Millersville University Faculty Emeriti 2025
Dr. Sharon Brusic, Professor of Applied Engineering, Safety and Technology, Emeritus
Dr. Sharon A. Brusic retired in May 2024 after twenty-one years of distinguished teaching and service to Millersville University and the Department of Applied Engineering, Safety and Technology. Throughout her time at MU, she led the Technology & Engineering Education (T&EE) and the Integrative Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Education Methods programs which prepared PreK-12 teachers in these focus areas. She taught numerous professional courses in T&EE and STEM teacher preparation, and technical courses in electronics and bio-related technologies.
Dr. Brusic’s scholarly achievements throughout her career were many. She published more than 20 articles and 35 curriculum materials (e.g., curriculum guides, activity articles). She delivered presentations at more than 50 regional, national, and international conferences. Dr. Brusic published a high school level textbook (seven editions) focused on technology and engineering education, and twelve non-fiction children’s books. She also engaged in projects funded by the National Science Foundation and the Lancaster STEM Alliance.
Dr. Brusic served MU in many ways at the department, college, and university levels through committee engagement and leadership. Most notably, she served on the Teacher Education Council during her entire time at MU and devoted three years serving as the Director of the campus Center for Academic Excellence. She was an active participant in several professional organizations, including the International Technology & Engineering Educators Association, Technology & Engineering Education Association of Pennsylvania, and the Council on Technology & Engineering Education, which further exemplified her commitment to her discipline.
Prior to joining the MU faculty in 2003, Dr. Brusic served as a middle school Technology Education teacher and held faculty positions at Illinois State University, Kent State University, and Virginia Tech. In total, her teaching career spanned more than three decades. Her passion for influencing the next generation of teachers has been a lifelong endeavor.
In retirement, Dr. Brusic enjoys spending more time with her family, including her husband Bob LaJuett, and daughters Andreea LaJuett and Elena Bernazzoli. She participates in hobbies such as travel, reading, yoga, and pickleball.
Dr. james Fenwick, Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus
Dr. James Fenwick’s career started as an Assistant Professor at Millersville University in August 1985. In August 1986 I was hired as a research professor in the Department of Medical Biostatistics at the University of Vermont. After 5 years in a research position I missed teaching and returned to MU in August 1991. I retired in August 2024.
The Mathematics Department at Millersville University was the perfect place for me. Most semesters my teaching load consisted of both introductory and advanced courses in statistics. I enjoyed teaching every course. I am most proud of the many (over 40) students that attended graduate school with a full assistantship to earn an advanced degree in statistics.
BS 1980 Mathematics and Biology, Clarion State
MS 1982 Biostatistics, University of Vermont
PhD 1985 Statistics, University of Wyoming
Dr. Michael Gumpper, Professor of Economics, Emeritus
Dr. Michael R. Gumpper is Professor of Economics Emeritus at Millersville University, where he served with distinction for 29 years. He earned his PhD and MS in Economics from the University of Kentucky and a BA from SUNY Geneseo.
A passionate educator, Dr. Gumpper taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including a unique graduate course in Environmental Economics for Millersville’s MSISA program. He advised hundreds of students and was instrumental in launching and advising the Marauder Student Investment Fund, which grew from $200,000 to over $380,000 under his leadership.
As Director of the Center for Economic Education for 20 years, he trained thousands of K–12 educators and secured over $500,000 in grants and sponsorships. His research on farmland preservation led to additional funding and the development of a high school environmental economics textbook.
Widely recognized for his contributions to economic education and public service, Dr. Gumpper was honored with Emeritus status in 2024.
Dr. timothy Miller, Professor of English, Emeritus
Dr. Timothy C. Miller is Professor of English at Millersville University, where he has taught since 1985. He earned his PhD and MA in English from the State University of New York at Binghamton, specializing in English Renaissance literature, with a focus on Milton. He also holds a BA in English and History and an AA in Liberal Arts.
A dedicated scholar and educator, Dr. Miller has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Milton, Shakespeare, English Renaissance literature, Business and Technical Writing, and Science Fiction—a subject for which he developed new courses and published extensively.
His research spans Milton studies, early modern literature, and science fiction, with publications in journals, encyclopedias, and edited volumes. He is the editor of The Critical Response to John Milton's Paradise Lost and a frequent contributor to Salem Press reference works.
Dr. Miller has served in multiple leadership roles, including editor of the APSCUF-MU Newsletter, President of the Pennsylvania Writing Across the Curriculum Association, and long-standing advisor to students. Prior to academia, he worked as a technical writer for IBM and served honorably in the U.S. Army.