CROWN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant: Christian Ministry
Job Titles:
- Director of Exercise Science - Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Men 's Soccer Coach
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Director
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Toccoa Falls College
Job Titles:
- History and Teacher Education
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies Education from Crown College;
Master of Science in Education with a certificate in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy from The College of St. Scholastica
Job Titles:
- Director of Financial Aid
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Success Head Tennis Coach
- Head Men's and Women 's Tennis Coach
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- Director of Human Resources
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- Candidate Placement Coordinatoor
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- Head Softball Coach
- Senior Woman Administrator
Job Titles:
- Diversity Belonging Coordinator
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- Director of Counseling Career Services
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- Vice Chairman of the Board
- Vice Chairman of the Board / Senior Vice President, Mortenson Development, Inc
Job Titles:
- Systems and Applications Technician
Job Titles:
- Director of Programs EMTI
Job Titles:
- Head Women 's Basketball Coach
Job Titles:
- Head Baseball Coach, Coordinator of Athletic Development
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Athletic Trainer
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant for Athletic Operations
- Graduate Assistant: Athletic Operations
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant: Volleyball Coach
- Head Volleyball Coach
Job Titles:
- Receptionist / Welcome Center Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Football Offensive Coordinator
- Football Offensive Coordinator Recruiting Coordinator
Vannatta, J. T. and D. J. Minchella. 2021. The influence of parasitism on producers and nutrients in mesocosm ecosystems. Food webs, e00204.
Vannatta, J. T. and D. J. Minchella. 2018. Parasites and their impact on ecosystem nutrient cycling. Trends in Parasitology 34, 452-455.
Job Titles:
- Founder & Senior Financial Planner, Strategic Financial Concepts / Ramsey, MN
Job Titles:
- Director, Crown College Omaha
- Onsite Director of Crown Omaha
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean of Online Studies
Job Titles:
- Senior Financial Technical Specialist
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Department Chair / Professor of Old Testament Studies / DEPARTMENT: BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL & MINISTRY STUDIES
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Bible, St. Paul Bible College (Crown College)
Job Titles:
- VP of Enrollment Management
Job Titles:
- Career Services Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, Iowa State University
Doctor of Philosophy, Biochemistry, University of Minnesota
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Biology / Life Science
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Harvard University
Master of Arts in Biology, Harvard University
Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences in Public Health, Harvard University
Job Titles:
- President
- Ordained Minister
As cultural trends and philosophical fads seem to be dominating this era in history, the need for Christian leaders-who are redeemed by Jesus Christ, deeply rooted in God's Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit-has never been greater. Crown College has been providing education and training that produces such leaders for more than 106 years. I am honored to serve as the 17th president of Crown as we continue to build upon the legacy of those that have gone before us.
When we live our lives in Christ, challenges foster a wonderful dependence upon Him. I see tremendous opportunities for growth ahead and believe that with the Lord's help, Crown College will soar in this season. We have outstanding faculty and staff committed to integrating learning and faith in an environment that empowers and equips students to excel in their calling in any field. We have students who pursue an authentic walk with the Lord that informs their lives spiritually, academically, and socially. And we have alumni and friends around the world who support this institution with their prayers and gifts, investing in the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Denton is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God Fellowship. He served as Associate Pastor of Timbercreek Community Church in Springfield, Missouri, from 2002-2006 and as a Deacon and volunteer youth minister at River Valley Church for the past several years.
Dr. Andrew Denton became the 17th President of Crown College on July 1, 2021. His experience in executive leadership in higher education, business acumen, and devotion to Christ have equipped him to be a high-impact leader for the next chapter in Crown's story.
Job Titles:
- John & Nancy Lindahl Professor Emeritus / Carlson School of Management / University of Minnesota / Eden Prairie, MN
Job Titles:
- Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry
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- Professor, Geneva College / Beaver Falls, PA
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Academic Affairs
- VP of Academic Affairs Corporate Vice President
Dr. Christopher W. Mathews began his role as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Crown College, July 2021. Prior to that time, he served for five years as Dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and for eight years before that as the Chair of the Department of Music at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He was also Director of Choral Activities at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, and throughout his career has served churches in part- and full-time capacities in Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Oklahoma. Dr. Mathews earned the Bachelor of Music degree in Sacred Music from Union University, the Master of Music from Southwest Missouri State University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Mathews and his wife, Dr. Leslie Mathews, have three grown daughters and one son-in-law. Chris loves to read, watch movies with his family, talk about education and worship, and play the piano.
"I am thrilled to be a part of what God is doing at Crown College, joining a team of dedicated and capable faculty and staff who invest in the lives of students to provide a Biblically-based education for Christian leadership in The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the church-at-large, and the world. As a community, we are committed to building on our rich legacy as we strive with all the energy that Christ powerfully works in us, sending students who are called to serve and prepared to lead; women and men who have been taught wisely, prepared professionally, and guided to live faithfully to the glory of Christ, in Whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Job Titles:
- North Central District Superintendent
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Department Chair / Professor of Mathematics / DEPARTMENT: BIOLOGICAL HEALTH SCIENCES
Education:
Bachelor of Arts - Major in Mathematics, Minors in Statistics and Computer Science, St. Olaf College
Master of Science in Operations Research and Systems Analysis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Management and Decision Sciences, Specializing in Information Systems Management and Operations Research, Walden University
Dr. Hoffman earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California in 1996. She has been licensed as a clinical psychologist in Nebraska since 1997. She has taught in counselor education since 1998 and most recently served on the pastoral staff at a multi-site church in Omaha. Dr. Hoffman has travelled to over 25 countries, providing consultation and counseling to missionaries, organizations, and churches. Her professional background includes experiences in a state psychiatric hospital, community mental health center, and private practice. She is interested in crisis and trauma response and began a new role in the fall 2022 as the Wellness Coordinator/Psychologist with the Nebraska State Patrol, assisting Law Enforcement personnel and their families. She maintains membership in the AACC and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF).
Education:
Bachelor of Science in English Education, Eastern Montana College
Master of Science in Education, Montana State University
PhD Curriculum & Instruction: Literacy, University of Minnesota
Job Titles:
- Associate VP of Adult, Online Graduate Studies
As Associate Vice President and Dean of the Crown College School of Online Studies and Graduate School, Dr. Fawn McCracken is an experienced administrator and educator seeking to provide Christ-centered, academically excellent and innovative online education services.
Dr. McCracken has been a vital part of the College's online and graduate school leadership team since October 2009. Since then, she has been responsible for developing and launching new degree programs, such as the Crown online MBA, M.A. Counseling and M.Div. programs, as well as overseeing the online curriculum and supervising all instructional aspects for the School of Online Studies and Graduate School.
Dedicating her life to advancing God's kingdom through Christ-centered education, Fawn brings more than 25 years of experience in Christian education. Prior to joining Crown, Fawn was the secondary principal and educator at a regionally accredited K-12 Christian school. Dr. McCracken received her B.A. in Secondary Education at Nyack College, M.S. in School Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Doctorate of Education in Distance Education/Online Learning at Regent University.
Fawn, her husband, Tom, and two daughters live on a hobby farm in Norwood Young America, southwest of Waconia.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Christian and Missionary Alliance / Colorado Springs, CO
Job Titles:
- Director of Nursing / Associate Professor of Nursing / DEPARTMENT: NURSING
Education:
Doctor of Nursing Practice in the Executive Leadership Program, Vanderbilt University
Master of Science in Nursing with a major in Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, Duke University
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing with a concentration in Management Studies, St. Olaf College
Job Titles:
- Alliance South Central Representative
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology, Crown College
Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Bethel Seminary
PhD in New Testament, London School of Theology
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Wisconsin at Whitewater
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Universidad de Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, Education, and Vocational Ministry / DEPARTMENT: HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
Education:
Ph.D. in Interpersonal and Family Communication, University of Denver
M.A. in Interpersonal Communication, University of Kansas
B.A. in Speech Communication, Baylor University
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Health Services Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Business & Sport Management Team
Job Titles:
- Director of Disability Services, and Associate Professor of Teacher Education / DEPARTMENT: TEACHER EDUCATION and HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Pennsylvania State University
Master of Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Education Specialist, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Education in Educational and School Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Backhuus earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, in 2012. He has been a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) in the state of Nebraska since 2002. Dr. Backhuus is designated as the Internship Coordinator for Crown's Master's in Counseling (MAC) program and has taught counseling education since 2011. Dr. Backhuus has experience working in a psychiatric hospital, where he counseled troubled adolescents and their families. He specializes in areas that involve emotional dysfunction. In the past, he has counseled many couples with a focus on forgiveness and reconciliation. He is currently interested in how married couples who are international workers manage a crisis. Another area of interest is in learning the effects of emotion coaching on adolescence. He has done several presentations, including team strategies for conflict resolution, managing marriage in an international field, recognizing task markers in Emotion Focused Therapy, and many more. He maintains membership in the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
Job Titles:
- CEO of the Power of People Consulting Group / Minneapolis, MN
Job Titles:
- Director, Hmong Christian Institute
Job Titles:
- Director of Veterans / PSEO
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Athletic Director
- Assistant Head Football Coach, Defensive Coordinator
- Defensive Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Accounting System Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director of System Applications Data Services
Job Titles:
- Professor of Church History Theological Studies / DEPARTMENT: BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL & MINISTRY STUDIES
Education:
Bachelor of Science in History, Carnegie-Mellon University
Job Titles:
- Representative, Midwest District / Senior Program Manager, United Airlines / Roselle, IL
Job Titles:
- Graduate Intern: Intercultural Leadership
Job Titles:
- Head Cross Country and Track Field Coach
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chairman of the Board / Business Owner / Norwood, MN
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Admissions - Athletics Recruiting
- Associate Head Men 's Basketball Coach
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant: Baseball Coach
Job Titles:
- Football Special Teams Coordinator / Strength Conditioning Coach
Job Titles:
- Graduate Intern: Residence Life
Job Titles:
- Assistant Football Coach
- Director of Sports Information and Operations
- Sports Information Operations Director
Job Titles:
- Chief Marketing Communications Officer
Jen Niska brings a wealth of experience in higher education, public affairs, and politics. In leadership roles at Bethel University, she served in online education, non-traditional student enrollment, and corporate relations. Jen worked as Chief of Staff for Weber Johnson Public Affairs and brings valuable expertise in legislation and public policy, including knowledge of lobbying and the legislative process. In her most recent role at North Central University, Jen served as Executive Director for Online Education. She was instrumental in bringing North Central courses online, with excellence, during the "pandemic pivot" of 2020. Jen's diverse range of experience in higher education and elsewhere, combined with her ability to think strategically and creatively, makes her a powerful asset as she leads Crown's marketing and communications efforts.
Jen is passionate about and deeply committed to the mission of Christian higher education. She has completed her coursework and is completing her dissertation for her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership at Bethel University, holds an M.A. in Christian Leadership from Sioux Falls Seminary, and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Sioux Falls. Jen's goal is to lead well and provide opportunities for accessible, excellent, and affordable Christ-Centered education.
Jen and her husband, Harry, live in Ramsey, Minnesota, with their children Kaisa (15), Nathanael (13), and Jude (9).
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Youth and Family Ministries
Education:
B.S. Children's Ministries, Olivet Nazarene University
Study Abroad Programme, Church History, Oxford University (CMRS)
M.A. Intercultural Studies. Wheaton College Graduate School
M.Div. Equivalency, Leadership and Theology Credits, Asbury Theological Seminary,
D.Min. Preaching and Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
Job Titles:
- Associate Professer of Psychology Counseling
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Grace College and Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Grace College and Theological Seminary
Job Titles:
- Alumni Board President / VP of Sales and Market Development for Polaris / Maple Grove, MN
Job Titles:
- Campus Production Manager
Job Titles:
- Events Ambassador Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Brand Manager
- Graphic Designer
Job Titles:
- Library Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Head Women 's Soccer Coach
Job Titles:
- Admin. Asst / Chaplain / Dir. of Service Credit Program
Job Titles:
- SOS / GS Recruitment Manager
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Communication
Job Titles:
- Assistant Women 's Basketball Coach
Job Titles:
- Dean of the School of Health Science / DEPARTMENT: NURSING
Education:
Bethel College B.S. in Nursing
Bethel University M.A in Nursing Education
Bethel University - Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership
University of Minnesota - Post-Doc Certificate in Private College Leadership
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Nursing
LaRhonda Flowers earned her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2015 from Grace University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is a LIMHP and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). LaRhonda is Founder and CEO of Restore, Rebuild, Reconnect Counseling Center (R3CC). Her brand was founded on the idea that recovery is possible if you are willing to put in the work to create new pathways and live a new life no matter where you come from. Flowers has experience working in private practice, inpatient residential treatment, and group agency. Her expertise and clinical interest areas include drug and alcohol addiction, formerly incarcerated individuals, and marginalized communities. LaRhonda was awarded the Award of Achievement at Grace University in 2015.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant for Academic Affairs
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Teacher Education Chair / Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Recruiting
- Director of Student Recruiting - Atlanta
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / VP Student Development
Job Titles:
- Head Men 's Basketball Coach
- Head Men 's BB Coach
Job Titles:
- Senior Admissions Counselor
Job Titles:
- Graduate Intern: Intramural Sports
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant: Golf Coach
Job Titles:
- Dean of Student Engagement
- VP of Student Development
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the Cabinet
Job Titles:
- Director of Library Services
Job Titles:
- Assistant Women 's Basketball Coach
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant: Academic Advisor
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- VP for Enrollment and Administration
As the VP for Enrollment and Administration at Crown College, Mike Price oversees all activities related to admissions, operations, facilities, IT, and business & finance.
Mike Price received his business undergraduate degree at Northwestern College and his MBA from Bethel University. Prior to Crown College Mike was Senior VP of Recruiting & Retention at Emerge Education. He has over 20 years of experience in enrollment management.
Mike served on the board for NACCAP (North American Coalition of Christian Admission Professionals) which served admission professionals across the county to help advance higher education.
Mike and his wife Kathy reside in Waconia, MN with their three kids, David, Mikayla, and Alayna.
Job Titles:
- Director of Alumni Relations
Job Titles:
- Assistant Men 's Basketball Coach
- Graduate Intern: Residence Life
Job Titles:
- Athletic Operations Assistant
- Head Golf Coach, Assistant Men 's Basketball Coach
Job Titles:
- Graduate Intern: Student Development
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Online & Graduate Admissions
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Information Technology
Job Titles:
- Member of the Business & Sport Management Team
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Business & Sport Management Team
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, the Alliance Center for Leadership Development / Parma, OH
Job Titles:
- Administrator for the President 's Office
Job Titles:
- Head Baseball Coach, Head Golf Coach
Ryan Doheny is entering his 5 th season as the head baseball coach at Crown College in 2022. Prior to his time as head coach, Doheny had the privilege of being the lead assistant at Crown from 2012-2017. In the last 10 seasons, Crown Baseball continues to build momentum each year on the field and in the classroom. During Doheny's tenure, Crown Baseball has compiled 44 total wins, 19 wins in 2021 and 2 Conference Tournament appearances, both firsts in NCAA program history.
Doheny has coached some of the most decorated players to come through the program. In 2021 the Storm was awarded UMAC Conference Player of the Year (Seth Betts). UMAC Conference Rookie of the Year (Mason Brock). As well as 3 ABCA/Rawlings Midwest All-Region Players (Seth Betts, Kyle Schroedle, Eric Newman). All program firsts.
Prior to Dohenys time at Crown, the storm had never qualified for the UMAC Conference Tournament. In Dohenys second year (2019) he lead the storm to the UMAC tournament for the first time in program history. The storm haven't missed out on postseason play since.
Doheny credits the success and trajectory of the baseball program to the perseverance, toughness, work ethic, and character of his fellow coaches and players, past and present. "Looking back and looking forward, I have so much gratitude for our coaches and players believing in each other and themselves, to collectively accomplish something beyond words, and enjoy each step of the journey. God has blessed me and this program in such clear ways, I'm thrilled for what's next."
Doheny came to the Storm from the role of Director of Operations at Prospectr Marketing. Doheny's coaching career has included working with athletes at Bloomington Jefferson High School as a fitness director with Fortis Academy, as a baseball instructor with Minnesota Twins Youth Camps and MVP clinics, and helping coach baseball at Bethel University. He had additionally served as the head baseball coach of the Anoka Bucs town team.
A Native of Anoka, Minnesota, Doheny played collegiately at Bethel University, starting in the outfield and hitting .361 as a SR with a .408 OBA and 1.00 fld%. After graduating, Doheny signed professional contacts with the Schaumburg Flyers and Roswell Invaders of independent professional baseball leagues. Doheny graduated with a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies in 2010 and earned his MBA from Crown College in 2021.
Doheny resides in Minnetrista with his wife, Randiann, and three kids Rush, Keira (twins 5 yrs old) and Ria (2).
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager
- Assistant Football Coach
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant: Exercise Science
Job Titles:
- Graduate Intern: Residence Life
Job Titles:
- Assistant Track and Field Coach
- Graduate Assistant: Women 's Soccer Coach
Job Titles:
- Graduate Assistant: College Relations
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Biology
Education:
BSc University of Wisconsin - La Crosse 2012
MSc University of Minnesota 2016
PhD Purdue University 2021
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Sports Management
- Faculty Athletic Representative
Education:
University of Northern Colorado (Ph.D. 2019-)
Minnesota State University, Mankato (M.A.)
South Dakota State University (B.S)
Job Titles:
- Assistant Baseball / Golf Coach
- Assistant Golf Coach
Job Titles:
- Dean of the School of Business / DEPARTMENT: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION and SPORT MANAGEMENT