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Arts and Sciences Faculty Profiles

Bonnie Ellis, PhD, MS

I know from first-hand experience what it is like to balance a job, family and school. In addition, I know the importance of having an education. I remember my father telling me that "an education is something that no one can take away from you." I know that I can be a role model for those who want or need a degree, but wonder if they can really make it happen.

My goal as a faculty member is to contribute to the continual improvement of the quality and delivery of education at University of Phoenix while keeping in touch and inspiring students to reach their academic goals.

Bonnie Ellis, PhD
College of Arts and Sciences
Bonnie Ellis has a master's degree in communication and doctoral degree in education, communication and curriculum and supervision. She has served as an associate director of an association, director of community programs, a consultant and director of public relations. Additionally, Dr. Ellis developed a method to overcome speech anxiety and has taught at the college level since 1974. She joined the faculty at University of Phoenix in 2002 and presently teaches communications, as well as serves on the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council and Bachelor of Science in Communication Program Advisory Council. Dr. Ellis is currently president of a management consulting business.


Marvin Frohock, MA

Growing up, I always knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to teach at the college level. I love what I do and I put all of my passion into teaching and inspiring others to love learning.

I teach history and humanities courses at Axia College. I also serve as Humanities Area Chair, which has made me appreciate my role with Axia College of University of Phoenix even more. I enjoy interacting with my colleagues and with Academic Affairs to make Axia College the best place to receive an education. I look forward to many more years of playing an important role in the growth of Axia College.

Marvin Frohock, MA,
Axia College of University of Phoenix
Marvin Frohock has taught history and humanities for several colleges and has been a faculty member at University of Phoenix since 1999. In addition to teaching at Axia College, he has served as a subject matter expert in the development of new Axia College courses. Frohock also serves as the College’s Humanities Area Chair, and as lead faculty for a local University of Phoenix campus.


Wael Hassinan, MS

It's very satisfying to be able to make a difference in the lives of others. The best moments in my life are seeing my students during graduation. I enjoy watching them accept their diplomas and switch their tassels from the right side to the left side.

I want to be an effective faculty member at University of Phoenix. I am always very anxious to read the end of course surveys, because the comments written by my students make feel very happy and satisfied. The most important accomplishment in my professional career has been earning the Distinguished Teaching Award during a recent graduation ceremony. I greatly enjoy helping my students meet their educational objectives and goals.

Wael Hassinan, MS
College of Arts and Sciences
Wael Hassinan, who has extensive experience as a hydrologist, has taught for more than a decade at University of Phoenix. Currently, he facilitates courses in math, science and business.


Ralph Melaragno, PhD

My goal as a faculty member is to assist learners in realizing their educational objectives by providing my expertise. I recognized that I was achieving my goal the first time a student who had graduated wrote to me and thanked me for being both rigorous and dedicated.

Ralph Melaragno, PhD
College of Arts and Sciences
Ralph Melaragno, who has a doctoral degree in psychology, has managed research organizations and been a management consultant for numerous firms. He has 25 years of teaching experience, including eight at University of Phoenix, where he facilitates courses in psychology and research methods.


Joy Pellegrino, MS

One of my objectives as a faculty member is to motivate students to achieve their academic goals. I want to give them strategies on how to use their accumulated knowledge and experience to benefit their learning process. I also want them to be cognizant of the areas they want to enhance. Most importantly, I want to help students learn to apply the concepts they learn to areas outside of academia.

I really appreciate my role as a faculty member when a student who is nearing or at the completion of their program tells me how much they appreciate something I said, some feedback I gave or mentoring I provided along the way. When that happens, I know I'm doing what I love!

Joy Pellegrino
College of Arts and Sciences
Joy Pellegrino, who has a master's degree in applied sociology, worked 15 years in a county office for the disabled. She has chaired numerous statewide committees, presented a paper at a sociological association conference, appeared in an educational video on diversity/tolerance that was nominated for a Peabody Award, and is currently writing a book on adult learning. Pellegrino's 10 years of teaching experience include teaching at a community college, state college and University of Phoenix, where she has facilitated general studies and sociology courses for six years.


Maria Quintero

Many of my coworkers struggled with the dilemma of how to pursue their education while balancing their families and other obligations. I’m pleased to be part of a university that provides a solution. As a faculty member, I want to ensure that each of my students is challenged intellectually and receives a high-quality education.

I have attended University of Phoenix commencement ceremonies and heard students’ names called and seen their smiles as they walked across the stage to shake hands and assume their places as graduates. Regardless of how many times I see this process, I am moved by these students. After all, each one is a beginning. Each one is a unique celebration of successfully achieving their educational goals.

I also have the privilege of working with faculty members in my role as area chair at University of Phoenix. This too, is an exciting activity. The University's commitment to excellence extends beyond our students. Faculty members also are given opportunities for growth and development.

Maria Quintero
College of Arts and Sciences
Maria Quintero, who has a doctorate in psychology, has extensive experience in behavior analysis, research, and development and administration of service programs. She has consulted with schools and agencies in more than eight states; presented more than 40 in-service sessions, seminars and workshops; and presented more than 50 professional papers. Additionally, she has authored a book on surviving divorce, and been honored for her development of innovative programs. Dr. Quintero has taught psychology courses at University of Phoenix for more than five years.


My goal as a faculty member at Axia College of University of Phoenix is to assist students in reaching their dreams of obtaining a higher education. Many of our students are faced with other responsibilities that they must balance along with school. I feel honored to teach at a university that has developed a program to meet the needs of our diverse population.

My primary goal is to utilize my knowledge and expertise along with positive reinforcement to assist students in achieving their goals. The best part of being a facilitator at Axia College is the "read and discuss" weeks. These weeks provide me with the opportunity to facilitate in a classroom, while developing rapport and strong working relationships with my students. It is amazing to be able to make a difference through technology. I truly enjoy my experience as an Axia College faculty member and look forward to working with many other students in the future.

Wendy Schmidt, MAEd
Axia College of University of Phoenix
Wendy Schmidt was "lured into the online educational process" while earning her master's degree. Anxious to share her positive experience with online learning, she joined the faculty of Axia College of University of Phoenix. Schmidt facilitates communication, education and science courses at Axia College while continuing to work full time as a fourth-grade teacher.


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