The Redemptive Resilience of Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros headshot
Sandra Cisneros will be joining the 30th Anniversary Writer’s Symposium by the Sea for an afternoon workshop and evening interview with Dean Nelson. Sandra Cisneros is an American short-story writer and poet best known for her groundbreaking evocation of Mexican American life in Chicago in her New York Times bestselling book The House on Mango Street.

Jarl Turner, MBA

Professor Jarl Turner is a highly accomplished sales and marketing professional with over 30 years of experience in B2B sales, consultative selling, customer relationship management, project management, operations management, and leadership. He has a proven track record of exceeding goals, developing strategic partnerships, and managing complex projects; as well as leading successful teams. He possesses excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Jarl is actively pursuing a Ph.D.

Matt Hudson, Ph.D.

Dr. Mathew (Matt) Hudson began his role as an Adjunct Professor in 2023. He is an accomplished academic and business manager with extensive experience in proposal development, project execution, closeout processes, and financial planning and analysis. His diverse background spans aerospace, technology, manufacturing, education, services, and retail industries.

Matt’s specialties include Contract Management, Finance, Cost and Schedule Management, Accounting, Auditing, Marketing, Operations, Client Relations, Global Supply Chain, Proposal Development, and Real Estate.

Jason Hightower, CFA

In 2024, Jason began his role as an Adjunct Professor of Finance. A seasoned business economist and corporate financial strategist, he brings over twenty years of experience creating value at the intersection of finance and entrepreneurship. Jason’s hands-on approach comes from his background in owning, operating, investing in, and advising companies across a broad range of industries. Specializing in business and market opportunity analysis, modeling, and evaluation, he leverages these skills to guide capital allocation and strategic decision-making.

Austin Helton, MBA

Austin Helton joined the Fermanian School of Business in 2024, bringing a dynamic and diverse background in B2B marketing, client strategy, and e-commerce distribution. His professional journey includes significant roles in consulting, serving as a Chief Marketing Officer, and acting as Founder and CEO of successful companies that have since been acquired. His broad expertise in strategic leadership and entrepreneurship greatly enriches the academic environment.

Firas Dado, MAOL

Professor Dado joined the faculty as an Adjunct Professor in the summer of 2024. He brings extensive experience from the aerospace industry, where he has held strategic roles in supply chain and procurement management. Before his work in aerospace, Professor Dado gained valuable experience in sales, contributing to his well-rounded expertise in both operational and communication functions.

Murray Doig, MBA, CPA

Professor Doig joined the Fermanian School of Business faculty in August 2024. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) with a distinguished background in finance and accounting. His professional experience includes serving as a controller, an accounting and budget analyst, and a senior audit assistant, bringing a comprehensive and practical understanding of financial management and auditing to his role as an educator.

Tim Benefiel, CPA, M.B.A.

Tim Benefiel began his role as an Adjunct Professor in 2023, bringing a wealth of financial expertise to the classroom. His career at Point Loma Nazarene University began in 2015 as an Accounting and Budget Analyst. He was promoted to Senior Accountant in 2018 and further advanced to Associate Vice President for Accounting and Finance in 2021. Before joining the university, Tim gained over two years of experience as an Income Tax Accountant with AMN Healthcare and as an Accountant with Gatto, Pope & Walwick, LLP.