August 18, 2025

Four longtime faculty and staff members awarded emeritus status

From classrooms to studios to campus leadership, four retiring Beloiters leave behind a legacy of scholarship, artistry, and community impact.

Francesca Abbate Francesca Abbate
Credit: Jishnu Guha ’13
Professor Emerita of English Francesca Abbate ’90, who dreamed of teaching at a small liberal arts college, returned to her alma mater in 2004. In the years since, she was a beloved teacher and mentor, inspiring her students through her love of literature and writing to become better readers and writers. Her courses spanned literary studies, creative writing, and critical identity studies.


Chris Johnson Chris Johnson
Credit: Trevor Johnson ’08
Since 1991, Professor Emerita of Dance Chris Johnson served Beloit as a beloved teacher, artist, advisor, and colleague. She taught dance and kinesiology. Dedicated to the success of her students, she received the James R. Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2002. Her artistic works made with students have been recognized at the highest level nationally and internationally.


Laura Parmentier Laura Parmentier
Credit: Howard Korn ’87
Professor Emerita of Chemistry and Biochemistry Laura Parmentier joined the faculty in 1991, and taught a variety of courses on food and health in addition to introductory, organic, and medicinal chemistry. She served as chair of the Program of Health and Society. Throughout her career, she was committed to student-driven construction of knowledge and inclusive pedagogies.


Cecil Youngblood Cecil Youngblood
Credit: Howard Korn ’87
Dean of Students Emeritus Cecil Youngblood began at Beloit College in 1997 as the head men’s basketball coach and retired as the college’s Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, and Chief Diversity Officer. He oversaw critical programs that embodied his commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. His impact was profound on the lives of countless students and colleagues.


Also In This Issue

  • Scott Espeseth, Dr. Richard K. and Gloria T. Nystrom Professorial Chair in Fine Arts, provides feedback to Nico McEnteer ’22 in his Introduction to Drawing and Design in 2018.

    Living the Dream

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  • Gayle Keefer in 2023 at home at The Clare on Loyola University’s Chicago Water Tower Campus.

    In Remembrance: Gayle Keefer

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  • Cover of Visions of Financial Order by Kim Pernell ’07

    Visions of Financial Order

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  • Cover of Welcome Back to the World by Rob Davidson ’89

    Welcome Back to the World

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