Nashville State Welcomes School of STEM Dean

Ferguson assumes Interim Dean Role in School of Business and Professional Studies

Nashville State Community College announces Dr. Shawn Barwick Wild as its new dean for the School of STEM. Her first day was July 1.

In addition to Wild, Christie Ferguson will serve as the interim dean for the School of Business and Professional Studies following the retirement of longtime leader Karen Stevenson. Ferguson is an assistant professor and director of the paralegal studies program.

Wild assumed responsibility of STEM from Associate Professor of Math Wesley Baxter and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Sarah Roberts, who stepped in after former dean Dr. Johannah Williams was named vice president for Academic Affairs and Workforce Development.

“I am excited to have Dr. Wild join our academic affairs team,” said Dr. Williams. “She has distinguished herself in previous enterprises and will bring a high level of experience and commitment to students, faculty, and staff, and a collaborative and thoughtful approach to her job.”

Williams continued, “Additionally, I am pleased that Professor Ferguson is serving as interim dean. Her relationships, knowledge of the School of Business and Professional Studies, and leadership of the Paralegal program will be an asset to the college.”

Dr. Wild joins the college after holding several positions at Bucks County Community College, including STEM division coordinator, associate professor of biology, associate professor and program coordinator of the neuroscience program, and part-time faculty.

Most recently, she has served several years as dean of the STEM Division. Wild was an adjunct faculty member at a few institutions before arriving at Bucks County Community College.

“I’m thrilled to be at Nashville State,” said Wild. “It’s an honor to be part of a student-centered institution focused on being student-ready and supporting all students as they pursue their goals. I look forward to getting to know and working with faculty and all my colleagues in support of the college’s mission, which at its core is about connection, personalization, and innovation.”

Nashville State’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) prepares graduates to think critically, ask questions, and seek answers and solutions.

Graduates can pursue a career in fields such as architectural, civil/construction, computer and electrical engineering technologies, the natural sciences, cyber defense, data analytics, programming, and industrial process control technology, to name a few.

Wild holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology with a concentration in neuroscience from East Carolina University’s School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in chemistry from Appalachian State University.

Her postdoctoral fellowship was with TEMPVA Research Group, Inc. and Texas A&M College of Medicine in Temple, Texas.