Dr. Robert Durel
Professor Emeriti of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology

Dr. Robert Durel retired last May to take a path he didn’t take 40 years ago when he diverged from studying for the priesthood to becoming a sociologist. For 35 of those years, he was considered a godsend at Christopher Newport University.

He was devoted to teaching. To help students garner greater perspective on society, Dr. Durel challenged students’ life experiences and fostered their fresh ideas. He said, “My fondest memories are always of interacting with students, introducing them to new ideas and watching their personal growth.”

Dr. Durel grew to be an influential leader at CNU. He was dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies from 1982 to 1989. He received a Fulbright Scholarship and taught in Nigeria, living in an Islamic community.

Returning with new insights on education, he served as president of the Faculty Senate for two terms. “I have pleasant memories of working with colleagues – the discussions and debates, making sure we didn’t lose sight that our first goal is to teaching,” he said. “It was a very good 35 years.”

Education remains at the forefront of his new career. In 2003, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond ordained Dr. Durel as a permanent deacon and appointed him to the Parish of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Deacon Durel said, “Delivering a 10-minute homily has proven most challenging. As a professor, my lectures were 50 minutes!”

His wife, Dr. Arlene Stepnick, retired chair of nursing at CNU, shares his desire to travel, but both are amazed that “retired life” is so full!

Dr. Robert Saunders
Professor Emeriti of History

Dr. Robert Saunders admits he is an “archive rat” when searching historical documents for research and writing projects. Following a 30-year career at Christopher Newport University, during which he published a book on Woodrow Wilson, Dr. Saunders has indulged his passion for history. Since retiring in 2000, he revised and published his teaching notes on the American presidency, publishing “Power, the Presidency and the Preamble” in 2002.

In addition to his research and writing, Dr. Saunders keeps active professionally by consulting for Teaching American History grants, teaching seminars, and giving speeches. He has been invited to speak at the 150th anniversary of Woodrow Wilson’s birthday for the Jefferson Society in the Rotunda at the University of Virginia in November.

Dr. Saunders muses about the camaraderie with colleagues, Dr. Mario Mazzarella, Professor Tim Morgan and Dr. Theodora Bostick, over the years that they formed the nucleus of the department.  He also remembers with great satisfaction the traditional and many non-traditional students he taught at CNU. “They were very appreciative,” he said. He often runs into graduates of the CNU History Department who are teaching or doing other important work across Virginia, he said.

During his tenure, he received two Fulbright scholar teaching appointments, one in Singapore for 1980-81 and one in Hong Kong for 2000-01. He also was a visiting professor in 1994 at Charles University – the oldest university in central Europe – in Prague, the Czech Republic. Dr. Saunders and his wife, Shirley, reside in Williamsburg where the “archive rat” is sometimes caught playing golf or tennis.

Starting New Traditions at CNU

Dr. Shiladitya (Raj) Chaudhury
Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Computer Science and Engineering

Teleportation and warp drive are among the topics Dr. Raj Chaudhury likes to explore in his Physics Unveiled: The Mystery and Magic class. Designed to introduce non-science majors to modern physics, the course allows him to boldly go where no Christopher Newport University professor has gone before by examining the plausibility of certain Star Trek phenomena in light of discoveries in 20th century physics.

Dr. Chaudhury, a physics education specialist, is in his second year at CNU. He received his bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of California and post doctorate from Kansas State University. He joined CNU because he could have active support of his research as well as direct involvement in reforming the curriculum. He is pleased with his decision to come to CNU and complimentary of colleagues.

“When I have a detailed research question, I know someone in my building has the expertise to help me out,” he said. “People here are extremely supportive of my research in science education with learning technologies.”

Dr. Chaudhury brings passion to the arts as well as sciences. He teaches CNU’s world music ensemble this fall. “It’s a unique opportunity that I wouldn’t have at most other universities,” he said. “Here, the music department welcomed my interest.”

Enthusiastic about being able to share his acumen of vocal Indian music with a group of CNU music students, he said, “I really believe in CNU’s vision to be an outstanding liberal arts and sciences university because of these unique opportunities.”

Dr. Michelle Erhardt
Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of Fine Art and Art History

Dr. Michelle Erhardt enrolled in a study-abroad program while a senior at the University of Michigan. “Seeing Renaissance masterpieces in their original location and function in Florence had a profound effect on me,” she said. It solidified her decision to be an art historian, and she now encourages her students to “see the world.”

“There’s no substitute for travel abroad,” she said. “Experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of another culture is the most profound learning experience there is.”

Her first year at CNU also has been full of learning experiences. Dr. Erhardt relocated and started her new career in August 2005. Within months, she discovered she was pregnant and then she lost her father, who had inspired her career. The following May, Dr. Erhardt became chair of the Department of Fine Art and Art History, and in July her first child was born.

“Through it all, my colleagues and students have been extremely supportive and wonderful,” she said. She revels in the University’s close community and is able to return that support in small classes, where she can offer students personal attention. “I never want them to feel like a number. We are here to help nurture and grow them as individuals and to create a greater appreciation for the arts across campus.”

Dr. Erhardt holds a Master of Arts degree in medieval art from George Washington University and a doctorate in Italian Renaissance art history from Indiana University. She is a specialist in Franciscan art of the 14th century.

Dr. Erhardt lives with her husband and daughter in Williamsburg.