Ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, William Peace University appointed three new department chairs to boost student success: Mike Porter, associate professor and department chair of simulation & game design; Amanda Ransom, associate professor and department chair of exercise & sport science; and Greg Ryan, associate professor & department chair of business. Each brings extensive expertise and clear strategies to advance their departments, as Peace focuses on expansion and the quality of its academic offerings.
“I’m excited to welcome our three new department chairs, each of whom brings deep experience as both faculty members and academic leaders,” Provost Lynda Szymanski said. “As we advance our strategic priorities, including expanding academic offerings, growing our online programs, and pursuing approval for our first graduate programs, their expertise, commitment to developing innovative academic programs, and genuine passion for strengthening the academic experience for our students will be especially valuable.”
Leveling Up Simulation & Game Design
As one of Peace’s most popular academic offerings, the simulation & game design program is central to many students’ experiences. Porter joins a team of dedicated professors and instructors who provide applied learning experiences in gaming.
Porter worked in professional video game production as a leader in art and design development for more than a decade before transitioning to education. Since 2009, he has taught courses domestically and abroad, led design classes focused on miniatures and props, built bachelor’s programs from the ground up, and developed a passion for instilling valuable skills students can carry into their future careers, regardless of their specializations.
“This is my eighteenth year, and I’m ready to go,” he said. “I value connecting with my students and keeping in touch after graduation. I learn almost as much from them as they learn from me. Teaching has made me a better person and improved every aspect of what I teach. It keeps me seeking knowledge and staying connected to my many interests.”
Given his passion for building and enhancing educational programming, Porter has set ambitious goals for himself as he enters his first year at Peace.
“I like that this is a small institution,” he said. “I see more opportunities to do exciting things and build something across the University that integrates game development technology into every type of learning. My goal is to build something greater than the sum of its parts.”
Strengthening Exercise & Sport Science
Ransom joins Peace driven to enhance the curriculum and offerings of the exercise & sport science program. She brings experience as a former department chair of a similar program, where she emphasized applied laboratory learning and expanded undergraduate research opportunities.
“I want to continue evaluating the curriculum so students are prepared for wherever they go after graduation, whether that be a career or graduate school,” she said. “That will be the main priority this first year, while also introducing more research opportunities and strengthening the department’s collaboration with athletics. We’re focusing on all of these to improve our students’ experiences.”
As she returns to a more direct student-facing role in this position, Ransom will be prioritizing a “student-first” mindset in everything she does — from teaching to leading the department’s faculty.
“Students have to be the main focus,” she said. “I love mentoring students and serving as a resource, and I want that reflected in this department. I look forward to making connections, helping students reach their potential, and leading by example to help our faculty evolve and prioritize student success.”
Advancing Business Education
Before becoming department chair for business, Ryan started at Peace as an adjunct professor in fall 2025. Education holds a special place for him, and he cites influential teachers who helped him find his path. He previously served 29 years in the military, including as a department head at a military training school.
“In my military career, I had remarkable instructors who could take something boring and make it come alive,” he said. “I always wanted to model myself after them and become the best instructor I could be.”
Although he also served as an adjunct instructor at nearby institutions like Wake Technical Community College and Durham Technical Community College, Ryan said Peace’s academic community is unique and one he is eager to explore more thoroughly.
“What sets Peace apart is that it supports students who might slip through the cracks, as I did at a larger institution; the school is small and intimate enough to invest in them,” he said. “This is just the start, and I hope to give students enough encouragement and confidence to do great things.”
He’s most excited by the opportunity to lead the business department during a time of intentional expansion on campus.
“We don’t want to grow just for growth’s sake but to expand offerings and reputation as a University and business department, providing more students opportunities to learn about business academically,” he said. “This could include new programs, certificates, learning options, or encouraging entrepreneurship and study in disciplines beyond current offerings. I see a lot of opportunity.”
With the addition of these three experienced leaders, Peace continues to strengthen its commitment to immersive, student-centered education. As the academic year progresses, their expertise will be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of academic growth and in expanding opportunities for career readiness.
