College of Fine Arts and Communication
CFAC Welcomes New Faculty+Staff!
Assistant Director for Student Services, School of Music
Joshua Bishop currently serves as the Assistant Director for Student Services in the School of Music at East Carolina University. He earned his Master’s degree from the Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University in music performance and his Bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University with a degree in music performance. In his previous role, he was the Lecturer of Low Brass and Financial Aid Counselor at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD.
Advising, Art
Ashtin was born and raised in a small town outside of Rochester, NY (Avon). Ashtin is a proud ECU alum-ARGHHH-, having graduated in 2016 with a B.S in Communication with a concentration of Broadcast Journalism. During her time at ECU, Ashtin worked as a Pirate Navigator (tour guide) and as an on-air radio host/General Manager of the student radio station. After graduating, she moved to Ludington, MI where she was an on-air radio personality. Ashtin realized that radio was not the career path she wanted to pursue, so she came back to Greenville and started working in Admissions at ECU in 2019. During her time in Admissions, Ashtin received her Master’s in Education with a concentration in Higher Education. She graduated with her M.Ed. in May 2023 from UNC-Wilmington.
Advising, Communication
Chayton considers himself to be a small-town guy, raised in Murfreesboro, NC. He is a double alumnus from East Carolina University, getting both his undergraduate and master’s degree in Communication in 2018 and 2020, respectively. During his time at ECU, he worked at WZMB 91.3 FM Greenville and served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the School of Communication. After finishing his master’s degree, Chayton completed a co-op experience with the Walt Disney Company. At the Walt Disney World Resort, he was engaged in customer service, event planning and creating digital content for various social media platforms. His first role in higher education was as a Student Success Coach with Roanoke-Chowan Community College. As a Success Coach, he worked to reach at-risk students and provide intentional intervention and student support activities. Most recently, Chayton has been teaching communication courses through Mitchell Community College.
Advising, Music
Lindsay was born in Greensboro, NC and grew up in Greenville, NC. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and an M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development from NC State University with a certificate in Family Life Coaching. During graduate school, Lindsay interned as both a Disability Counselor and Career Counselor at William Peace University, in addition to working as an Academic Coach in Exploratory Studies at NC State. Upon graduation, she continued her work with the college population as a Learning Enhancement Program Mentor for student athletes at NC State. She is excited to return to ECU as an Academic Advisor for the School of Music, a role which combines her love of the arts and her passion for being an advocate and support to students in their college journey. Lindsay enjoys music, creative writing, theatre, losing herself in a great book, doing almost anything in the outdoors (especially hiking, running, and exploring beautiful gardens), and spending time with family and friends.
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
Sumi Limbu is a multi-disciplinary designer, scholar, and researcher, originally from Limbuwan state, what is now known as eastern Nepal. In her research, she explores the potential of design technologies in preserving and advancing language and culture.
Previously, she has collaborated with non-profit organizations where she had designed educational resources, and impactful narratives highlighting cultural and social issues. She has over four years of experience working in cross-cultural settings where she leveraged design as a compass to visualize the multifaceted nature of identities and contemporary issues.
Sumi has Master in Design (M.Des.) from University of Artkansas.
Previously, she has collaborated with non-profit organizations where she had designed educational resources, and impactful narratives highlighting cultural and social issues. She has over four years of experience working in cross-cultural settings where she leveraged design as a compass to visualize the multifaceted nature of identities and contemporary issues.
Sumi has Master in Design (M.Des.) from University of Artkansas.
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
Narges Panahandeh is a multidisciplinary designer, researcher, and educator at East Carolina University. She has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design from Florida Atlantic University and is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). She earned her bachelor’s in visual communication from the University of Art, Tehran. She addresses social issues through her designs, aiming to create awareness and positive societal impact.
Teaching Assistant Professor, Ceramics
Teaching Assistant Professor at East Carolina University and former Associate Professor at Louisiana State University, studio potter, co-coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic Keramik Exchange in Iceland, former director of the LSU Ceramics Factory, and co-director of the first Queeramics Symposium. His curatorial practice includes the award-winning exhibition, The Boneyard: The Ceramics Teaching Collection and The Shaping of Us: Queerness in Ceramics, both exhibited at the LSU Museum of Art. Artist residencies include the Royal Danish Academy, SÍM Residency and Íshús Hafnarfjarðar both in Iceland, McKnight Residency at Northern Clay Center, Arrowmont, Evelyn Shapiro Fellow at The Clay Studio, Archie Bray, and Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. His work is part of several permanent collections including the Garth Clark and Mark Delvecchio Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Crocker Art Museum, the LSU Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Sanbao Ceramic Art Institute in China.
Assistant Professor, Emerging Media
Dr. Son’s research focuses on how our motivation for well-being influence our selection and experience with entertainment media as technology, entertainment options, and modes of engagement evolve. Her research interests aim to understand these phenomena at the intersection of media psychology, global entertainment, and the use of new media technologies as producers and providers of entertainment content.
Dr. Son has Ph.D. in Mass Communication from University of Florida.
Dr. Son has Ph.D. in Mass Communication from University of Florida.
Teaching Assistant Professor, Baritone
Highlights from Lee Gregory’s past engagements include performing as the Rehearsal Director in the world premiere of Bryar’s Marilyn Forever and the Captain in Adams’ The Death of Klinghoffer with Long Beach Opera, and reprising the role of William in Glass’ The Fall of the House of Usher with Long Beach Opera and Chicago Opera Theatre. He also sang as Silvio with Opera Omaha and the Arizona Opera Company; William with the Nashville Opera; Richard Nixon in Nixon in China, the title role in Le nozze di Figaro and Leporello in Don Giovanni with Eugene Opera; Schaunard in La bohème with Michigan Opera Theatre; the title role in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Opera Theatre of the Rockies; joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera for its production of Capriccio;Junius in The Rape of Lucretia with Toledo Opera; Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette with Opera Columbus; Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music and Wilhelm in Corigliano’s Ghosts of Versailles with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis; Prince Paul in Offenbach’s La Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein with Opera Boston; and Maximilian in Candide with Toledo Opera.
Dr. Gregory holds degrees from Baylor University and the University of Houston. He is a dedicated educator, engaged in classroom teaching as well as private voice instruction. His particular areas of research interest and expertise include historical vocal pedagogy, contemporary voice science, and psychoacoustics.
Dr. Gregory holds degrees from Baylor University and the University of Houston. He is a dedicated educator, engaged in classroom teaching as well as private voice instruction. His particular areas of research interest and expertise include historical vocal pedagogy, contemporary voice science, and psychoacoustics.
Assistant Professor, Trombone
Bill has been a soloist and presenter at several festivals and is active in the International Trombone Association. He performed a recital with the Connexus Trombone Duo at the 2024 International Trombone Festival, and has performed solo and chamber works at the 2022, 2021 and 2019 International Trombone Festivals. Other festival appearances include the Big 12 Trombone Conference, South Texas Brass Symposium, Society of Composer’s Regional Conference, National Association of Collegiate Wind and Percussion Instruments National Conference, Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, Texas Music Educator’s Association Convention, Mid-South Horn Workshop and the International Horn Workshop.
Bill earned his Doctorate of Music from The Florida State University, Master of Music from The University of North Texas and Bachelor of Music from The University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bill is a Willson Band Instruments Trombone Artist.
Bill earned his Doctorate of Music from The Florida State University, Master of Music from The University of North Texas and Bachelor of Music from The University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bill is a Willson Band Instruments Trombone Artist.
Teaching Assistant Professor, Clarinet
Praised for his “great technique” and “excellent breath control” by the music critic of South Korea’s major newspaper, Chosun Ilbo, Janghyun Thomas Kim, originally from South Korea, has established himself as a versatile artist, excelling as a performer, chamber musician, educator, and composer on an international scale.
An accomplished performer, Janghyun Thomas Kim achieved his solo debut at South Korea’s Sejong Center for the Performing Arts through sponsorship by the Chosun Ilbo. Following his American solo debut at Carnegie Hall in 2019, Kim performs regularly across the United States and abroad. Kim’s musicality extends to chamber music, with notable achievements including winning the Grand Prix at the IV International Music Competition-Caspi Art Competition and securing first prize at the Music International Grand Prix.
An accomplished performer, Janghyun Thomas Kim achieved his solo debut at South Korea’s Sejong Center for the Performing Arts through sponsorship by the Chosun Ilbo. Following his American solo debut at Carnegie Hall in 2019, Kim performs regularly across the United States and abroad. Kim’s musicality extends to chamber music, with notable achievements including winning the Grand Prix at the IV International Music Competition-Caspi Art Competition and securing first prize at the Music International Grand Prix.
Assistant Professor, Guitar
Chip Newton has been playing guitar since 1988. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Concord University and his master’s degree in Music Performance from University of North Carolina-Greensboro. He was the recipient of the Ella Holroyd Music Scholarship while at Concord and was also named as a Yamaha Young Performance Artist, a select competition that recognizes up-and-coming performers. He has performed in concerts and gigs in many parts of the world including: US cities: Nashville, Cleveland, Boston, Athens, GA, and several countries: Mexico, Czech-Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. He has also been a featured soloist at the Elon University Jazz Festival in 2012, 2015, and 2017 as well as a performer for the Blowing Rock Jazz Society concert series.
Since completing his education, he has worked in dual careers as a performer and educator. He has been featured on several recording projects, such as the jazz album, “If These Songs Could Talk” by the Dave Fox Group (2007), the gypsy-jazz album by Swing Triade(2012) the retro-swing Americana album by the Undermanned String Band(2013), and “JAZZ!” by Tony Thompson(2016), “A Bull City Holiday” by Keenan McKenzie(2019). He has shared the stage in concerts with many great musicians including: Jack Wilkins, Jon Metzger, Todd Wright, Rick Simerly, Rusty Smith, Dave Fox, Zack Page, Andy Page, Kenny Soule, Roger Kohrs, Tony Thompson and Carey Harwood.
Since completing his education, he has worked in dual careers as a performer and educator. He has been featured on several recording projects, such as the jazz album, “If These Songs Could Talk” by the Dave Fox Group (2007), the gypsy-jazz album by Swing Triade(2012) the retro-swing Americana album by the Undermanned String Band(2013), and “JAZZ!” by Tony Thompson(2016), “A Bull City Holiday” by Keenan McKenzie(2019). He has shared the stage in concerts with many great musicians including: Jack Wilkins, Jon Metzger, Todd Wright, Rick Simerly, Rusty Smith, Dave Fox, Zack Page, Andy Page, Kenny Soule, Roger Kohrs, Tony Thompson and Carey Harwood.
Teaching Assistant Professor, Musicology
Morgan Rich, teaching assistant professor of musicology, holds a Ph.D. in Historical Musicology from the University of Florida.
Morgan’s research focuses on the intersection of music, culture, philosophy, and analysis. Exploring music and philosophy, her research examines the influence of the Second Viennese School composers, and other, music-compositional systems on Theodor
W. Adorno’s philosophical writings. Furthering her life-long interest in contemporary music, recent research projects include examining the musical metaphors of nature in Kaija Saariaho’s works.
Morgan’s research focuses on the intersection of music, culture, philosophy, and analysis. Exploring music and philosophy, her research examines the influence of the Second Viennese School composers, and other, music-compositional systems on Theodor
W. Adorno’s philosophical writings. Furthering her life-long interest in contemporary music, recent research projects include examining the musical metaphors of nature in Kaija Saariaho’s works.
Music Therapy Clinic Coordinator
Rebekah Spann received her Bachelor of Arts degree in music, concentrating in piano performance, and chemistry minor from Oakwood University (Huntsville, AL) in May 2016. Her favorite undergraduate memory is playing “Rhapsody in Blue” with the university’s orchestra and for her senior recital. She completed her music therapy equivalency coursework at the University of Kentucky, completing her music therapy internship at the University of Louisville Music Therapy Clinic. In May 2023, she completed her Master of Music in music therapy degree from the University of Kentucky with a thesis focusing on the experiences of Black music therapy students at predominately white institutions. Rebekah has experience teaching piano (both traditional and adaptive) and previously worked in hospice care. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, collecting post cards, playing with her cats (Jolene and Pamina), and talking about all things Star Wars.
Assistant Professor, Jazz
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Kobie began as a small child listening and watching his father, Alious C. Watkins, playing drums in church. Kobie started with pots and pans as a toddler, and over time has developed a personal system of timely discipline and structure for music and life skills. He has progressed into who he is today — professional drummer/percussionist and music/jazz educator.
Kobie has cultivated dynamic relationships with his peers in and out of the Jazz, Latin, and Gospel community as a drummer, percussionist, and a mentor. Living out his commitment to music, he has played and recorded with a long list of great musicians: jazz legends Sonny Rollins, Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Curtis Fuller, Bob Mintzer, John Patitucci, Arturo Sandoval, George Coleman, Ira Sullivan, Sonny Fortune, Roy Haynes, Kurt Elling, Fred Anderson, Bobby Broom, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Orbert Davis, Ken Chaney, Ron Perrillo, Bethany Pickens, Ryan Cohan, Jarrard Harris, and James Austin.
Kobie has cultivated dynamic relationships with his peers in and out of the Jazz, Latin, and Gospel community as a drummer, percussionist, and a mentor. Living out his commitment to music, he has played and recorded with a long list of great musicians: jazz legends Sonny Rollins, Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Curtis Fuller, Bob Mintzer, John Patitucci, Arturo Sandoval, George Coleman, Ira Sullivan, Sonny Fortune, Roy Haynes, Kurt Elling, Fred Anderson, Bobby Broom, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Orbert Davis, Ken Chaney, Ron Perrillo, Bethany Pickens, Ryan Cohan, Jarrard Harris, and James Austin.
Piano/Percussion Accompanist
Kirsten Holley specializes in dynamic collaborative performances and enjoys working on projects that combine new music with visual art to create a multifaceted experience for the performers and audience members. She is a recent graduate of East Carolina University’s School of Music, where she completed a Master of Music degree in Collaborative Piano. During her time at East Carolina University, Kirsten held a Graduate Assistant position with duties ranging from vocal and instrumental recital preparation to opera theater coaching and group piano class assistance.
Assistant Professor, Ballet
Timothy Lynch was born in Mineola, New York. He trained for 10 years on full scholarship at the School of American Ballet. In 1993, he left New York and Fordham University to join Pacific Northwest Ballet.
In his time with PNB, he performed featured roles in George Balanchine’s Agon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Four Temperaments, along with works by Jerome Robbins, Kent Stowell, and Paul Taylor. He originated roles in works by Donald Byrd, Val Caniparoli, Kevin O’Day, Mark Dendy, Kent Stowell, and Lynne Taylor-Corbett. Mr. Lynch’s rich international performing experience also includes character roles such as Carabosse in Ronald Hynd’s Sleeping Beauty, Herr Drosselmeier in Kent Stowell’s The Nutcracker, and Gamache in Kevin Mackenzie’s Don Quixote. His film credits include the role of Nick Bottom in the BBC Production of Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
In his time with PNB, he performed featured roles in George Balanchine’s Agon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Four Temperaments, along with works by Jerome Robbins, Kent Stowell, and Paul Taylor. He originated roles in works by Donald Byrd, Val Caniparoli, Kevin O’Day, Mark Dendy, Kent Stowell, and Lynne Taylor-Corbett. Mr. Lynch’s rich international performing experience also includes character roles such as Carabosse in Ronald Hynd’s Sleeping Beauty, Herr Drosselmeier in Kent Stowell’s The Nutcracker, and Gamache in Kevin Mackenzie’s Don Quixote. His film credits include the role of Nick Bottom in the BBC Production of Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Music Director/Accompanist/Performing Artist
Josiah Stocker currently teaches at East Carolina University. He has previously worked at Middle Tennessee State University, UC Santa Cruz, and the College of St. Rose. Since 2021, he has taught and served as Piano department head at Camp Encore/Coda in Sweden, Maine. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland where he studied with Rita Sloan, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Idaho where he studied with Jay Mauchley. Josiah has recently performed with the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts Faculty ensembles, the Santa Cruz Contemporary Ensemble, the Saint Rose Camerata, the Aspen Philharmonic, and in piano duos with his wife Hyeeun Hahm.