Park University announced today its appointment of five new faculty members who have begun teaching this summer or will begin their employment in the fall for the 2007 and 2007-2008 academic years.

Thomas Bach, Ph.D., has been announced as the new assistant professor of history. In his new role, Bach will continue Park University's commitment to community among all peoples of the world by expanding the offerings of the department's European Social and Intellectual history courses. He received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1994, his master of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee in 1998, and his Ph.D. from Syracuse University in 2005. Bach specializes in early Modern European Social History with a minor in Modern European (German) Intellectual History. Most recently, he was an instructor of the graduate course, History of International Relations, at Syracuse University.

John Cigas, Ph.D., is slated as the 2007-2008 visiting associate professor of computer science. During his time at Park University, Cigas will work in the concentrations of informational and systematic technology which will enhance Park's vision of providing innovative educational opportunities for learners within the global society. He received his bachelor of science degree from Rockhurst College in 1982, and both his master of science degree and Ph.D. from the University of California- San Diego in 1983 and 1988, respectively. Most recently, Cigas held the position of associate professor of computer science and mathematics at Rockhurst University, where he was also the system and network administrator.

Kimberly Kasperbauer will join the School for Education as assistant professor of middle and secondary education and chair to the middle and secondary education programs. Kasperbauer is certified to teach K-12 French and 7-12 speech communications and theater. Most recently, she was employed as a coordinator at the Aldo Leopold Elementary School Languages for All, which is located in the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Madison Metropolitan School District. Kasperbauer, while at Park University, will maintain Park's commitment to excellence in education. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Iowa State University in 1992, and is currently working on her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Guillermo Tonsmann, Ph.D., is the selected candidate for the position of associate professor of computer science. He received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in Lima, Peru at Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria and a master's degree in chemical engineering in Potchefstroom, South Africa at Potchefstroom University. He also received a bachelor of science degree in computer science from the University of South Africa and a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University. Most recently, he was employed as an assistant professor at Loyola University New Orleans, where he developed computer science courses and continued with his technological research.

James Singer, Ph.D. has been appointed to the School for Education as director of graduate education programs and as the educational leadership chair.  He will be responsible for the coordination and oversight of all graduate programs in the School for Education, including curriculum development and program assessment. Singer brings nearly four decades of education experience that includes serving as an elementary principal for 31 years. He has worked in Manhattan, Kan. and Raytown, Mo. school districts and most recently as a principal with the Park Hill School District, a role he began in 1991. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Washburn University in 1969 and 1971, respectively, and his Ph.D. from Kansas State University in 1978.

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