FORESTERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Dean of Student Engagement
Anita Watson returned to Huntington University in 2021 as the director of the Friesen Center for Service and Experiential Learning. As the director, Anita helps develop the Friesen Center as a place for students to experience the joy of service and volunteer activities as well as practical work experiences and career exploration. Her goal is to facilitate opportunities that promote professional and personal growth while supporting the mission of Huntington University. Anita holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a business management minor from Huntington University and a Master of Education degree in school counseling from Indiana University, Fort Wayne.
Prior to taking on her current role, Anita accumulated business management experience in the small and large retail setting and received awards for top sales and management performances. She also served as scholarship chair on the Indiana TRIO Board and was the TRIO student support services assistant director, creating curriculum for first-generation college students and offering support through one-on-one coaching and workshops and building community through event planning.
Anita was a Huntington triple jump record holder for 23 years and is a member of the Huntington University Hall of Fame as part of the 1990 track and field women's team. One of her favorite memories of HU is when she and Nancy Richison dreamed about coming back to work at the University - a dream that came true! Originally from Lewiston, Idaho, Anita curently lives in Fort Wayne with her family. She and her husband volunteer as DivorceCare group facilitators at Pathway Community Church, and she is a member of the Singles Ministry Leadership Team at Pathway. Anita enjoys refinishing furniture and visiting Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Advancement Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Counselor
- Financial Aid Assistant
Deb James is the financial aid assistant and loan counselor at Huntington University. She helps students and parents with their questions about the financial aid process and assists in aid packaging, which includes processing student files, verification, and scholarship paperwork.
Deb first came to HU as the Office of Admissions secretary in 1996, then operated her own in-home day care as a stay-at-home mom. She returned to HU in 2007 to the Office of Financial Aid and became the financial aid assistant and loan counselor in 2018. Deb holds a secretarial science degree from International Business College, and she lives in the Huntington area.
Job Titles:
- Director of Multicultural Affairs
Destiny Copeland-Rolle
Director of Multicultural Affairs
260-359-4178
dcopeland@huntington.edu
My office is located in the Student Life area of the lower HUB, office 113.
Job Titles:
- Vice President for Student Life
Dr. Ron L. Coffey has been Vice President for Student Life since 2003. Dr. Coffey is a 1981 graduate of then Huntington College and began working at Huntington in the summer of 1986 as a resident director/director of student activities.
Dr. Coffey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1981, a Master of Arts from Ball State University in student personnel administration and a Ph.D from Indiana State University in higher education leadership, administration and foundations. Dr. Coffey focused on first-year students, stress and social support in his doctoral work. Dr. Coffey teaches on program development for higher education at the graduate level and continues to lead a small group of first-year students each fall.
Ron and his wife, Gia, are deeply committed to their church, The Well. In addition to being an avid golfer and cyclist, Ron enjoys time with family friends as well.
Job Titles:
- President
- President of HU
Dr. Sherilyn R. Emberton is completing her 12th year as the 13th president of Huntington University in Huntington, IN. During her presidency at HU, the institution has grown 34%, expanding to three locations, while increasing the endowment by $16M and raising over $50M for capital project, scholarships and program expansions.
Prior to accepting the presidency at Huntington in 2013, Dr. Emberton served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas, and in that same role at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Dr. Emberton spent nine years in progressive leadership roles at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, ultimately serving as the associate vice president for academic affairs. She began her career in postsecondary education as the director of applied learning for the Texas State Technical College system. Before joining TSTC, Sherilyn spent ten years in private business ownership focusing on real estate, investment property management and retail food operations.
During her tenure as president of HU, Emberton chaired the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, was elected to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, where she served on the executive committee, chaired the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Crossroads League conference and served as a board member for Elevate Northeast Indiana.
Currently, she serves on the executive committees for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), AgriNovus Indiana and the Independent Colleges of Indiana. Dr. Emberton chairs the board of Lenawee Christian Ministries in Adrian, Michigan, and continues to serve on the board of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana. Emberton also sits as an advisory member for the Doden Legacy Trust and the Fortitude Fund.
She completed a Doctor of Education degree in 1999 from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She earned both a Bachelor of Science in education degree and a Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, after completing an associate degree from Panola College.
Dr. Sherilyn R. Emberton is the 13th president of Huntington University. Learn more about the leadership of this Christian liberal arts college.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Board Development Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Dean of the Faculty
Jennifer Zaugg
Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the Faculty
(260) 359-4009
jzaugg@huntington.edu
Jodi Koesters and her husband, Brian, have called Fort Wayne home for most of their lives. Fort Wayne is also where Brian practices veterinary medicine. Currently, they spend most of the time cheering on their five kids at softball, soccer, baseball, basketball, and football games. When she is not on the sidelines, Jodi enjoys hiking and biking, traveling, reading, or having dinner at a new restaurant with friends.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from Purdue Fort Wayne
Master of Science degree in Ed. Marriage and Family Therapy from Indiana University Fort Wayne
Job Titles:
- Director of Financial Aid
- HU 's First Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Joseph (Joe) Mattox became HU's first Assistant Director of Financial Aid in 2014 and transitioned into Director of Financial Aid in 2024. Prior to his role at HU, Mattox served as a Financial Aid Counselor at Indiana Wesleyan University. Before his transition to higher education, he held retail leadership positions at CVS Pharmacy. Mattox has a bachelor's degree in economics from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and is active at Huntington First Church of the Nazarene. Joe resides in Huntington with his daughters, Carly and Mallory.
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Programing and Service Learning
Job Titles:
- Interim Director of Academic Center for Excellence
Kris Chafin was born and raised in rural northwestern Ohio and graduated from Huntington College with a BA in psychology in 1975.
She earned a MS in Rehabilitation Administration and Services from Southern Illinois University in 1984.
Prior to joining Huntington College in 1994, she worked at the local rehab facility for 11 1/2 years and as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for 8 1/2 years.
She truly considers it a privilege to work at HU, and is even more blessed by her wonderful family, including 3 beautiful granddaughters. Kris and her husband are active in their growing church, The Well.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Academic Programs Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Professor of Christian
- Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty
Dr. Luke Fetters, professor of Christian thought and practice, specializes in intercultural studies/missions and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). In addition to teaching courses in these subjects at his alma mater, Luke has led the Institute for TESOL Studies, the Office of Global Studies, and the University's graduate programs. He currently offers direction to all undergraduate and graduate programs as the vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty.
As a ministry educator, Luke's desire is to walk with students as they develop their knowledge of Scripture and culture and apply it to ministry leadership for worldwide Kingdom impact. He wants students to understand that serious Christians can hold various (and sometimes contradictory) perspectives within Christianity and that total agreement is not required to be a vital part of the Christian family. On the contrary, Christians have much they can learn from those who see things differently.
Luke lives in Huntington, his hometown, with his wife. Together they have three grown children and are grandparents. Having spent part of his professional life in China, Luke speaks Cantonese and has coordinated teams of Huntington University students and regional educators to lead professional development projects for school systems and universities in China. His scholarly work has focused on Chinese culture and Chinese mission history.
Makayla James is the ABLE program director at Huntington University, a member of the Office of Student Life working in close connection with the Academic Center for Excellence. Prior to returning to her alma mater in 2023, Makayla was a special education teacher at Crestview Middle School. As the ABLE program director, she provides oversight for the ABLE program. This includes teaching classes, creating daily schedules for each of the ABLE students, and pairing them with peer mentors on campus. Makayla holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education with a certificate in TESOL from Huntington University.
Currently residing in her hometown of Markle, Indiana, Makayla enjoys spending time with family and taking her golden retriever on walks.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Student Services / Director of Career Development and Counseling
- National Certified Master Career Counselor
Martha Smith joined the staff of Huntington University in 1988 as the resident director for Hardy Hall. She later served as Director of Career Development and in 1995 was promoted to Assistant Dean of Students. Today she is Dean of Student Services which oversees career and counseling services and new student orientation. She is a licensed mental health counselor and master career counselor.
She also serves on various university committees and teaches classes in career exploration. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Science degree from Indiana University.
As a National Certified Master Career Counselor, Smith has worked with undecided students to help them select an academic major and also provides invaluable assistance to juniors and seniors preparing for graduate school and job searches.
Smith is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and member of the American Counseling Association and American Association of Christian Counselors. She regularly counsels and helps students with challenging personal issues. In addition to providing individual and group counseling, she has supervised graduate counseling students at two universities.
Smith is deeply committed to Huntington University's emphasis on Christian service. She served as a mental health counselor in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2006 and has led Huntington University mission trips to Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, New York, Texas and Mexico.
Smith is recognized as a national leader in student development. She serves as Vice President for the Association for Christians in Student Development and is a frequent workshop speaker. In 2005, she received the Don L. Boender Award recognizing her for distinguished service in the field of student development.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Student Life Chair
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Freelance Graphic Designer and Pastor of Known Church
Nate Sams is a freelance graphic designer and Pastor of Known Church that meets at HU Arizona on Sunday mornings. His heart is to help everyone come into a known relationship with our awesome Creator and Lord, as well as, help and care for others every step they take in life.
He is available every Tuesday and Thursday at HU Arizona, or you can email him at nsams@huntington.edu. He would love to talk, listen, give an opinion on an art assignment or just say hi.
Job Titles:
- Resident Director and Commuter Support Services
Job Titles:
- Director of Residence Life
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Chairman of the Finance Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Enrollment Management / University Relations Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Office Coordinator for Student Life, Undergraduate International Student Services DSO
Sarah Rickerd joined the Huntington University staff in January 2021. She serves as the Office Coordinator for Student Life and the Undergraduate International Student Services DSO. In her current roles, she supports the Vice President for Student Life, works alongside of the Housing Coordinator to place students into residential housing, assigns meal plans, and works closely with undergraduate international students on immigration compliance and others needs related to being a student in the USA. She also leads a student Bible study on campus each Monday. Prior to these roles, Sarah served as the Administrative Assistant for Career Services and Friesen Center, later becoming the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Life. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in French and Secondary Education from Asbury University.
Sarah lives in Bluffton with her husband, Mark (a 1993 HU alum), and her four children.
Job Titles:
- Psychology / Associate Academic Dean
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary