Faculty

Lisa J. Chrans is a Professor of Instruction and program coordinator in the Integrated Studies major

 Professor Chrans grew up in Virginia with a military family and transferred to Texas State University to complete her graduate degree in Speech Communication. She began her employment at Texas State University twenty-five years ago as an academic advisor, coordinator for the National Student Exchange program, and then full-time faculty member. She has previously taught Communication 1310 and University Seminar 1100. In 2007, she helped create the Bachelor of General Studies degree and its major courses, INTS 4360 & INTS 4361. Lisa has presented on the transition from senior student to working professional and continues to research best practices in career planning and development. She enjoys numerous hobbies, including reading, watching pro football (her cats are named Emmitt Smith & Peyton Manning), traveling, and animal charities. 

Erika K. Nielson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Integrated Studies Program

Dr. Nielson received a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University, an M.A. in Reading Education from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and a Ph.D. in Post-Secondary Student Success in Literacy from Texas State University. Dr. Nielson is also a yoga student of 28 years and a yoga teacher of 24 years. Her research foci include career preparation, educators and students engaging in mindfulness, self-compassion, and yoga practices, and their understanding and observations of those practices, as well as the literacy practices of adult learners. She has two adult children and two dogs, a Corgi and Corgi mix. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys karaoke, hiking, yoga, and going to the gym.

Autumn B. Guel, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Instruction

Dr. Guel instructs courses in Integrated Preparation, Integrated Project, Human Resource Development (HRD), and Adult Education. She earned a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Management from Regent University, an M.S.I.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Occupation, Workforce, and Leadership), and a Ph.D. in Adult, Professional, and Community Education from Texas State University. Complementing her academic achievements, she possesses certificates in Mediation, Professional Ethics, Teaching with AI, Online and Hybrid Course Design, and Enneagram Conscious Living.