Want to learn more about the new faces you've seen around campus? We asked 15 new employees to tell us a little about themselves.

Marielle Belhassen, instructor in foreign language
Universite des Lettres -- Aix-en-Provence, France

Marielle is no stranger to Elon. Before spending the last seven years at High Point University, where she taught both French and Spanish, she enjoyed a two-year stint at Elon. This time, she won't be teaching French, but will focus her energies solely on Spanish.

When she's not working, Marielle enjoys exercising, researching on the Internet and translating. She is married to Julio Flores, and they have one son, Ilan.

Marielle is impressed with Elon's intercultural program. "There are a lot of efforts to help other cultures," she says.

Jim Beuerle, assistant professor of math
Ph.D., SUNY -- Binghamton

Jim was a visiting professor at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., before coming to Elon. Among his professional interests are group theory and computer applications dealing with math. He also enjoys golf, "Star Wars" literature and the music of Pink Floyd and Enya.

Jim's wife, Lisa, is an instructor in math at Elon. He enjoys the close atmosphere of the math department as well as the opportunities Elon offers. "I like the ability to expand in every direction here," he says.

Lisa Beuerle, instructor in math
B.A., M.A. Teaching and M.A., Binghamton University

Lisa comes to Elon after working as a math instructor at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania. Her husband, Jim, is an assistant professor of math here at Elon.

When she isn't working, Lisa enjoys kickboxing, running and reading. Her favorite books are Jane Eyre and Harry Potter books, and she enjoys listening to Sarah McLachlan.

The feeling of family at Elon was one of the qualities which impressed Lisa, she says. "And North Carolina is just beautiful," she adds.

Crista Coles, assistant professor of math
Ph.D., University of Cincinnati
B.S., Allegheny College

While a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati, Crista spent two years teaching at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. She appreciates the small class sizes at Elon, and she enjoys the amount of time she is able to work individually with her students.

Crista is an applied mathematician and is interested in numerical analysis and undergraduate research. She enjoys playing soccer and reading comparative religion and math history books.

Sue Cox, secretary of annual giving, alumni and parent relations

Because of her husband's job, Sue and her family made their 10th move within North Carolina when they came to Burlington three years ago. She was attracted to Elon through word-of-mouth and enjoys working here. "I also like the benefits the college provides for my family," she says.

Before taking this job, Sue was a kindergarten assistant at Hillcrest Elementary School. She and her husband, Gary, have two children, Ashley, 15, and Matthew, 12. Sue loves to cook and often brings in baked goodies for her co-workers. She also enjoys reading and has coached Odyssey of the Mind teams.

Ann Curtis, mid-level provider -- health services
M.S., Georgetown University
B.S., University of Rhode Island

Ann worked at Westside OB-GYN in Burlington for five years before coming to Elon. She worked with several college students at Westside, which sparked her desire work on a college campus. "I want to be a person students feel they can come to," she says. A certified nurse midwife, Ann assists with newborn deliveries in the maternity ward at Alamance Regional Medical Center.

Ann enjoys reading historical novels and watching movies of the same genre. She and her husband, David, have three children, Sarah, 19, Jacob, 17, and Michaela, 14. The Curtises enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing in Colorado. They also enjoy taking in plays. "We are gone every weekend," Ann says.

Betty Garrison, reference/business librarian
M.L.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A., Meredith College

The new Belk Library helped draw Betty from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., to Elon. Elon's proximity to the Triangle and its reputation also attracted her. "We have a wonderful library here, and Elon's campus is beautiful," she says.

In her free time, Betty likes to garden, go antique hunting and play with her terrier, Charlotte. Her favorite author is P. G. Wodehose, and her favorite movie is "Some Like It Hot."

David Hibbard, director of news bureau -- college relations
B.A., Elon College

There's just something about Elon that keeps David coming back.

David, who worked as Elon's sports information director from 1993 to December 1999, had accepted a public relations position with the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation department in Charlotte. But the prospect of returning to Elon brought him back here in September. "This is home for me," says the 1989 Elon graduate. "I've spent nearly a third of my life here, between my undergraduate days and my professional career," he says.

David says Elon's upward swing in direction, as well as its people, are what he enjoys about working here. "The chance to branch out and learn something new is what is exciting about this position," he says. When he's not working, David enjoys watching NFL football, playing golf and traveling to visit friends and relatives.

Lesley Lancaster, secretary of psychology, sociology and human services

The quality of the academic program was just one of the things that drew Lesley to Elon. She came here after working in the law offices of John T. Orcutt in Raleigh.

Away from work, Lesley enjoys basketball and writing poetry. She prefers jazz and R&B music and lists "Shawshank Redemption" among her favorite movies.

Michael Luther, media technician
B.S., Appalachian State University

Michael is completing his master's degree in educational media at Appalachian State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He came to Elon because of the school's collegial atmosphere and its location. "I enjoy this part of North Carolina," he says.

Michael's interests include anything outdoors and music, particularly jazz. He also enjoys college basketball. While he doesn't list them as his favorite team (he says he doesn't have one), he follows the Duke Blue Devils closely.

Janet Myers, assistant professor of English
Ph.D., Rice University
M.A., University of Virginia
B.A., Kenyon College

Elon's emphasis on service learning and its sensitive community are what Janet says attracted her to campus. Janet recently completed her Ph.D. studies at Rice University in Houston. She taught part time at both Rice and the University of Houston.

Janet's research interests include 19th century British novels. Her dissertation examined the representation of British immigrants moving to Australia in these novels. Away from teaching, Janet enjoys hiking, in-line skating, camping and cooking along with her husband, Alan Moran.

Patricia Raduenz, head women's softball coach
B.S., Michigan State University

Patty joins the Elon athletics staff after one year as assistant coach with the UNC-Chapel Hill softball team. For three years, she played professional softball in Durham.

Away from work, Patty enjoys fishing, camping and watching NASCAR racing (Dale Earnhardt is her favorite driver). She listens to classic country music, and her favorite movie is "Urban Cowboy."

The athletics department's dedication to excellence is one of many things that drew her to Elon. She appreciates the professionalism of the athletics administration. "Dr. (Alan) White is a wonderful administrator," she says.

Carla B. Richardson, certified nursing assistant

Carla has worked in various medical offices, including cardiology, pulmonology, OB-GYN and urgent care. She grew up in Gibsonville, then moved to Savannah, Ga., before returning to this area just over a year ago. "When I found out this position was available, I was happy to be able to come back to the area," she says.

When she's not working, Carla enjoys spending time with her two sons, Zachary and Jarrod, and she stays involved in various activities at their school.

Eric Richardson, men's assistant basketball coach
B.S., Milligan College

After graduating from Milligan College in 1997, Eric spent three years as men's assistant basketball coach at Gardner-Webb University. Elon's beautiful campus and competitive men's basketball team made his decision to come here an easy one. "Those two things make it easy to convince recruits that Elon is a smart choice," he says.

Eric enjoys sports and likes to try his hand at golf. His all-time favorite movie is "Top Gun," and he listens to all types of music.

Mary Beck Sutton, associate director of career center
M.Ed., George Mason University
B.S.W., University of Georgia

Mary was assistant director of the career center at Meredith College in Raleigh before coming to Elon. "I know I made the right decision by coming here," she says, adding that she was familiar with Elon because of its membership in an academic consortium with Meredith.

Mary worked at N.C. State and on Capitol Hill before her career led her to Meredith. She continues to have an interest in politics as well as community service. She and her husband, Jeff, are active in their church. She also volunteers with youth and the elderly.

In her spare time, Mary enjoys reading, but says she "reads" most of her books on tape during her commute from Durham. She's a fan of the arts, and she is a member of the N.C. Museum of Arts.

New Part-Time Employees

Carrie Lynn Alter, adjunct assistant professor of art
LaRrelle W. Black, dispatcher (Campus Security)
Catherine L. Camp, adjunct instructor in math
Ronald O. Cardwell, assistant professor of accounting
Linda B. Clarke, librarian
James G. Crawford, adjunct instructor in history
Jacques Days, physician
Gina M. Desko, adjunct instructor in dance
William Fiss, adjunct instructor in psychology
Tacy S. Fleury, adjunct instructor in music
Samuel J. Griffin, security officer
Jo M. Grimley, adjunct assistant professor of chemistry
James P. Guyan, assistant soccer coach
Pamela Rae Henderson, adjunct instructor in music
James D. Jones, dispatcher (Campus Security)
John T. King, adjunct instructor in economics
Jinchao Kuai, visiting international faculty
Linda J. Lister, adjunct professor of music
Yvonne Lowne, physician
Caroline D. Nesaraja, adjunct assistant professor of physics
Mark T. Newsome, dispatcher (Campus Security)
Jean Elizabeth Roberts, visiting Fulbright scholar
Allison W. Russell, adjunct instructor in psychology
Jacquelyn Sgambati, head coach for women's cross country and track/field
Bart W. Smith, adjunct assistant professor of physics
Mark Smith, adjunct instructor of health education
Fritz Szabo, adjunct assistant professor of performing arts
Stuart Taylor, adjunct assistant professor of business administration
John G. Truitt, tram driver
John B. Weir II, adjunct instructor in English
Scott Youngdahl, adjunct instructor in foreign language