2017 Distinguished Emeritus Faculty

Dr. Kenneth L. Hillier (Posthumously)

Retired: 1981, Professor Emeritus of Finance

Dr. Hillier dedicated 23 years of his life to teaching at ENMU, first as an assistant professor in business economics, later as a professor of finance. The husband and father of five came to ENMU in 1959. He wore many hats during his time on campus, as chair for the Department of Accounting, as a member on several faculty senate committees, and as a volunteer speaker to graduates of Air Force supervision classes. In 1966, he worked with Doug Stone to set up a 15-frame display of currency dating from colonial times, on loan from the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas.

Mr. Felipe E. Macias

Retired: 2012, Professor Emeritus of Theater

Felipe Macias held a number of positions within the ENMU Department of Theatre and Dance, including as designer/technical director for mainstage and studio seasons. During his 25-year tenure, he designed more than 140 productions, directed 27, and mentored over 75 student designs. He served as interim and department chair for eight years, and was active in campus and community committees, councils and professional associations. In 2002 ENMU honored him with the Spirit of Eastern Award, as well as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Advising in 2008. He is currently the technical director for the University of Mississippi Theatre Department.

Dr. Mark Isham

Retired: 2009 Professor Emeritus of Education

Dr. Isham came to ENMU in 1982 as an instructor of secondary education and dedicated himself to teaching foundations of education, educational research methods, educational history, educational philosophies, politics of education and more. Over the next 27 years he was a major contributor to the success of the Department of Educational

Studies. He coordinated the education foundations and secondary education curriculum areas, was the head writer for the 1998 and 2004 National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) reports, and completed a threeyear term as the department’s graduate coordinator.

Dr. Antony Oldknow

Retired: 2012, Professor Emeritus of English

Originally from Peterborough, England, Dr. Oldknow joined Eastern’s faculty in 1987 as an assistant professor of English, where he taught many undergraduate and graduate courses, directed theses, and completed mid-level administrative functions. He was a member of multiple committees and served eight years as the languages and literature department chair. In 1991, he received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service for his active involvement in the faculty senate and the Collegiate Renewal initiative. He is also a published poet, literary translator, painter, writer and small-press publisher.

Dr. Leslie Paternoster

Retired: 2015, Associate Professor Emerita of Nursing

One of the first of eight graduates in 1994 to complete ENMU’s BS in Nursing program, Dr. Paternoster returned to ENMU as the director of nursing in 2007. She took the lead in transforming the program to being totally online, which increased enrollment dramatically, and was instrumental in the creation of the ENMU master’s in nursing program that began in 2013. In 2014 she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Advising. Since retiring, Dr. Paternoster moved to Montana to be near family and enjoy time with her granddaughter. She has fallen in love with the beautiful mountain view and river near her home, and has married her longtime friend, Tom Harris.

Dr. Robin A. Wells

Retired: 2016 Professor Emerita of Special Education

Dr. Wells has dedicated 49 years to the field of education, and has committed her life to promoting early childhood education and supporting families who have children with diverse abilities. In 2009 she developed the ENMU master’s program for early childhood special education. She has given over 300 hours of her time during KENW- TV fundraising efforts, and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service. In 2011, the ENMU Foundation recognized her as Volunteer of the Year. She is a member of a plethora of local, statewide and national organizations promoting early childhood education.