Social sciences faculty

Matthew Friesen
Assistant professor of sociology
Social sciences and social work department chair
M.A., Ph.D., University of Oregon
B.A., Bethel College (Kan.)
Phone: 419-358-3210
E-mail: friesenmatthew@bluffton.edu

Moving from pastor to professor, Matt Friesen believes that a strong and supportive community lies at the heart of the Anabaptist tradition. Attending Bethel College for his undergraduate education and continuing his religious studies at Associated (now Anabaptist) Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Matt cut his teeth on teachings of peace and nonviolence.

But Matt realized the importance of community long before setting foot on campus. Before earning his master of divinity degree in 1993, he interned for nine months as a community organizer with the United Neighborhood Organization of Southeast Chicago, where he helped organize neighbors to tear down abandoned houses.

“Organizing the community was the way to address problems in that community,” Matt says. “It was truly a case of neighbors getting together, and neighbors accomplishing something together."
>>>more about Matt

Deanna Barthlow-Potkanowicz, Ph.d
Assistant professor of psychology
Ph.D. - Clinical psychology, Kent State University
M.A. - Kent State University
B.A. - Psychology, Lycoming College
Phone: 419-358-3291
E-mail: barthlow-potkanowiczd@bluffton.edu

Deanna Barthlow-Potkanowicz is a licensed psychologist in Ohio and Indiana. She earned her bachelors in psychology from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. She went on to earn an masters and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She completed her APA-accredited internship at the Counseling & Testing Center at the University of Oregon.

In graduate school, Deanna’s research focused on personality assessment and test construction, specifically the MMPI-2. After completing her doctorate, she worked for a consulting firm, conducting psychological evaluations for the public safety community. Deanna has also worked in university counseling settings. Prior to moving to the area in 2011, she was a staff psychologist and Eating Disorders Treatment Team Coordinator at Ohio University.

Clinical areas of expertise include body image concerns, eating disorders, depression, relationship issues, anxiety, worry and panic. Additional interests include managing stress, navigating life-transitions, gender roles, working with emerging adults and first-generation college students, and the supervision of psychologists-in-training.

Deanna lives in Ada with her husband, who is a professor of exercise physiology at Ohio Northern University.

MICHAEL BARRETT
Assistant professor of criminal justice
419-358-3201
barrettm@bluffton.edu
Masters, Baldwin Wallace University
ABD, University of Akron

Mike taught for more than 20 years in criminal justice at Ashland University. In addition, he has served in various police departments, including a six-year stint with the Cleveland Police Department.

Additional adjunct instructors share their experience in corrections, law enforcement, international security, mediation and law.