Aug. 15, 2026
Submitted by Brevard College Communications
Brevard College welcomes seven new faculty members for the 2026-27 academic year, adding expertise and experience across a range of academic disciplines while helping launch new majors in artificial intelligence management and engineering science, along with new faculty in art, business, environmental studies and pychology.
The addition of new faculty comes as Brevard College launches two new majors designed to prepare students for rapidly evolving fields.
Dr. Kyung Hoon “Audie” Lee and Dr. Sadia Kamal will play key roles in establishing the new engineering science and artificial intelligence management programs. Lee has been hired as an assistant professor and will serve as the lead faculty member for the new engineering science major.
Kamal will serve as an assistant professor of computer science and artificial intelligence management. Entering his third year at BC,
Josh Andrews, assistant professor of computer science and artificial intelligence management, will serve as the coordinator for the new AI Management major and help lead its development.
The College also welcomes five new assistant professors: Dr. Seth Barnett and Dr. Erin McLeave in business & organizational leadership, Dr. Shannon Conner in environmental studies, Amanda Musick in art, and Dr. McKenzie Sheets in psychology.
Bringing a broad range of academic, professional and research experience to Brevard College, all seven new faculty members hold terminal degrees in their respective fields, including six who hold doctorates. Their backgrounds include experience at institutions such as the University of Southern California, Clemson University, Davidson College, Oklahoma State University and the University of Tennessee, as well as extensive professional experience beyond higher education.
Dr. Seth Barnett, Assistant Professor of Business & Organizational Leadership and Business Program Coordinator
Dr. Seth Barnett arrives at Brevard College as an assistant professor of business & organizational leadership and business program coordinator after most recently serving as professor and program director for the College of Business at Cisco College in Texas. Prior to entering higher education, Barnett spent several years in the business world, including positions as a senior strategist at Lockton Companies and AT&T Business. Barnett holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University (Rhode Island) as well as a Master of Arts in Legal Studies from American Public University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Johnson & Wales University (Colorado).
Dr. Shannon Conner, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
Dr. Shannon Conner has been named an assistant professor of environmental studies at Brevard College after spending the last academic year as a visiting assistant professor at Davidson College. She also taught as a graduate instructor of record at Clemson University. Conner holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Science Education from Clemson University, as well as a Master of Science in geology from Washington State University and a Bachelor of Science in geology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Sadia Kamal, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and AI Management
Dr. Sadia Kamal joins Brevard College as an assistant professor of computer science and artificial intelligence management after working as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Computer Science at Oklahoma State University. While at OSU, Kamal taught courses in artificial intelligence and the ethics of AI, and trained high school teachers in AI modules for K-12 classrooms. Kamal holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the American International University in Bangladesh.
Dr. Kyung Hoon “Audie” Lee, Assistant Professor of Engineering Science
Dr. Audie Lee has been named an assistant professor of engineering science at Brevard College, where he will serve as the lead faculty member for the College’s new engineering science major. Lee comes to BC from the University of Southern California, where he was most recently a graduate teaching assistant in civil engineering. During his time at USC, Lee received the Outstanding Mentor Award and co-authored several publications. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, as well as a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Korea Polytechnic University.
Dr. Erin McLeave, Assistant Professor of Business & Organizational Leadership
A proven executive aerospace leader, an advisor with experience managing large businesses and a graduate-level business professor, Dr. McLeave has been named an assistant professor of business & organizational leadership at Brevard College. Since 2023, she has served as an M.B.A. and program management professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. McLeave holds a Ph.D. in organization & management from Capella University in Minnesota as well as Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Amanda Musick, M.F.A., Assistant Professor of Art
Amanda Musick is Brevard College’s newest assistant professor of art, bringing extensive experience as a photographer, educator and artist to the College. With a focus on photography, Musick spent the last two years as a lecturer in the Art Department at Clemson University. She has numerous exhibitions, presentations and workshops to her credit and holds a Master of Fine Arts in photography from Clemson and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from East Tennessee State University.
Dr. McKenzie Sheets, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Dr. McKenzie Sheets comes to Brevard College as an assistant professor of psychology from the University of Tennessee, where she accumulated substantial graduate teaching and research experience in several disciplines. Sheets holds a Ph.D. and a M.A. in experimental psychology from the University of Tennessee, as well as a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
“We are delighted to welcome these new faculty members to the Brevard College community,” said Brevard College Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert. “Each brings a unique combination of academic expertise, professional experience and a commitment to teaching that will benefit our students. As we launch two new majors and continue to strengthen our existing programs, these faculty members will play an important role in helping our students prepare for their futures.”