By: Emily Haas, Alissa Smith, and Gabrielle Jones
A new academic year at Milligan means new faculty, including both new and familiar faces.
Alena Carhart
Alena Carhart is now an instructor of music and musical theatre in Milligan’s music department. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance from the University of Delaware.
Carhart, who is not a new face to the Milligan community, was adjunct instructor of music last year and directed The Marvelous Wonderettes last winter. This year she will be the assistant and music director of Freaky Friday.
“When I started working here last year, I liked how everybody knew each other and the home vibe of Milligan. Everybody is rooting for each other and very supportive, especially in the music department,” said Carhart.
Raised in Maryland, Carhart started out as a dancer, but could never remember the choreography and used a lot of facial expressions to make up for her lack of dancing. From there her dance teacher enrolled her in acting classes, which she loved. Later, a friend asked her to sing in a talent show, sparking her love of singing.
“I just want to expose them [students] to more opportunities and more of the world,” Carhart said when asked what she wants to bring to Milligan. Carhart’s favorite Disney song is “Let It Go” from Frozen and her favorite meal in the cafeteria is cheddar rounds.
Justin Ciralsky
Justin Ciralsky joins the Milligan community as an assistant professor of counseling. He has been a youth pastor and counselor for about 15 years before taking on his first teaching role at Milligan.
Ciralsky is a Milligan alumnus from the class of 2007. As a student, he played on the men’s soccer team. He said he was drawn back to Milligan because of the way faith is incorporated into education.
“Wonderful Wednesday” and the campus pranks are among his favorite student memories. His go-to meals in the cafeteria are grilled cheese and anything made by Dennis.
Ciralsky loves teaching and focuses on connecting the classroom with the real world by making knowledge practical for students to enjoy and learn.
James Dzuba
James Dzuba is a new faculty member in Milligan’s business department, where he teaches personal finance, principles of management, international business and corporate finance.
A Milligan alumnus, Dzuba earned his MBA in operations management and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in marketing and leadership at George Fox University.
In addition to being an alumnus, Dzuba said he was drawn to Milligan because of its mission and values.
“Teaching at a Christian university allows an approach that is drawn from practical experience in the corporate business world in culmination of academic theory, while placing a high value on generating a Christian lens for how to conduct oneself in the professional world — without leaving behind the most important calling: spreading the gospel,” Dzuba said.
He also works as operations manager of surgical services at Ballad Health, where he oversees multiple departments.
Cassie Swayne
Cassie Swayne joins Milligan as an assistant professor of nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in nursing from Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, Kentucky.
Swayne currently works as a certified nurse-midwife at HMG Seasons for Women. She previously spent 10 years as a registered nurse at the Palmer Family Birthing Center at Johnson City Medical Center.
Jonathan Lenarz
Jonathan Lenarz holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and physical education from Trinity Christian College, a Master of Science in sport management from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Juris Doctor from Trinity Law School.
He is currently a doctoral candidate in the sport leadership program at Concordia University Chicago.
He praised his colleagues and the thriving sport and exercise science department. Above all, he said he is eager to witness God’s work on campus and in the lives of students.
Lenarz’s expertise lies in sport law, a subject he will teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He will also lead courses in sport leadership, finance, marketing, facilities and events, and other subjects as needed.
Originally from Southern California, Lenarz’s career has taken him across the country. He and his wife, Jenny, have been married for 27 years and have two college-aged children who attend Christian colleges. The couple’s love for the mountains in this region was a significant factor in their move. “My wife and I love the mountains in this area and were ecstatic to have the opportunity to move here,” he said.
Photo 1: Alena Carhart on the piano in her office on 3 September, 2025 (photo by Emily Haas)
Photo 2: James Dzuba headshot, provided by James Dzuba from Milligan’s faculty directory
Photo 3: Jonathan Lanarz and his family playing disc golf last christmas in Arizona, photo provided by Jonathan Lanarz
