Covenant College Appoints New Faculty In Art And Music

  • Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Elissa Weichbrodt
Elissa Weichbrodt

Covenant College welcomes back two alumni—Drs. Scott Finch and Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt—as music and art professors.

Dr. Elissa Weichbrodt joins the art department as assistant professor of art. After majoring in interdisciplinary studies at Covenant, Dr. Weichbrodt earned her M.A. and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. She served as an instructor and teaching assistant in the art department at Washington University while completing her Ph.D. in art history and archaeology.

“Elissa Weichbrodt brings with her an accomplished record of teaching and scholarship from her time as a doctoral candidate at the Washington University in St. Louis,” said Professor Jeff Morton. “No doubt she will bring to the art department a disciplined practice of an empathetic and original approach to the study of art history, but she will also bring a rich perspective to the Christ-and-culture questions that are central to our curriculum.”

Modern and contemporary art are Dr. Weichbrodt’s principal fields of research, but she has a particular interest in art that explores identity and corporeality.

“I have grown increasingly interested in how a robust theology of the Incarnation can inform the ways Christians engage with the visual arts,” said Dr. Weichbrodt.

Dr. Weichbrodt will teach Introduction to Art, Art History I, and a senior seminar in art history this fall.

Covenant alumnus Dr. Scott Finch joins the music department as associate professor of music. After studying music at Covenant, Dr. Finch received his M.M. from Temple University and his D.M.A. in musical arts from the University of Arizona. Dr. Finch comes to Covenant from Briercrest College & Seminary, where he served as an assistant professor of music and worship.

While Dr. Finch hopes to help build the rigor and reputation of Covenant’s music department, he has a particular passion for equipping students to serve the church with music.

“I am passionate about teaching the discipline of music because it is a direct result of being in union with Christ,” said Dr. Finch. “For this reason, I am dedicated to building up the singing tradition especially in Reformed churches.”

“Scott will be a great fit for our department and institution,” said Professor Brandon Kreuze. “He brings with him an impressive academic pedigree, experience teaching a broad range of subjects, and a passion for encouraging and facilitating collective worship in song.”

This fall, Dr. Finch will teach History of Western Music 1900-Present and will conduct the Covenant Chorale and Madrigal Singers.

“The programs in fine and performing arts at Covenant will benefit from the addition of Drs. Finch and Weichbrodt,” said Dr. Jeff Hall, vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Finch will bring rich experience to his roles of conducting choral ensembles, as well as general teaching and leading in the music department. Dr. Weichbrodt will provide insight into art history and criticism. It is such a delight to welcome two alumni back to campus. They will both bring a deep understanding of and commitment to the foundational mission of the college.”

Drs. Finch and Weichbrodt will be installed as members of Covenant’s faculty at the college’s convocation ceremony on Aug. 29. 

Scott Finch
Scott Finch
Student Scene
Chattanooga State Takes A Quantum Leap With Expert Insights Into The Future Of Computing
  • 3/27/2024

Chattanooga State Community College will take a deep dive into the world of quantum computing alongside physics and computer science expert Dr. Shohini Ghose. Dr. Ghose will join ChattState ... more

TDOE Releases 2022-23 Report Card
  • 3/26/2024

The Tennessee Department of Education released the 2022-23 State Report Card, highlighting new interactive features for families and users to learn more on how districts and schools are performing ... more

Tyner High Class Of 1964 Planning 60th Reunion
  • 3/26/2024

The Tyner High School Class of 1964 is planning its 60th Reunion. The planning committee includes Margaret Inglis Officer, Jody Weller Brooks, Shirley Smith Richardson, Janice Ray White, Elaine ... more