Engage Newsletter 4
Engage Newsletter Salutes Several Scholars' Achievements
In this issue we interview Dr. Francis Umesiri on his ground-breaking work in medicinal chemistry. We also note the extraordinary work of Dr. Vince Bacote, Dr. M. Daniel Carroll (Rodas), Dr. Melissa Harkkrider, Dr. Alex Haskins, and Dr. Karen Johnson - Wheaton College Professors who are connected to Multicultural communities by their cultural background and/or by their research.
Dr. Francis Umesiri discovers new compounds that combat Tuberculosis, publishes in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Dr. Umesiri, thank you for agreeing to speak with us. Please, what is your official title and how long have you been a faculty member at Wheaton College?
Associate Professor of Chemistry and I have been a faculty member for seven years now at Wheaton College.
Which classes do you teach?
I teach Organic Chemistry (CHEM 341 and CHEM 342).
What is your area of research and what is the breakthrough research that has caused you to win such prestigious recognition?
My area of research is organic medicinal chemistry, which involves preclinical drug design and discovery methods. In essence, my research centers on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of small organic molecules with bioactivity against disease agents. The Umesiri laboratory is focused on the search for new drug compounds against tuberculosis, cancer, among other diseases. The current research profiled involves the discovery of a new class of compounds, called beta-peptoids, which show strong activity against drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). It is important to note that this work was done in collaboration with the Institute for Tuberculosis Research, Chicago, where detailed biological studies were carried out. Although there are potent drugs in the market against TB, the bacteria have developed resistance to many drugs.
Hence, the urgent need to develop new drugs with different mechanism of action. The importance of the current study lies in the fact that these compounds made in Dr. Umesiri’s laboratory are a new class of compounds and showed significant activity against TB bacteria that are resistant to other drugs. While these compounds are far from becoming actual TB drugs, it means that other scientists can begin to use them as leads to potentially develop new TB drugs in the future.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your work here at Wheaton College?
My research work involves training undergraduate students in basic medicinal chemistry, getting them immersed in the challenges and joys of scientific discovery process. Students learn basic computational molecular docking methods and participate in making and fully characterizing these new compounds. The experience they gain in such laboratories as mine adequately prepares them for careers and/or graduate work in Chemistry or related fields. Interestingly, Wheaton College offers a Summer Scholar Fellowship which supports science students to participate full time in summer research programs like this during the summer break.
What is your cultural background?
I am Nigerian American.
What do you like to do in your leisure?
I enjoy a good mystery novel or taking long walks in the woods.
Wheaton College Trustee Greg Jao speaks at Inaugural Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Alumni Consultation
A group of AAPI Alumni gathered in the Phelps Room of the Student Services Building to consider the theme “Moving Forward”. The OIE sponsored the third in a series of Consultations designed to hear from Wheaton Multicultural Alumni about their past experiences and recommendations for improving hospitality toward international and domestic multicultural students.
Wheaton College Trustee Greg Jao was the keynote speaker. Serving also as an attorney and in executive leadership at Intervarsity Ministries, Trustee Jao shared his experience as an Asian American and how his Christian commitment has helped him to navigate the complexities and challenges of being Asian and American. Plenary speakers included, Dr. Henry Kim, Professor of Sociology and Rev. Ray Chang, pastor, author, and president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative. Previously, Rev. Chang served in the Wheaton College Chaplain’s Office. Dr. Quainoo acknowledges the Director of the Office of Multicultural Development, Dr. David Cho for the support from the OMD, namely outstanding administrative assistance from Mrs. Hee-Jung Kim and student assistance from the Koinonia Student Organization, especially, Lauren Chang, president of Koinonia.
The Kingdom Diversity Council Continues Important Work
Dr. Thomas Boehm was the special guest speaker for the Wheaton College Kingdom Diversity Council monthly meeting in March 2025. He addressed the unique relationship between Christians and Jews and the Christian message of the brotherhood of all Christians, including Christians of Middle Eastern heritage. As the Director of the Center for Faith and Disability, Dr. Thomas Boehm, sponsored a luncheon that capped Wheaton College’s Second Annual Disability Awareness Week. The Luncheon was attended by members of SAC, other administrators, faculty, staff, and several students. We thank Dr. Boehm for his visionary leadership of the Center for Faith and Disability.
New Book by Dr. Karen Johnson, Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice (IVP, July 2025)
In the next issue of ENGAGE, we will feature the ground-breaking work of Dr. Karen Johnson, chairperson of the History Department. Her research explores the complex intersections of race and Christianity in US history.
ENGAGE Newsletter Salutes Dr. Alex Haskins and Dr. Brita Brietler
At the Wheaton College Honors Chapel, Dr. Alex Haskins was one of two recipients of the Junior Faculty Achievement Award. The many statements of affirmation made about Dr. Haskins include the following: This professor is outstanding and has the respect of both his colleagues and students. He invites us into intentional Christian thought.
From several students, “He cares about his students exceptionally well… and always continues to be a student… He’s always writing another book. I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him and I’m so excited to witness what he continues to do, not just at Wheaton, but for the Kingdom” We salute the excellent work of Dr. Haskins, assistant professor in the Politics and International Relations Department. Congratulations to Dr. Haskins.
Dr. Brita Beitler of the Department of Education was also a recipient of the Junior Faculty Achievement Award. Among the many compliments, This professor embodies what it means to be a humble teacher, constantly pointing to Jesus as the ultimate Teacher. Her influence extends beyond the classroom and into the lives of everyone blessed to learn alongside her. Congratulations to Dr. Beitler.
Dr. Vince Bacote, Professor of Theology, Producer of Documentary
Dr. Vince Bacote, Professor of Theology and the narrator and co-creator of the ground-breaking documentary, Black and Evangelical, has provided an important historical chronicling of the Black American Evangelical experience. According to Christianity Today, Black and Evangelical is a “feature-length documentary that profiles the history, struggles, and contributions of African American Evangelicals” (Christianity Today, 2025). Wheaton College alumni including Trustee Emerita, Dr. Ruth Bentley and Rev. Ron Potter are featured prominently in the documentary. Many from the Evangelical community at-large express gratitude to Dr. Bacote for this excellent work.
Dr. M. Daniel Carroll (Rodas) and Reading the Bible Latinamente
Along with fellow scholars, Ruth Padilla DeBorst and Miguel G. Echevama, M. Daniel Carroll R. authored the book titled, Reading the Bible Latinamente (2024). Dr. Carroll is the Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy and the Blanchard Professor of Old Testament. “The authors discuss biblical interpretation from the Latino/a diaspora and provide examples from both New and Old Testament texts” (bakerpublishinggroup.com).
Dr. Melissa Harkrider Continues Important Research in Native American History and Culture
Please, what is your title and what courses do you teach?
I serve as Associate Professor of History. I teach students in several different courses:
Christ at the Core:
• CORE 101 First Year Seminar Shalom, Community, and Diversity
• HIST 103 Making of America: Europeans, Natives, and Africans in Early America
• CORE 312 Native Chicago: Indigenous Communities in the Midwest
History Department
• HIST 346 Renaissance Europe
• HIST 377 History of Britain to 1660
• HIST 391 Reformation
What is your primary area of research, and your latest publication(s)?
My research areas include the following: Early Modern Europe (1350-1750), Early North America (1350-1830), and Native American History in North America.
My current research project:
Cherokee Spirituality and Hymnody: Indigenous Responses to the Gospel in Early Nineteenth Century America.
Specifically, one article and one book:
"Creator and Community in the First Cherokee Hymn”. (Du-yu-dv-i): The Gospel and Cherokee Hymnody in the Late Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Century. (Book length manuscript).
My Recent Publications include:
“Teaching Native American Spirituality” in Understanding and Teaching Religion in American History, edited by Karen Johnson and Jonathan Yeager. (University of Wisconsin Press, June 2024). And, We Belong to One Another: Reconciliation in Cherokee Hymns and Worship NAIITS: Journal for North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (2015-6).
What is your cultural background/heritage and what do you like to do in your leisure time?
European-American (German, English, Scottish). My husband and son are citizens of the Cherokee Nation Oklahoma and I like to read, travel with my family, and care for our very stubborn but lovable corgi Sydney.
Looking Back
The College hosted Dr. Ann Wachira as a visiting scholar from Kenya. Dr. Wachira’s research focused primarily on education. An administrator in her home institution of Daystar University in Kenya, Wheaton College welcomed her with a reception attended by several colleagues. With a winsome smile and inviting manner, Dr. Wachira made many friends in the short span of the semester. It was my pleasure to join her most Sundays for worship at Church. A few times, we enjoyed brunch after the Service. Dr. Wachira was open-minded and enjoyed trying American cuisine. Most memorable was her first experience with snow. In spite of being “so cold”, she thought the snowfall was actually “very pretty”.
The Office of Intercultural Engagement (OIE) sponsored the AAPI Alumni Conference, the third in a series of Multicultural Alumni Consultations - African American in 2023, Hispanic/Latino(a) in 2024, AAPI (Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander) in 2025.
OIE works consistently with the Office of Multicultural Development (OMD) to support the director, Dr. David Cho, and his staff in strengthening the Multicultural Student Communities.
In addition, OIE supported Koinonia Student Organization by funding their annual Asian Festival. With cultural arts, crafts and food items, the festival was amazing!
OIE partnered with the Chaplain’s Office to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to support a symposium and luncheon organized by Chaplain, Dr. Angulus Wilson. Symposium speakers included graduate students from the Preaching Lab and Dr. Vanessa Quainoo served as keynote for the luncheon….And, we partnered with the Chaplain’s Office to welcome the daughters of one of our beloved giants of the kingdom, Dr. John Perkins. Along with a member their staff, they spoke in chapel and graced the campus with a spirit of thanksgiving and love.
The Office of Intercultural Engagement does not discriminate and serves the entire Wheaton College Community. All events sponsored by the OIE are open to everyone.
William Osborne Society
The William Osborne Society, the African American Student Organization led the chapel in worship in January. The president of Willie-O (as it is affectionately called), Ricky Grey, was the lead voice in a spoken word directed by Associate Professor of Music and Associate Dean of the Chapel, Dr. Donte Ford.
The spoken word included a litany written by Dr. Vanessa Quainoo. It is a tribute to Lift Every Voice and Sing. The cherished hymn is the Black American National Anthem, with words written by James Weldon Johnson and the music by his brother John Rosemond Johnson.
Intercultural Engagement in the Classroom
Some examples of how professors are including intercultural engagement in their curricula include Dr. John William Trotter, Conductor of Wheaton College Concert Choir and the John and Anita Nelson Distinguished Chair of Sacred Choral Music and Conducting leads his students on an immersion weekend that includes interfacing with Gospel music at an African American Baptist Church in Chicago. Professors Dan Hasse and Tom Martin include a unit on African American poetry in their English class. Dr. Vanessa Quainoo was a guest sharing her poetry in one of the classes during Spring semester and she also shared in the African American Literature class taught by Professor Dyanne Martin.
Koinonia Student Organization
The KSO led the chapel in a deeply worshipful service. Koinonia president, Lauren Chang facilitated the service and Wheaton College Provost, Dr. Karen Lee, spoke on the theme, “The Miracle of Rain.” An internationally respected poet, Dr. Lee’s message was an eloquent reminder of God’s faithfulness and great care for His Body, The Church. Dr. Lee explained, “We do not take for granted the gushing sounds of the rain and the river, cleansing geysers of life against drought.” She concluded with an excerpt from a beautiful original poem inspired by I Kings 18, titled, A Rainfall.
Even a small cloud the size of a hand, Rises from the West
Rolling in from the far-away sea.
Wheaton College hosted the Leaders Like Us (LLU) Conference
Multicultural leaders in Christian Education gathered from all around the nation and several countries for the Leaders Like Us conference. Wheaton contributors to the conference include Silvio Vazquez, Chief Enrollment Services Officer, and Dr. Theon Hill and Dr. Vanessa Quainoo served as keynote speakers. Founder and Director, Tia Gaines remarked, “We are so thankful to Wheaton College for hosting Leaders Like Us.”
The OIE supports Dr. Paul Chelsen
Vice President Chelsen of Student Development leads his staff in caring for students with immigration concerns. This includes attentive work by Jerry Woehr, director of International Student Programs (ISP), and others who work closely with our global students who are in the U.S. on student visas.
OMD Spring Banquet... Alice in Wonderland
In a vibrant, colorful nod to Alice in Wonderland, the OMD sponsored their annual Spring Banquet in Coray Gym. Tastefully decorated in soft pastels and Spring flowers, the seniors, and graduate assistants who will complete their terms in May were honored and in turn, the students honored the OMD staff.
Wheaton College Gospel Choir Spring Concert
With a full auditorium, students of the Wheaton College Gospel Choir worshipped and praised the Lord in the soulful style that is characteristic of Gospel music. For the second portion of the concert, WCGC joined with their guests, Legacy of Love for a tribute to a former member of the choir who is now with the Lord, Jeremiah Trusty(Class of ’04). WCGC is under the direction of Ms. Tanya Egler. Featured as special guest lead singer, Tanya’s Mother, Mrs. Phyllis Weeden Oliver brought the audience to their feet as she led the choir in an acapella medley titled Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound. No stranger to Wheaton College, Mrs. Oliver has contributed many moments of praise and worship unto the Lord as a guest singer. Wheaton College extends gratitude to Tanya and her Mother and other members of her talented family who have served in music ministry for many years. WCGC is a wonderful testimony of God’s beautiful kingdom. The students are what makes the choir special. Coming from many different cultures and backgrounds, even from various nations, they sing as one voice lifting praise to our God and uplifting the hearts of the Wheaton College campus community!
The Historical Review Implementation Task Force
The committee completed a two year commitment of helping the campus to engage with the Historical Review. The third public event, coordinated by Dr. David Lauber was held in March. A symposium of Wheaton College theologians, addressed the theme Reading the Whole Bible with the Whole Church. The Panel included Dr. Danny Carroll (Rodas), Dr. Esau McCaulley, Dr. Jordan Lee, and Dr. Amy Peeler who also served as the moderator.
Rev. Greg Anderson, Graduate Chaplain, Dr. Paul Chelsen, Vice President of Student Development, and Dr. Vanessa Quainoo at CCCU Mac2 Conference, Atlanta, GA.
In the Graduate School...
In the Office of Multicultural Graduate Student Programs, Ph.D. Candidate Jadisha Vargas Correa hosted a Latino lunch break with homemade cultural dishes. According to several graduate students, “the food was delicious!”
Graduate Chaplain Greg Anderson invited members of the faculty and administration to worship with graduate students. The International Grad Chapel was a beautiful mosaic of languages, cultures, and ethnicities that represent the Kingdom of God.
Graduate Student Accolades…Among the many graduates… Billye Kee and Destini Battle, graduated with Masters degrees. Gloria Yoon will begin a graduate program at Columbia University in the Fall. Ato Manful was the graduate ceremony student speaker. Ato earned the Masters in Psychology and has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in Psychology at the University of Georgia, and Stevener Gaskin was accepted into the Wheaton College D.Min program… and so many more achievements… Congratulations to all!
Looking Ahead
CCCU Imago Dei Conference Indiana Wesleyan University, October 8-10, 2025
Join Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) educators as they gather at the Imago Dei Conference to reflect on the theme, “Pursuing Biblical Diversity, Belonging, and Hospitality.” The conference will include keynote sessions and workshops that showcase research and best practices on strategic campus transformation that will meet the needs of all students (www.cccu.org).
Welcome New Members of the Family
We give thanks to the Lord for the precious babies born this semester. Among others, Hunter and Destini Benson welcomed their son, Elliott John Benson. And Dionntai and Kristine Holyfield welcomed their son, Titus Holyfield.
Congratulations!
Future Wheaties?
