SUNY Jamestown Community College recently welcomed six new full-time faculty for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Dr. Alicia Avelar, assistant professor of Biology, Cattaraugus County Campus
Avelar has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Texas Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and master's and bachelor's degrees in Biology from Illinois State University. Avelar comes to JCC from the University at Buffalo, where she worked as a research scientist.
Deborah Miller, Business & Accounting instructor, Jamestown Campus
Miller has a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College, and a bachelor’s in business administration from Houghton College. Miller comes to JCC from Jamestown Business College where she taught business courses. She will also have teaching responsibilities on the Cattaraugus County Campus.
Melanie Murphy, Nursing instructor, Cattaraugus County Campus
Murphy has a master’s degree in Nursing Education from Capella University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Capella University, and an associate degree in Nursing from JCC. Murphy has been teaching as an adjunct nursing instructor at JCC since 2022.
Mark Petter, Nursing instructor, Jamestown Campus
Petter has a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from SUNY Delhi, an associate degree in Nursing from Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, and an associate degree in Art from Hudson Valley Community College. Petter joined JCC as a Nursing project manager in 2023.
Dr. Jennifer Reeher, assistant professor of English, Jamestown Campus
Reeher recently completed a Ph.D. in English Rhetoric and Composition from the University of South Carolina. She also has a master’s degree in English Literary History from Ohio University, and a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Slippery Rock University. Reeher previously taught as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of South Carolina and Ohio University.
Dr. Krysta Rives, assistant professor of Health Information Technology, Jamestown Campus
Rives has a doctorate degree in Adult Education from Capella University, a master’s in Healthcare Management from Capella University, a bachelor’s in Health Management from Northeastern University, and associate degrees in Occupational Therapy Assistant and Individual Studies from JCC. Rives comes to JCC from Great Lakes Institute of Technology, where she was director of program development and curriculum, and previously taught as an adjunct at JCC.