The Guilford College Board of Trustees at their May meeting approved promotions of three faculty members – Brenda Swearingin (above), Drew Hays and Natalya Shelkova -- to full professor. In February, a fourth faculty member, Lavon Williams, was awarded an endowed professorship.

Brenda, who has taught at Guilford since 2015 and serves as Clerk of Faculty, was an Associate Professor of Sport Studies. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, and later earned a master’s in Kinesiology and Biomechanics at Arkansas, and a doctorate in Exercise and Sport Science at UNC Greensboro.

Drew, who joined the College in 2007, was an Associate Professor of Music and currently serves as chair of the Music Department. He graduated from Duquesne University in 2002 with a bachelor’s in Music, and later earned a master’s in Music there. He received a doctorate in Musical Arts at UNCG.

Natalya, who arrived at Guilford in 2009, was an Associate Professor of Economics and is currently the chair of the Economics Department. She graduated from Irkutsk State Academy of Economics in Russia with a bachelor’s in Economics, and later earned a master’s in Economics at Northeastern University and a doctorate in Economics at the University of Connecticut.

Lavon, who has been teaching at Guilford since 2004, was named Lincoln Financial Professor of Sport Studies. She received a bachelor’s in Secondary Education at Texas Christian University, a master’s in Kinesiology at the University of Oregon and a doctorate at UNCG. Lavon is the 21st professor with an endowed professorship at the College.

Provost Maria Rosales says she was extremely honored to recommend the faculty members for promotion. “Each of these individuals is to be lauded for their work in teaching and transforming the lives of our students,” she says. “These professors and the ones they work alongside are one of the many reasons that make Guilford such a special place.”