Welcoming Seven New Faculty Members
Stephens College is proud to welcome a dynamic cohort of new faculty members this year. Bringing expertise from the Broadway Stage, the Disney executive suite, the front lines of nursing and the cutting edge of molecular biology, these educators embody the Stephens spirit of innovation and heart.
Corey Wright | Assistant Professor of Dance | Head of the Dance Department
Corey Wright joins the Conservatory of the Performing Arts as a multidisciplinary director and choreographer with credits ranging from Disney to UCLA. For Corey, joining Stephens feels “inspiring, purposeful and right.” This year, he is launching a K-Pop class to explore the intersection of social dance and musical theatre, starting a Conservatory podcast, and seeking out the perfect local coffee shop. Beyond the studio, Corey is finishing his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a pursuit that informs his goal of helping performers maintain their mental well-being. He lives for the “aha!” moments, when a student proves their own perceived limits wrong!
Brian Guidry LeTraunik | Assistant Professor of Acting
With over forty years of experience across film, television, and theaters nationwide, Brian Guidry LeTraunik brings a master-level perspective to the Conservatory for Performing Arts. An actor, director, historian, and fight director, Brian is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) and literally wrote the book on the subject—A History of Contemporary Stage Combat. Whether he is directing classics like Hamlet or contemporary premieres, Brian’s multidisciplinary background as a SAG-AFTRA member and Registered Yoga Teacher ensures our theatre students receive a holistic, professional-grade education rooted in both history and physical craft.
Sumee Chang | Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies
Sumee Chang’s arrival at Stephens is a true homecoming; she rode her first horse at the Stephens Stables at just three years old. After a 25-year career as an executive at The Walt Disney Company and founding the American Mustang Project, she is “elated to return to Columbia. Sumee is dedicated to fostering a sense of discovery, helping students understand the boundless nature of the horse-human connection. She views teaching as a shared journey, noting that it “reinforces the journey to learn and continue to grow myself as much as the students.”
Erika Goellner, BSN, RN | Practicum Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Nursing
Erika Goellner brings a wealth of clinical experience to the nursing program, including five years in the ICU and 18 years as a bridge builder in the Missouri Army National Guard. She started at Stephens in May 2026 and focuses on ensuring her students graduate with the stamina and confidence required for high-stakes patient interactions. Erika finds her greatest joy in seeing students connect clinical theory with real-world practice, watching their confidence bloom as they master essential nursing skills.
Dr. Emily Lorenz | Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Returning to Stephens feels like a “full circle moment” for Dr. Emily Lorenz, who previously served as an adjunct before earning her PhD. Her primary mission this year is to bring experiential learning to life through community partnerships and projects. “I hope my students learn the important course concepts by seeing them in action,” she said. When she isn’t in the classroom, you’ll likely find her enjoying the Katy Trail or cheering on her three kids at their soccer games.
Dr. Abigail Kimball | Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Abby Kimball, a specialist in molecular microbiology, describes finding Stephens as “kismet.” As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about the Women in STEM Research (WiSR) Program, and she is aiming to provide students with the same life-changing research opportunities she had. Her goals include developing new coursework in evolutionary biology and immunology while fostering a classroom where students feel safe taking risks. A lover of nature, Abby recently rescued and raised 20 tadpoles in a backyard pond-though she warns her students that her “parasite facts” might haunt them for life!
Trisha Holt | Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Trisha Holt is an artist and designer who brings over 12 years of higher education experience to the Stephens Creative Hub. She is eager to dive into the college’s resources and share her love for printing and publications. Trisha thrives in deep classroom discussions, hearing the unique connections students make to art and design. Her adventurous spirit is best captured by a “fun fact” from a trip to Iceland, where she once found herself locked behind a private gate with a flight to catch. She said she unsuccessfully attempted to pick the lock with a rusted Swiss Army knife – before a local came and saved the day!
