FVCC Welcomes New Faculty Members

Dr. Warneke comes to FVCC with a doctorate in mining engineering from the University of Missouri.  He spent six years working in the field, first as a mining engineer for Cargill Salt in Avery Island, La., and then as a research engineer for the Center for Disease Control’s Research Lab in Spokane, Wash.  Before teaching physics at FVCC this past year, he worked as a graduate research assistant at the University of Missouri.   Dr. Warneke grew up in the Kalispell area and is a graduate of Flathead High School. When he is not teaching, he manages and co-owns Gaynor’s Cabins in the Woods, a luxury resort located in the Whitefish wilderness.  Joel replaces long-time physics instructor Dick Schaus.

David Scott Smith brings a wealth of teaching experience to FVCC as a former ceramics and design instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University, Baton Rouge Community College, University of Louisiana and North Star Ceramic Center in Spokane.  Originally from Spokane, Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., and a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La.  Smith’s work has been featured in regional and national exhibitions including a recent solo exhibition titled, “Exhibition of Translucent Porcelain,” in Covington, La.  A former business owner of nine years of Foolish Fish Studio that specialized in custom tile designs, lamps, fountains, furniture and decorative art, Smith replaces long-time art instructor Jim Flaherty who retired last year after teaching ceramics and jewelry at FVCC for 38 years.  

FVCC alum Kurt Duffner joins the FVCC faculty for the 2008-2009 school year to instruct theatre and music courses and direct FVCC Theatre productions.  After earning a master’s degree in musical theatre from The University of Montana, Duffner returned to FVCC last year to teach and direct productions as an adjunct faculty member.  He was instrumental in FVCC Theatre’s 2007-08 smash hit productions of The Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop of Horrors in addition to regenerating and directing the FVCC Choir.  He brings to the position experience in stage management, lighting and set design, acting, directing, musical theater production, conducting, vocal performance and pedagogy. Duffner spent two summers serving as musical director at the Fort Peck Summer Theatre in Fort Peck, Mont.