Cornerstone Introduces New Faculty Hires in Chemistry, Psychology, Nursing and Data Analytics
Students at Cornerstone University will receive access to 21st century industry knowledge, career guidance and vocational preparation from multiple new faculty hires joining the campus learning community for the 2024-25 academic year. As dedicated followers of Jesus Christ, the new scholars add specialized training and a breadth of professional experience that will provide real-world case studies for on-campus and online students and inform hands-on learning taught from a Christian worldview. Each faculty member will mentor students in integrating the gospel in their chosen field — one of the distinguishing characteristics of Cornerstone graduates — as they join growing programs in data analytics, engineering and nursing.
The first four hires will begin their teaching responsibilities in fall 2024:
Marvin Barnard, M.S., assistant professor of chemistry & engineering. He is a doctoral candidate in industrial and systems engineering at the University of Tennessee and holds two degrees from Western Michigan University — a Master of Science in engineering management and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. With teaching experience from three colleges as a chemistry instructor and professor tutor, Barnard has taught labs for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry and has worked in roles as a principal process engineer for Amway Corporation, an R&D and quality assurance chemist for Sherwin-Williams Consumer Group, and a chemist for Guardsman Products Consumer Products Group. He is certified in advanced data analytics and as a quality engineer, lean practitioner, and supply chain management professional.
Heather Frick, Psy.D., LMFT, assistant professor of psychology. Frisk has served as a Cornerstone adjunct professor since 2023. She received a Doctor of Psychology in marital & family therapy from Alliant International University, a post-master’s certificate in medical family therapy from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Arts in marital & family therapy from Alliant International University, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Westerminster Seminary California, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in language & literature from Grand Valley State University. A Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Frick’s career includes professional clinical experience, supervision experience, and university teaching experience. In addition, she co-authored two articles published in the International Journal of Systematic Therapy.
Andréa Rocafort, MSN, RN, CPEN, TCRN, assistant professor of nursing. Rocafort is a double graduate from Davenport University, earning both a Master of Science in Nursing with a nurse educator concentration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In addition, she completed a post-master’s graduate certificate in forensic nursing at Oakland University. Her career expertise includes work as a hospital supervisor, emergency department nurse educator and staff nurse, and adjunct professor.
Sarah Van Baale, M.S., assistant professor of business. Van Baale will lead the launch of the university’s business data analytics program. She earned a Master of Science in applied math & science education from Michigan Technological University and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Hope College. An experienced curriculum developer, mathematics educator, and owner of a consulting and counseling business, Van Baale is currently completing a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership & development at Cornerstone.
In the coming weeks, Cornerstone will release additional hiring announcements as the university supports growing student interest in academic fields such as business, STEM and human services programs. For more information about how to learn from Cornerstone’s faculty as a student, request information online or call the Admissions Office at 616.949.5300 to speak with an enrollment counselor today.
