By Callie Ewing, BA ’03 MH ’22

The University of Dallas welcomes six new faculty members this 2021-22 academic year. Their knowledge and insights will further enrich student learning in many disciplines, including biology, chemistry, economics, politics and philosophy.

“Our students benefit from the diverse talents and experiences that these faculty members bring to campus. In meeting with each of them, I am impressed by their strong desire to work with our students and how each is leaning into their own way of contributing to UD’s unique vision for liberal education,” said Interim Provost Tammy Leonard, Ph.D. 

Dean of the Constantin College of Liberal Arts Philip Harold, Ph.D., added, “These faculty strengthen our undergraduate program offerings and are all excellent additions to our campus. They are excited to be at UD, and we are excited to have them teaching for us.” 

Affiliate Assistant Professor of Economics Maryam Ahmadi, Ph.D., received her doctorate from the University of Texas at Dallas. She also holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Tehran. 

Affiliate Assistant Professor of Politics Matthew Berry, Ph.D., received his doctorate from Boston College. He is a former lecturer in political science at Texas Christian University.  

Affiliate Assistant Professor of Biology Saadia Bihmidine, Ph.D., received her doctorate in biology from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She has served as an adjunct instructor at Dallas College and a biology lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington.  

Affiliate Assistant Professor of Politics Kimberley Burns, Ph.D., received her doctorate in political science from Boston College. 

Distinguished Affiliate Professor of Chemistry David Catlett, Ph.D., received his doctorate in physical chemistry from Indiana University. He has extensive industrial experience in physics.  

Affiliate Assistant Professor of Philosophy Marcus Otte holds an M.A. in interdisciplinary studies in philosophy and political Science from the University of Central Florida. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Boston College. 

“We are, each of us, teacher-scholar-makers, dedicated to the great task of building culture through educating our students excellently,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D., in his Faculty Day address. “We know there are no shortcuts in this work. Our labor of love is labor intensive. But there is no more noble work, both for our students, and for the culture our graduates are building in their cities, their states, their countries, and their churches. The University of Dallas matters for our students. It matters for our country. It matters for our Church. Our calling is high, the sacrifices are many, and the stakes have eternal consequences. What more could we want? Our work is a vocation. Thank you for responding to the call.”