Dr. Albee recently celebrated her 19^th year of service to 番茄社区 University. Over her time with HLGU, Dr. Albee has served as the Division of Education Chair, Director of Assessment, Director of Teacher Education, and Distinguished Professor of Education.

鈥淎s a distinguished professor of education, a fixture in the HLGU and Hannibal communities, and one of the finest Christian women I know, I could not be more excited about Dr. Albee鈥檚 willingness to accept the Vice President of Academic Administration role in this transitional period,鈥� Dr. Matz said.

Dr. Albee earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education from Missouri Western State University, her master鈥檚 degree in professional studies in education (Gifted Education) from Iowa State University, and her Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in higher order literacy (diagnosing and remediating reading problems) and urban and policy studies in higher education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She began teaching at HLGU in the fall of 2003.

Dr. Albee was awarded HLGU鈥檚 Outstanding Faculty Member award in 2003, Mortar Board Society at Northwest Missouri State University, Parkway Distinguished Professor from HLGU in 2009 and 2018, and Distinguished Professor of Education from HLGU in 2020. She is only the second HLGU professor to receive the distinguished professor title. This title is awarded to HLGU professors who have achieved excellence and made significant contributions in their field. HLGU highlights this placement as, 鈥渁n honor bestowed on a person by the University President and Trustees,鈥� not one that is applied for as other rank advancements are.

She has co-authored a Reading Diagnosis and Correction textbook, published numerous articles, served in consulting roles for area school districts, has been invited to speak in several areas of literacy, and actively participates in several professional organizations to remain current in the field of education.

She is a member of the International Literacy Association, and Professors of Literacy and Teacher Education, and she holds Missouri Teaching Certification in Elementary Education and K-12 Math.

鈥淚 am both humbled and honored to serve the Lord, my highly esteemed HLGU colleagues, Dr. Matz, and HLGU in a new capacity,鈥� Dr. Albee said. 鈥淩elying on the Lord鈥檚 wisdom and guidance, I am excited for this new opportunity.鈥�

Dr. Albee is married to Mark, pastor of Edgewood Baptist Church in Bowling Green, MO. They have three grown children: Tim, who is in corporate business partnerships and lives in Kansas City, MO; Christina Argo (with son-in-law Jordan and grandchildren Morgan, Logan, Emma, and Ephraim), who is a licensed professional counselor in Arkadelphia, AR; and Ben (with wife Abby), who is a computer network engineer in Columbia, MO.

She enjoys serving the Lord as a pastor鈥檚 wife, VBS teacher, and ladies鈥� Bible study coordinator.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

鈥淒r. Dennis has proven to be a valuable addition to our executive cabinet. She accepted the interim position as vice president for academic administration and dean of faculty early this year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has demonstrated the ability to lead in crisis,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e are very excited to have Dr. Dennis in this new role. As a graduate of 番茄社区 University and a native of Hannibal she brings a wealth of experience and community relations that will serve the institution.鈥�

Dr. Dennis earned a 颅颅颅bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education from 番茄社区 University (2001) and a master鈥檚 degree in learning and instruction from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2003), and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University (2013). Prior to coming to HLGU as a faculty member, Dr. Dennis was a public-school teacher for the Jefferson City Public School District in Jefferson City, Missouri. During that time, she earned National Board Teaching Certification. After making the move to higher education, Dr. Dennis continued her excellence in the classroom, training future teachers, and expanded her influence by contributing to the academic field of teacher education. She has collaboratively published articles in several scholarly journals and presented to colleagues in state and national conference venues.

鈥淚 am both humbled and honored to serve the Lord by filling the role of vice president for academic administration at HLGU. I pray that God will use my gifts in administration for the advancement of his kingdom work and for the advancement of HLGU鈥檚 mission,鈥� said Dr. Dennis. 鈥淗LGU has meant a lot to me over the years. The faculty, staff, and students are a blessing to work with each and every day. I love the people here and I am happy to serve them as long as the Lord allows.鈥�

Alongside her academic efforts, Dr. Dennis is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hannibal. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles in children鈥檚 ministry, and she currently serves in the choir and as a praise team vocalist.

Dr. Dennis is married to her college sweetheart, Chris, whom she met while serving together in The New Edition, HLGU鈥檚 theatre ministry team. Together they have three children, Jachin (9), Jada (5), and Jaina (1).