Dr. Ethan Birney
Professor of History
Ethan Birney joined SMC’s Department of History and Anthropology this fall. He earned his doctorate in Mediaeval History from the University of St Andrews in Scotland and both his Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in history from Bob Jones University. While at St Andrews, Birney was a tutor for several classes and lectured in a summer program.
Dr. Taylor Brickley
Professor of Criminal Justice
Taylor Brickley joined SMC’s Criminal Justice Department this fall. Brickley earned his doctorate in criminology and criminal justice from the University of South Carolina, his Master of Science in criminal justice from Armstrong State University, and his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Radford University. Headed into his 10th year of teaching criminal justice, his prior teaching appointments include Western Carolina University, Mars Hill University, Armstrong State University, and the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Jesse Keyton
Professor of Mathematics
Jesse Keyton joins SMC’s Department of Math and Computer Science from the University of Arkansas, where he was a graduate assistant. Keyton earned his doctorate in mathematics at the University of Arkansas, in a subject called commutative algebra. With a deep enthusiasm for learning, Keyton co-organized the University of Arkansas Graduate Student Colloquium – a space for U of A graduate students to connect with their fellow graduate students. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Liberty University.
Ms. Christina King-Johnson
Professor of Business
Christina King-Johnson comes to SMC from Gardner-Webb University, where she was an adjunct faculty member for four years. King-Johnson is a Doctor of Business Administration candidate with a concentration in management at Anderson University. She earned her Master of Business Administration in human resources from Gardner-Webb University and her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Tennessee. She has completed course work in business administration at Savannah State University and in the experimental psychology doctoral program with a minor in statistics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Ms. Tania McDuffie
Professor of Mathematics
Tania McDuffie brings more than 28 years of teaching experience to SMC, teaching mathematics courses at Converse College, the University of South Carolina Upstate, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Spartanburg High School, and Spartanburg Community College. McDuffie earned both her Master of Education in mathematics and her Bachelor of Arts in economics from Converse College. In addition to her teaching career, McDuffie held several positions in Converse’s Academic Support Department; most recently, she was the Assistant Dean of Academic Support.
Dr. Dalicia Raymond
Professor of English
Dalicia Raymond brings both a comprehensive knowledge of medieval literature and a little magic to SMC’s English and Literature Department. Raymond earned her doctorate in English from the University of New Mexico, where she completed her dissertation, “The Magic of Love: Love Magic in Medieval Romance.” She earned her Master of Arts in literature and culture, Bachelor of Arts in English, and Bachelor of Arts in secondary education all from Oregon State University. Raymond’s previous teaching positions include instructor of record at the University of New Mexico, Oregon State University, and Linn-Benton Community College.
Ms. Karla Reed
Professor of Psychology
Karla Reed joined SMC’s Department of Psychology and Sociology this fall. Reed earned her Master of Arts in psychology from The Citadel and Bachelor of Science in psychology from the College of Charleston. She will complete her doctorate in educational psychology and research from the University of South Carolina in the spring of 2021. Her research focuses on improving educational and employment outcomes of underserved populations.