Faculty-in-residence

At Augustana College, some professors (called faculty-in-residence) live on campus in apartments in the residence halls.

The faculty-in-residence aren’t responsible for enforcing rules, mediating roommate disputes or replacing lightbulbs; those are things a student's community advisor, or the Residential Life professional staff, can assist with. Instead, a faculty-in-residence's goal is to provide mentorship and holistic support to students.

If you’re looking for someone to discuss the big life questions with, consider reaching out to your faculty-in-residence.

First Year Experience

Michelle Crouch, Andreen Hall

I am a musician, and love teaching people to sing with greater freedom, beauty and courage. I love history, especially the way in which it unfolds in music.

I LOVE stories, especially old stories: fairy tales, myths, Biblical narrative, Homer, Dante, Shakespeare... I read poetry every day. I enjoy knitting and puzzles and games and cooking.

I love being a faculty-in-residence because it allows me to show hospitality to students in a way that is more convenient for them. 

My advice to Augie students is to have the courage to commit: commit to study hard, commit to real friendship, commit to becoming all you can be.

Anyone is welcome to reach out at michellecrouch@augustana.edu.

Second Year Experience

Çağlar Çetin-Ayşe, Vidar House (near Erickson) 

I am a sociologist and filmmaker from Turkey. I love sharing my experiences and perspectives as an international scholar and artist. I also love films (duh!) and exploring storytelling in different ways. One of my favorite things is talking with students about their artistic and creative projects.

My advice to students is to ask for help early and often. It may sound obvious, but there are so many people on this campus who are genuinely happy and ready to help anyone who reaches out. I believe every student should take advantage of the incredible resources and people around them.

I love being part of Augustana as a faculty-in-residence because it gives me the opportunity to connect with and support students outside the classroom. Being a mentor in the ALIVE (Augustana Leaders in Vocational Exploration) program is another rewarding part of this role and has been a wonderful way to build meaningful relationships with students. 

I live in Vidar House, across from Erickson, with my wife and our two kids. If you see me in the backyard playing soccer with my kids or jumping on the trampoline, feel free to say hi! You can also reach me at caglarcetin@augustana.edu or stop by my office in Evald 105.

Mariano Magalhães, Swanson Hall

I am a political scientist who loves helping students understand how people, communities, and governments make decisions. My academic interests include democracy, citizenship, political culture, and student voice in higher education. I am especially passionate about helping students develop a global perspective through travel, study abroad, and engagement with different cultures. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy running, traveling, collecting mugs from around the world, reading sci-fi/fantasy novels, and following current events.

I signed up to be a faculty-in-residence because some of the most meaningful learning and growth in college happens outside the classroom. I enjoy getting to know students as people, building community, and creating opportunities for deep conversations that might not happen during a typical class period.

My advice to students is simple: say yes to opportunities. Get involved in activities, attend events, study abroad if you can, get to know your professors, and don't be afraid to try something new. The students who get the most out of Augustana are usually the ones who are willing to step outside their comfort zones and make connections with others.

Students can reach me by email at marianomagalhaes@augustana.edu, stop by my office, or simply say hello when they see me around campus.

Mark Safstrom, Erickson Hall

I am a professor of Scandinavian studies and teach Swedish language as well as history and theology courses. My favorite part of working at Augie is how easy it is to connect with campus life and get to know students. I lead off-campus study away programs in Sweden and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and these have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my teaching career. You’ll often find me around campus at cross country meets, baseball games, concerts, and campus ministries programs.

My advice to students is to take advantage of the things that are uniquely Augustana, namely the things that you can do here that not many other schools offer. Check out our signature study away programs, opportunities to get involved with campus life, and unique course offerings…like Swedish!

I enjoy having conversations with students to check in about their school and their plans for life after college, often over a cup of coffee at The Brew. Contact me at: marksafstrom@augustana.edu.