Melody M. Pannell Archives - �� News

Royal Women for �� inducts six new members

Ryan Cornell with photos by Donovan Arnason ’26 — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Generations of women from across the �� community gathered at White Oak Lavender Farm on Sept. 18 to celebrate six women whose leadership and service have helped shape the university.

The fourth annual Royal Women Soiree drew more than 60 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university and welcomed six new members into Royal Women for ��.

This year’s inductees were:

Dr. Katherine Evans, professor of teacher education
Marci Frederick, former director of libraries, who was honored posthumously
Renee Leap ’83, senior associate director of financial aid
Dr. Melody M. Pannell ’97, GC ’19 (restorative justice), former professor and director of multicultural student services
Karen Moshier-Shenk ’73, former senior associate director of advancement
Audrey Shenk ’86, systems librarian

Each inductee was introduced by someone special in their life and presented with an honorary Royal Women pin and ribbon.

Karen Moshier-Shenk ’73, Dr. Katherine Evans, Renee Leap ’83, Audrey Shenk ’86, Marci Frederick, and Dr. Melody M. Pannell ’97, GC ’19 (restorative justice), were inducted into Royal Women for ��. Paul Cook, Frederick’s husband, accepted the honor on her behalf.

Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, ��’s director of alumni engagement and community connections and leader of Royal Women for ��, said the six honorees were selected for their contributions to the university and beyond.

“We felt like this was a good group of women we could celebrate in 2026,” Reed said.

Launched in fall 2023, Royal Women for �� builds connections, celebrates women’s leadership, and raises financial aid for �� students.

“It’s a time that we gather and network,” Reed said. “We have women who have been a part of Eastern Mennonite for decades, and then we have younger women as well. There are all different generations, which I love.”

One of those connections stood out to Reed as a highlight of the evening.

Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services and a 2025 Royal Women honoree, inducted Pannell, who previously led multicultural student services at �� and, as Reed described, “basically paved the way for Celeste.”

“Celeste talked about how, if it weren’t for Melody Pannell, she wouldn’t be in the position she is today or doing the work she does with Student Life,” Reed said. “I thought that was a very special moment for the two of them and for ��.”

Dr. Melody M. Pannell ’97, GC ’19 (restorative justice), former director of multicultural student services and assistant professor of social work, is inducted as a member of Royal Women for ��.

Pannell, now director of healthcare leadership education and community wellness at UVA Health in Charlottesville, described her induction as a “deeply significant and full-circle moment.”

“It is an honor to be recognized among a community of women whose gifts, knowledge, and leadership have shaped �� and empowered our students to become their most authentic selves in service to the world,” she said. “I am humbled to stand alongside them and to continue contributing to the legacy of resilience, justice, and compassionate leadership that defines ��.”

Pannell also is founder and CEO of Destiny’s Daughters Inc., a therapeutic and spiritual mentoring program focused on the healing of Black women and girls, and serves as board chair of Anabaptist World Inc.

She shared the moment with her niece, Kaziah Tillman, a first-year student at ��.

“Having her present to witness this milestone made the experience even more meaningful, reminding me of the enduring impact of our work and the bright future ahead for ��’s young women leaders,” Pannell said.

�� President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus delivers remarks during the ceremony.

The ceremony featured remarks from �� President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus, a member of the inaugural class of Royal Women inductees in 2023, and an introduction from Nathan Leopard, vice president for advancement.

For Shenk and Leap, both of whom have served �� for 40 years, the recognition also offered a chance to reflect on their long careers at the university.

“It was an honor to be recognized for 40 years of service and to be part of such a distinguished group of inductees,” Shenk said. “I was glad that library staff were well represented at the event.”

Leap said the relationships she has formed during her career in ��’s Financial Aid Office have shaped her both personally and professionally.

“I have been challenged, encouraged, and enriched by those relationships and have evolved tremendously as a person and professional,” she said. “I am indebted to and thankful for the �� community, and will treasure this honor.”

�� Royal Women for ��

Royal Women for �� is a networking and philanthropy initiative led by Reed and co-chairs Louise Otto Hostetter ’79 and Kay Nussbaum ’78. The initiative seeks to inspire visible leadership, bold investments, and empowering networks in support of ��’s future, with a goal of raising $70,000 for student scholarships.

Last year, Royal Women awarded its first student scholarship.

Learn more about the initiative at emu.edu/royal-women.

Guests mingle during the fourth annual Royal Women Soiree at White Oak Lavender Farm. More than 60 people attended this year’s celebration.

Past Royal Women inductees

2025

Isabel Castillo Ressler ’07, MA ’17
Deirdre Longacre Smeltzer ’87
Sara Monger, class of ’27 (posthumously)
Celeste Thomas

2024

Lois Bowman Kreider ’60
Julie Haushalter ’03
Margaret “Peggy” Webb Christopher ’54 (posthumously)
Theda Good ’06
Noussaiba “Noussa” Garti ’25

2023

Susan Schultz Huxman
Tynisha Willingham
Lee Snyder
Esther Augsburger ’72
Hannah Mack Lapp ’66
Pat Swartzendruber
Sheryl Wyse ’68
Beryl Brubaker ’64
Dorothy Jean Weaver ’72
Nancy Heisey ’94
Sara Wenger Shenk ’75
Leymah Gbowee MA ’07
Mim Mumaw ’61
Kay Nussbaum ’78
Louise Otto Hostetter ’79
Shannon W. Dycus
Jackie Font Guzman
Carrie Bert ’97

‘Expanding the Legacy, Enlarging the Tent’: Annual faculty-staff conference draws community to Centennial themes

Lauren Jefferson — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:29:09 +0000

�� faculty and staff dipped their hands into bowls of water as they received a blessing on their work for the coming year. The sacred ritual concluded the Aug. 15-16 faculty-staff conference which opens each academic year with worship, singing, plenary and breakout sessions, shared food and shared stories.

The final blessing, offered by Undergraduate Campus Pastor , included a prayer for each attendee, the students from all faiths and backgrounds who would begin arriving on campus that day, and — in acknowledgement of — for courage to confront “systems of racism that destroy rather than build the Kingdom of God.”

President Susan Schultz Huxman dons one of three pairs of glasses during her keynote address.

This year’s theme — “Expanding the Legacy, Enlarging the Tent” — emphasized integrating ��’s history and traditions with a vision for its second century; the conference also officially launched ��’s celebrations.

Strong vision

President donned three different types of eyewear during her keynote address to illustrate the “special kind of seeing we do in Anabaptist Mennonite schools … more clearly, deeply and widely.” [Listen to the .]

�� is well-poised with “strong vision and high purpose” for the future, she said.

Merging perspectives of hindsight and foresight with Anabaptist-inspired insight, she noted ��’s strong and vibrant historic legacy; a robust, holistic and distinctive education that includes cross-cultural study and faith formation; and a cohesive, faith-filled community of faculty and staff.

“We have just begun to promote a vibrant future of counter-cultural Mennonite education, one that prepares our students for relevant and in-demand careers and meaningful spiritual lives shaped by the reconciling love of Jesus,” Huxman said.

While praising ��’s entrepreneurial spirit, epitomized in pioneering professor emeritus and philanthropist Margaret “Speedy” Martin Gehman and Alumnus of the Year , Huxman noted new academic offerings: the program, offered collaboratively with Goshen (Indiana) College, as well as the new four-year and a neuroscience minor.

Approximately 380 new and returning employees participated. The fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 28.

Many voices

Faculty and staff fill Lehman Auditorium Aug. 15 to hear President Susan Schultz Huxman’s keynote address.

A panel of respondents to Huxman’s speech included , , and . The final session of storytelling, a much-loved tradition, included , , , and .

Special guest Donald B. Kraybill provided a one-hour preview of his forthcoming Centennial history, ��: One Hundred Years of Counter-Cultural Education (Penn State Press, 2017) to be released at the Oct. 13-15 .

Four breakout sessions highlighted influential programs, themes and concepts:

— Professors and traced the history of racial-ethnic diversity at ��, with special attention to current diversity trends and shifting paradigms. They asked, “How could and should paradigms and power structures shift? How can and should our new diversity help us more fully understand and realize the radical nature of our Anabaptist values?” Click here to .
Professor Peter Dula addresses a packed room during a presentation and discussion of ��’s motto “Thy Word is Truth.”
Drinking in Knowledge at the Source: ��’s Cross Cultural Program — A panel of five experienced cross-cultural program leaders discussed one of ��’s most unique academic programs and included , professor and interim cross-cultural program director; , program assistant; , emeritus professor; , cross-cultural leader and adjunct instructor; and professors and .
Creating a Beloved Community at ��: Organizational Culture as Blessing and Barrier — Professor discussed culture and sub-culture identities as both assets and liabilities. He invited the group to list both blessings and barriers to ��’s culture (and multiple sub cultures), noting that you must first understand your own organizational culture before you can interpret for — and thus fully integrate — newcomers.
“Thy Word is Truth”: Old Song, New Tune — Professor , associate dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and Professor discussed “word” and “truth” as the biblical writer imagined these words, and engaged with ways that the motto speaks to �� at 100 years.

Marching From the Margins: A perspective on the Women’s March on Washington as a radical Anabaptist womanist

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:20:24 +0000

Melody M. Pannell, assistant professor of social work at ��, talks about marching with her family members from New York City, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and Harrisonburg, Virginia — “North, South, Liberal, Conservative, White and Black all marching together.”

Scholars from Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses attend ‘Women Doing Theology’ conference

Randi B. Hagi and Lauren Jefferson — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 18:23:53 +0000

In a photo taken outside the Women Doing Theology Conference last month, student Karyn Nancarvis flexes her muscles and grins. Nancarvis attended the conference in Leesburg, Va., with nine other students from Eastern Mennonite Seminary campuses in Lancaster and Harrisonburg, as well as undergraduate students from �� (��).

Being with other women “doing theology” was a profound experience, even for this woman working on her Master of Divinity degree through EMS Lancaster. She works part-time at Akron (Pa.) Mennonite Church as interim director of children and youth ministries.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary students from Lancaster at the “Women Doing Theology” Conference. From left: Gina Burkhart, Thobekile Ncube, faculty member Elizabeth Soto and Karyn Nancarvis. (Courtesy photo)

In short, she “does theology” all the time. But not always with only women and not in such a powerful space, which explains the “pumped-up” delight.

“The time spent with such a diverse group of amazing women of race, age, life stages, lifestyle choices and color brought me courage, strengthened my faith and secured a safe space to share and be engaged,” Nancarvis said.

Similar thoughts were shared by Elizabeth Witmer, a sophomore major and in the �� residence halls.

“It was wonderful being in a place where I felt I could truly be myself, where I could express all parts that make up who I am,” she said. “That’s the first time I’ve felt that I’ve been able to do that in a church setting.

The conference is a periodic event hosted by the Women in Leadership Project of Mennonite Church USA. The students’ registration fees were sponsored by EMS, �� Campus Ministries, and women within the Lancaster Mennonite Conference.

Professor: ‘essential’ empowerment happens at women-only events

�� professors and , EMS Lancaster faculty member Elizabeth Soto, and �� Lancaster Associate Provost also attended. Pannell, who teaches in the , presented on “Womanist Theology from an Anabaptist Perspective” and “RAW Monologues: Stories from Radical Anabaptist Women overcoming sexism within the church.”

Heisey, in her first year as , teaches in the . “It is essential for women to listen to each other as we work out our understandings of God, and our relationships with churches,” she said.

The conference theme, “I’ve got the power: naming and reclaiming power as a force for good,” was a hot topic for the attendees.

Madison List, a senior major, was inspired by a story told by Sue Park-Hur, pastor at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Upland, Ca.

“Blessing and not cursing puts the power in our courts,” recounted List. Heisey also found that to be “the most energizing story” of the weekend.

Kate Kauffman, a first-year major with minor, grew up very involved in the church. She saw a recurring theme in conference conversations : “power brings up our stories of pain … How pain is at work in how we relate to each other is something I’ve been processing a lot in sexism and in racism.”

Thobekile Ncube, a Lancaster seminary student, said that the word “power” has negative connotations for women in her home country of Zimbabwe. There, women are expected to “be silent laborers,” she said.

“That conference planted a seed in me,” says Ncube. “We can do more than what the culture expects us to do. I can encourage them [her countrywomen] to help each other. I can train them to have confidence in themselves.”

Conceptualizing the ‘doing’ of theology

Heisey has been attending Women Doing Theology conferences, through their various names, since the 1970s, and says that embodying theology has been the direction of movement. “The understanding of how women do theology has been broadened, so that it’s not just academic theology in the traditional sense.”

Elizabeth Soto, the Lancaster faculty member, said the conference was “not only a rational exercise of our brains, but an integration of our minds, body and soul … Lancaster students have shared that it was a valuable experience because they did not see themselves as women leaders doing theology before, and were afraid they would not fit in. This was clearly not the case. The concept of how women do theology was extended, and they were able to see how they are doing theology in a legitimate way in their daily life.”

Other students attending the conference included:

Gina LaVoyce Burkhart, of Manheim, Pa., associate pastor for Landisville Mennonite Church and a seminary student in Lancaster;
Rebekah Nolt, a seminary student in Harrisonburg;
Christina Hershey, senior, major and residence hall pastoral assistant;
Janaya Sachs, senior, major, pastoral assistant;
Alexa Weeks, junior, elementary education major, pastoral assistant.

�� welcomes twelve new faculty members for 2015-2016 academic year

�� communications staff — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 18:50:52 +0000

�� (��) welcomes 12 new faculty to the ranks for the 2015-16 academic year. The new faculty, announced by , provost; , vice president and seminary dean; , vice president and undergraduate academic dean; and , vice president and dean of graduate and professional studies are:

Abigail Berkey, PhD, visiting assistant professor of biology

Berkey earned a bachelor’s degree in pre-professional zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master’s in integrative biology from University of Illinois. She completed her PhD in ecology, evolution and conservation biology from University of Illinois in 2015. Her interests lie in wildlife, ornithology and ecology. Berkey has previously served at University of Illinois as an adjunct instructor.

Marcille Frederick, director of Sadie Hartzler Library

Frederick has served as a librarian at several institutions, including Trinity Christian College, The King’s University College and Institute for Christian Studies. She earned a bachelor’s in history from Beloit College, a master’s in American history and a master’s of library science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also earned a master of philosophy degree in historiography and philosophy of history at the Institute for Christian Studies in Ontario. As a librarian, she loves bringing people together to create community around ideas and sharing resources to nurture deep reflection and coming alongside as a teaching and mentor.

Samuel Wai Johnson, Jr., visiting instructor of economics

Johnson earned a bachelor’s in economics from University of Liberia and a master’s degree in economics from Ohio University. He anticipates completing a PhD this year at George Mason University School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He brings experience as a visiting scholar at �� in the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding program and as a visiting adjunct at University of Liberia. Johnson’s expertise and interest are in economic dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding, economic development and post-conflict development finance.

Lisa King, instructor of nursing

King earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing at �� and a master’s in nursing leadership and management also at ��. She brings nursing experience in the hospital along with specific training and certification in advanced cardiac life support and end of life and pain management. She has served as an adjunct nursing instructor previously in the nursing program at ��.

Audrey K. Myers, assistant professor of the practice of nursing

Myers bring nursing experience in the hospital setting, both as a nurse and as a pediatric nurse practitioner, to previous instructional positions in ��’s RN-BS nursing completion program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at ��, and two degrees from University of Virginia: a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s degree as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Melody M. Pannell, assistant professor of social work

Pannell returns to ��, where she was director of multicultural services from 2003-2008. She earned master’s of divinity and master’s of education in Christian education at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology this year. Pannell brings experience as a counselor in the university, in-home, youth and clinical counseling. Her interests include church ministries and expertise in diversity and multicultural relations. She also holds two degrees in social work: a bachelor’s from �� and a master’s from Fordham University.

Daniel Showalter, PhD, assistant professor of mathematics

Showalter brings international teaching and working experiences in a variety of rich cultural settings, including South Korea and Laos. He earned a bachelor’s in mathematics from Urbana University, and a master’s degree in mathematics and a PhD in mathematics education from Ohio University, where he has been an adjunct professor and visiting assistant professo. His interest and passion lie in mentoring students in their personal, spiritual and professional paths. He values working with students holistically, whether teaching online or in the classroom.

Timothy Seidel, instructor of community and international development

Seidel brings experience in international peacebuilding and interfaith engagement, after a 10-year career with Mennonite Central Committee. Currently a PhD candidate at American University School of International Service, Seidel looks forward to “engaging students in critical reflection around issues of politics, development, and peacebuilding.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Messiah College, a master’s degree in international peace and conflict resolution from American University School of International Service, and a master of the theological studies from Wesley Theological Seminary

Michael Spory, assistant professor of art

Spory earned a degree in art from �� and completed a master’s in architecture in 2015. He brings experience as an architectural intern and worked in marketing at MennoMedia. Spory’s interests lie in freelance photography, architecture, graphic design and branding. He was selected as a Lilly graduate fellow from 2012-2015.

Johonna Turner, PhD, assistant professor of restorative justice and peacebuilding

Turner brings a wealth of teaching experience from K-12 schools in Washington D.C. to adjunct teaching of undergraduate and graduate students at University of Maryland. She has also taught at ��’s Summer Peacebuilding Institute. As founder and director of the Vision to Peace Project, she has been instrumental in teaching young people leadership skills to prevent violence and promote justice in their communities. Turner earned a bachelor’s degrees in interdisciplinary studies and news-editorial journalism at University of Missouri, Columbia. She earned a PhD in American studies at University of Maryland, College Park. In addition, she earned a graduate certificate in women’s studies at University of Maryland, College Park and an urban youth ministry graduate certificate from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Anna Westfall, assistant professor of art

Westfall earned a BFA in ceramic/sculpture from James Madison University and an MFA in ceramic/sculpture at University of New Mexico. Westfall brings prior teaching experience at ��, as well as Bridgewater College and Savannah State University. Her interests lie in ceramic and sculpture techniques, three and two-dimensional design, drawing, photography and small scale casting.

Laurie Miller Yoder, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry and chemical hygiene officer

Yoder earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry from �� and a PhD in physical chemistry at the University of Michigan. Most recently, she was lay minister at Lombard Mennonite Church and a communications coordinator at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center. In addition, she was an independent consultant at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. Her work and interests are in kinetics (rates) of gas phase (atmospheric) chemistry as well as the rates of biochemical solution phase reactions.

�� Offers ‘Taste’ of Gospel Music

Jim Bishop — Fri, 04 Feb 2005 05:00:00 +0000

"Unconditional," a gospel music group from New York City, will perform at a "Soul Food Cafe" 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building at ��.

The concert, part of Black History Month observances at ��, will feature artists Kimberly Joy Downing, first/second soprano; Krystal A. Livingston, alto/soprano; Annicia P. Thomas (alto); Kelly McKay Downing, bass; Dave Hosier, keyboardist; Douglas Deguire, drummer; Thomas Saunders, Jr. (bassist); and Chris Morgan (guitar/bass).

"What we’re seeking to do is provide a soul food restaurant atmosphere similar to what you’d find in New York City, with contemporary gospel music played during the meal and then the group performing afterwards," said Melody M. Pannell, director of at ��.

General admission is $5 – $3 for students with I.D. – which includes an array of home-cooked Southern soul food and the concert.

For more information, contact the multicultural services office at 432-4458.