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Meet Virginia Wesleyan University’s New Faculty Members
Four new scholars bring their unique expertise and experiences to the Marlin community
University News | September 10, 2025
Virginia Wesleyan University welcomes four new faculty members this fall, each bringing unique expertise, passions, and experiences to the Marlin community. From business and accounting to sport and recreation, from marine biology to project management, these scholars are already making their mark in classrooms and on campus.
Dr. Shalyn M. Lapke, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Department of Management, Business, and Economics
With a professional background that bridges accounting and leadership, Dr. Shalyn Lapke brings a diverse academic journey to Virginia Wesleyan. This semester, she is teaching Accounting I (Financial Accounting) while diving into her research, which explores accounting and AI efficacy as well as the role of accounting information systems during leadership transitions.
Originally from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Dr. Lapke earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Florida State University, a master’s in Leadership from the University of North Florida, and a Ph.D. in Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also holds a post-baccalaureate graduate certificate in Accounting from the University of Virginia. Prior to coming to VWU, she taught leadership courses at Christopher Newport University and served as Associate Dean at the University of Mary Washington.
Outside of academics, Dr. Lapke enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband, two sons, and family dog—surfing, kayaking, biking, and spending time outdoors. At VWU, she looks forward to connecting with students and guiding them in undergraduate research. “I’d say I’m a lifelong learner;” she shares, “I’m always looking for ways to grow, improve, and challenge myself.”
Dr. Lauren E. Stephens, Assistant Professor of Sport & Recreation Professions, Department of Recreational Therapy/Sports and Recreation Professions
For Dr. Lauren Stephens, teaching begins with relationships. Guided by the “pedagogy of kindness,” she emphasizes creating a safe, respectful environment where students are seen as people first. This fall, she is teaching three sections of REC 101: Introduction to Sport, Recreation and Leisure and one section of REC 406: Historical, Cultural, and Professional Dimensions of Sport, Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Dr. Stephens, originally from Aiken, South Carolina, earned her B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken, a Master’s in Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University. Her research examines both the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and the ways contextual factors like relationships and social media shape student-athletes’ perceptions of body image and eating behaviors.
An avid runner, Dr. Stephens has completed the six World Major Marathons—Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin, and Tokyo—and hopes to add Sydney to her list in the next few years. She is also passionate about exploring parks with her mini goldendoodle, Asheville, cheering on college sports, and traveling. “The kindness of the VWU community stood out to me from the start,” she notes. “Relationships are powerful, and I can already see how much this community values them.”
Dr. Zachary Topor, Assistant Professor of Marine Biology, Biology Department
Bringing a deep love for coastal ecosystems to VWU, Dr. Zachary Topor specializes in marine community ecology with a focus on coastal restoration. His courses this semester include Marine Invertebrate Zoology (BIO 373) and Diversity of Life (BIO 200).
A Connecticut native, Dr. Topor earned his B.S. in Marine Science from the University of Maine and his Ph.D. in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His research supports local oyster reef and living shoreline restoration projects in Hampton Roads, examining how ecological communities respond to disturbance and succession.
Dr. Topor’s background also includes policy work: after graduate school, he completed a John A. Knauss Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C., where he worked with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management. “That experience cemented my passion for service and stewardship.”
Outside the lab and classroom, he enjoys canoeing, fly fishing, cooking, and sharing meals with friends. At VWU, he looks forward to taking students into the field and inspiring conservation. “To light that spark of curiosity and appreciation for our coastal ecosystems is something I’m truly excited about.”
Dr. Charmaine Wilson, Professor of Practice in Business, Department of Management, Business, and Economics
With a career spanning accounting, project management, information systems, and higher education, Dr. Charmaine Wilson brings both industry expertise and teaching excellence to VWU. This semester, she is teaching Financial Management (MBE 322) in both online and in-person formats, as well as Taxation.
Dr. Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from SUNY Albany, a master’s in Project Management from Strayer University, a master’s certificate in Accounting, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Her career began in accounting before shifting to IT, where she served as a senior business systems analyst for more than 20 years, bridging the gap between technical teams and business operations. Since 2013, she has also been dedicated to teaching a wide range of business courses.
Originally from Jamaica, Dr. Wilson finds balance through zumba, yoga, and long walks, and she also serves as an usher at her church. At VWU, she is eager to inspire her students. “My goal is not just to teach, but to empower each student to believe in their potential and embrace lifelong learning.” She also looks forward to pursuing new research projects—and perhaps even writing a book or two.
These new faculty members embody Virginia Wesleyan’s spirit of academic excellence, mentorship, and service. Their diverse experiences and research pursuits will enrich the VWU community, offering students exciting opportunities for learning, discovery, and growth—both inside and outside the classroom.