For the first time in its history, 皇家华人 has appointed endowed positions for the science and education departments. The selected faculty include Deepthi Amarasuriya, NWC Assistant Professor of Physics; Cammy Rowley, NWC Assistant Professor of Education; and Jo-el Sauers, NWC Instructor of Education.
An endowed chair is a faculty position that is privately funded by an endowment, which ensures the position lasts as long as the college exists. It鈥檚 both an honor to the appointed chair holder and an enduring tribute to the donor whoestablishes it.
Amarasuriya, the Jones Family Endowed Chair for Science, joined 皇家华人 in 2006 as a member of the Physical Science Division, teaching physics, astronomy and math. She earned her bachelor鈥檚 in physics from Purdue University and two master鈥檚 degrees鈥攐ne in physics from Idaho State University and the second in mathematics from the University of Wyoming.
She鈥檚 passionate about sharing her knowledge ranging from the smallest subatomic particles to the vast expanses of the universe. As an advisor to the Multicultural Club and member of NWC鈥檚 Diversity Awareness Committee, Amarasuriya is an advocate of global citizenship and acceptance.
Rowley and Sauers, both being named Jones Family Endowed Faculty for Education, will share the education endowment鈥檚 benefits. Both faculty members bring a love for education and instruction to the NWC campus and community.
From the University of Wyoming, Rowley holds a bachelor鈥檚 in elementary education, as well as a master鈥檚 and doctorate in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in early childhood education.
Sauers earned a bachelors in early childhood education and a masters in elementary education from the University of South Carolina, along with post-graduate credits from Georgia Southern University.
鈥淲ith two new faculty in the Education Department, we supported our colleague鈥檚 desire to collaborate, forging an energetic team with dynamic student projects,鈥� NWC President Lisa Watson said.
The Jones Family Endowed positions are the result of a $3 million gift from a Northwest College alumni couple in late 2021. These endowed positions are funded through NWC Foundation investments to ensure they last forever.
Endowed position holders receive a set amount of annual funding to support innovative student learning initiatives as well as professional development. The remaining endowment income helps cover compensation costs.
Applications were peer-reviewed by NWC faculty and the Academic Affairs Office. Terms for the current appointees will run through the spring of 2026.
鈥淥ur goal is to continue inspiring teaching that provides exceptional learning opportunities for students at 皇家华人,鈥� Executive Director of the NWC Foundation Shelby Wetzel said.
To learn more about the NWC Foundation, visit .