Four distinguished faculty members recently received promotion to full professor, a significant milestone recognizing their dedication to higher education: Craig Choma ’93, theatre; Cyn Kitchen ’00, English; Brandon Polite ’02, philosophy; and Barbara Tannert-Smith, English.

“These faculty exemplify the commitment to teaching, scholarly and creative work, and service at the heart of faculty life at Knox College,” Provost and Dean of the College Michael Schneider said. “The promotion celebrates their many accomplishments and recognizes the high regard in which they are held by their peers.”

Professor of Theatre Craig Choma ’93

Craig Choma received two Master of Fine Arts degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Knox College. He has been teaching at Knox since 1996, specializing in scenic and lighting design. His work as a theatrical designer centers on making stories visible and resonant through scenery, lighting, and props, often collaborating with students on professional productions. Choma regularly designs in Chicago and beyond, bringing real-world experiences back to his teaching. His lighting and scenic designs have been featured in various festivals and productions around the country, showcasing his innovative approach to theatrical storytelling.

Professor of English Cyn Kitchen ’00

Cyn Kitchen has taught creative writing, fiction, and non-fiction at Knox College since 2006. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Spalding University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Knox College. Her work often explores the complexities of personal experience, as she is drawn to the raw honesty of memoir writing. Kitchen has dozens of published works throughout her career, including short story collections and various works in anthologies and literary magazines. She has been recognized for her writing with honors such as the Davenport Prize in Poetry and a top 10 finalist for the South Million Writers Award.

Professor of Philosophy Brandon Polite ’03

Brandon Polite has taught philosophy at Knox College since 2007. He earned his Ph.D. and Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Knox College. Polite specializes in aesthetics, the philosophy of art and music, and Greek philosophy. He is currently editing Taylor Swift and the Philosophy of Re-recording, set for release in 2024. His research has been published in various journals, including the British Journal of Aesthetics, and showcased in conferences around the country. Polite is also active in the Knox community, serving as a faculty advisor for multiple student organizations. He received the Faculty Exceptional Achievement Award in 2021–2022.

Professor of English Barbara Tannert-Smith

Barbara Tannert-Smith, a faculty member at Knox College since 1997, teaches creative writing and children's literature. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts. Tannert-Smith has published articles in Children’s Literature, CHLA, International Research in Children’s Literature, and other journals, and presented her work at literature conferences around the country, including the Children's Literature Association Conference. She is also active in the Knox community, most recently serving on the College Honors Board and Student Activities Committee.

All promotions come into effect on September 1, 2024.