New SCC faculty members demonstrate continued standard of excellence

Published: 10/13/2015

New faculty members include Lindsay Brand, instructor of English/literature; Debra D’Arcy, instructor of nursing; Deepika Jagmohan, associate professor of computer science; Davida Murphy-Smith, assistant professor of nursing; Emily Steffen, instructor of nursing; and Kimberly Willbrand, assistant professor of accounting. 

Get to know a few of the new faculty: 

Debra D’Arcy

Debra D'Arcy, SCC nursing and allied health instructor, brings a vast array of nursing experience to the SCC. Most recently, Debra worked as an AHA Training Center coordinator where she focused on teaching instructors. Her career has taught her that everyone learns differently – which she sees as an important attribute for any instructor. She completed an Associate Degree Nursing program and continued to work on her Bachelor of Science nursing degree at Purdue University-Calumet Campus. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Missouri with a specialty in public and community health and school health. She is nationally certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a clinical nurse specialist in public and community health and is a nationally certified nurse. “I became a nurse because I love helping people,” she said. “What led me to SCC is I love to teach people how to save lives.”

Deepika Jagmohan

Deepika Jagmohan, associate professor for computer science, comes to SCC with more than 12 years of experience as a computer science instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and five-plus years of industry experience as a software engineer and developer. Her parents taught her to value making a positive difference in others’ lives, which motivated her to pursue a career in education. Deepika holds a Master of Science degree in computer science from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in computer engineering from Mangalore University in India. “Teaching is the best way to make a constructive, life-changing influence,” she said.

Lindsay Brand

Lindsay Brand, English instructor, joins SCC with teaching experience in alternative programs for St. Louis County and City public schools, as well as adjunct experience at multiple regional community colleges. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in general studies from East Central Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Fine Arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. “As a community college graduate myself, I am a huge advocate for community colleges. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to offer people an opportunity to pursue their education,” she said.