In recognition of their commitment to teaching and their scholarly and creative contributions, the Ohio Dominican University Board of Trustees has approved the promotions of three faculty members for the 2023-24 academic year. The following promotions of the below individuals will take effect July 1, 2023. 

  • Janette Knowles, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor of Art – Promoted to Professor (already tenured)
  • Natalie Kompa, Ed.D.
    Assistant Professor of Public Relations – Promoted to Associate Professor (tenure-eligible)
  • Thomas Eveland, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor of Business – Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure

“I share my most sincere congratulations with these three outstanding faculty members and celebrate the occasion of their well-deserved promotions,” said ODU President Connie Gallaher. “Providing our students with the very best educational experience has been of paramount importance at Ohio Dominican over the past 112 years. Our faculty are key to helping ensure our students are equipped with the knowledge they need to lead successful careers and fulfilling lives. The dedication, commitment and passion demonstrated by Dr. Knowles, Dr. Kompa and Dr. Eveland has had a direct impact on the lives of their students, each of which are blessed to have such gifted and dedicated individuals providing guidance during their collegiate studies and throughout their life’s journey.”

About the Faculty

Janette Knowles, Ph.D.
Dr. Janette Knowles serves as chair of ODU’s Art and Design program and also as director of the Wehrle Gallery on campus. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Anthropology from Kent State University, a Master of Arts in Art History from The Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Art Education from The Ohio State University where she wrote about the role of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the education of women. Dr. Knowles spent a decade working in museum education departments including at The J.Paul Getty Museum, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the Columbus Museum of Art. She worked in the UNESCO World Heritage Archives of the Plantin-Moretus Museum and Printing House in Antwerp, Belgium where she studied the hand-written and printed ship manifests of the Dutch East India Company and researched the hand-painted copperplates of 16-17th century florilegia printed by the Plantin Press. Most recently, she has been researching historic plant dyes for textile production and using sustainable natural dye techniques for her fiber art work and weaving. She has been cultivating a natural dye garden for the past fifteen years and regularly gives lectures and workshops on the use of historic plant dyeing and sustainable practices in the textile studio. 

Natalie Kompa, Ed.D.
Dr. Natalie Kompa has taught Public Relations courses at ODU since 2002. During her time, she has created several Public Relations and Marketing Communications courses, including two focused on how to use new technologies in public relations. Dr. Kompa previously served numerous companies in executive PR management roles, including serving as a manager in the public affairs department for Borden, Inc. and as vice president of public relations at Huntington Bancshares, Inc. She formed her own consulting business in 1997 where she worked with mid- to large-size companies on enhancing their visibility. Dr. Kompa presents regularly on the effectiveness of public relations and the impact of the Internet. 

Thomas Eveland, Ph.D.
Dr. Thomas Eveland teaches online and on-site classes in business and finance and currently serves as director of ODU’s Graduate Programs of Business. Dr. Eveland’s past research centered on studying, writing about, and advocating for first-generation college students. More recently, he has focused on advocating for small businesses through industry service and writing about his experiences in the world of small business and higher education's role and effectiveness in preparing future entrepreneurs. Dr. Eveland is a member of multiple non-profit boards, has published in the United States and the United Kingdom, and he has presented at numerous academic conferences and industry events.