About the Kingfisher Institute
About the Institute
Beginnings
The Kingfisher Institute was approved in 2018, after more than two years of foundational work by faculty and administrators as part of the University-wide strategic planning process. January 2019 marked the official inauguration.
Offices are housed in the state-of-the-art School of Dentistry building. This represents the relationship between the professions and the humanities at Creighton.
The Institute will continue to expand as a center of excellence through aphased approach, which will incorporate feedback from the campus community on ways to best achieve the vision.
Inspiration
The Kingfisher Institute is inspired by the Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire," which Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, highlighted in his inaugural presidential address. In doing so, Father Hendrickson challenged all members of the Creighton community to exemplify their own humanity by seeking magis, or more, and doing justice.
Faculty and Staff
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| Tracy Leavelle, PhD Director 402.280.2652 | Charise Alexander Adams Program Manager 402.280.5169 |
Guiding Us in Our Mission
We’re thankful to the members of the Kingfisher Advisory Council for their insights and guidance. Their thoughtful perspectives help us move in the direction of our mission.
Current Members
| Patrick Murray, PhD Professor of Philosophy, John C. Kenefick Faculty Chair in the Humanities | Margo Minnich, DNP Assistant Professor, College of Nursing |
| Rachel Mindrup, MFA Resident Assistant Professor, Fine and Performing Arts, Richard L. Deming Endowed Chair in Medical Humanities | Audel Salazar, BA'16, MA'17 Instructional Designer, Center for Faculty Excellence |
| LaShaune Johnson, PhD Associate Professor, Graduate School (MPH program) and Associate Director, Creighton at Highlander | Richard L. Deming, MD’80 Physician, Medical Director of Mercy Cancer Center (Des Moines, IA) |
| Taylor Keen Heider College of Business Instructor | Kirk Peck, PT, PhD, CSCS, CCRT, CERP |
| Ayushi Kaul Creighton University School of Medicine student | Lizzy Curran Associate Director, Study Abroad and Special Global Programs, Global Engagement Office |
| Sarah Singletary Walker, PhD Professor of Management, Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | Janique Hayes, MPA Assistant Director, Mission and Ministry and Institutional Diversity and Inclusion |
| Nicole Piemonte, PhD Assistant Professor; Assistant Dean, School of Medicine (Phoenix) | Gaige Ash Heider College of Business Student, Economics BSBA Anticipated 2023 |
| Fr. Kevin FitzGerald, SJ, PhD, PhD John A. Creighton Chair, School of Medicine; Interim Dean, Graduate School | Annabel Huxtable College of Nursing Student, Anticipated 2025 |
| Christine Keith, DDS Assistant Professor, General Dentistry, School of Dentistry | Joy Doll, OT, OTD Program Director, Health Informations |
