to get to teach here at Grace, a school dedicated to His kingdom. I’m grateful for the significant support that I’ve already received from my colleagues,” said Moore.

Moore has served as an actuary for 18 years, and he brings five years of experience as an actuarial science academic director and instructor at Temple University. He is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

“The Department of Science and Math is thrilled to add Christopher Moore to the faculty ranks as he brings a wealth of industry experience to the actuarial science major.   Moore’s impressive tenure in the insurance industry as an actuary and strong ties to industry partners will be tremendously beneficial for students as they search for internships and pursue career opportunities,” said Dr. Joseph Frentzel, chair of the Department of Science and Mathematics.

For more information about any of the academic programs mentioned, please visit www.grace.edu/academics.