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

Mike's unconventional journey at MU began in 1995 when he joined as an Assistant Professor of Economics and was immediately entrusted with directing the newly established Center for Economic Education (CEE). This dual role would define the next two decades of his career and establish him as a transformative leader in economic education.

Building Pennsylvania's Premier Economic Education Center

Over twenty years, Mike transformed the CEE into one of Pennsylvania's most productive economic education centers. His comprehensive approach included:

  • Teacher Development: Provided hundreds of training seminars and workshops to thousands of K-12 teachers and curriculum coordinators, creating a multiplier effect that educated tens of thousands of students in personal finance and economics

  • Program Leadership: Organized signature regional programs including the National Stock Market Game, Business Plan Competition, and Economics Challenge

  • Standards Development: Contributed to writing national and state economic standards, shaping curriculum nationwide

  • Professional Engagement: Presented at prestigious venues including the PA Governor's School, National Association of Economic Educators, and Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank

Under Mike's stewardship, the CEE maintained its National Council on Economic Education affiliation for two decades. His exceptional leadership earned him recognition as Center Director of the Year by the Pennsylvania Partnership on Economic Education.

Academic and Professional Growth

Mike strategically leveraged his CEE leadership for significant professional advancement, earning tenure and promotion in 2000, followed by promotion to full professor in 2005. His fundraising prowess secured over $500,000 in grants and corporate sponsorships, benefiting both the CEE's mission and the university's broader goals.

A career highlight came in 2000 when his research on public farmland preservation for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania ranked #1 among 79 applicants. This success generated additional grants from the Claneil Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Commission, funding the development of an environmental economics textbook for high school students and accompanying teacher training workshops.

Innovation Through Transition: The Marauder Fund

When state support shifts led to the CEE's conclusion around 2016, Mike demonstrated adaptability by launching his next transformative initiative. Inspired by his experience with the National Stock Market Game and a conversation with alumnus Joe Garner (1990), Director of Research for Emerald Asset Management, Mike conducted nationwide research on student-managed investment portfolios and crafted a compelling proposal for a student investment organization at MU.

The MU Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved the Marauder Fund in 2017, launching in Spring 2018 with $200,000 under management. This innovative program has grown from 15 initial participants to actively engaging 35-40 students from diverse disciplines across the university. Students who participate in the Marauder Fund do so as an extracurricular activity that requires a significant time commitment during the semester.  Members engage in financial market research, develop investment strategies, and present their investment proposals to their peers.  In addition, members discuss macroeconomic trends and interact with professionals.

The Marauder Fund delivers exceptional value through:

  • Hands-on learning in investing, financial markets, and economics

  • Professional networking and career development opportunities

  • Leadership skill development and mentorship

Mike takes particular pride in the growing network of Marauder Fund alumni now thriving in prestigious financial institutions, recognizing their potential for future contributions in expertise, philanthropy, and leadership.

Sustained Commitment to Student Excellence

Beyond his signature programs, Mike has anchored the Economics Department's student recognition efforts since 1996. His annual Economics Symposium and Student Recognition Dinner showcases undergraduate research while celebrating academic achievements. In 1997, he established MU's Alpha Sigma Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society in Economics, which recently inducted its 27th class.

These initiatives have cultivated a robust alumni network, generating substantial scholarship and award funding, including the creation of the ODE Student Research Award.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Mentorship

Mike attributes his success to the collegiality and unwavering support of his department colleagues who consistently prioritize student welfare, demonstrate professional integrity, and provide crucial support during challenging periods.  As Mike reflects on his distinguished career, he expresses profound gratitude for the opportunity to create such lasting impact. His innovative leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and steadfast commitment to student success have established a legacy that will benefit students, faculty, and the university for generations to come.

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.