Eden Wales Freedman, PhD

Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty 

Colby-Sawyer College

Eden Wales Freedman is Academic Vice President, Dean of Faculty, and Professor of Arts and Science at Colby-Sawyer College. Previously, she served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, and Professor of English at Clarke University; Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; and Dean of Communication, Literature and Arts at Mount Mercy University, where she became a tenured English professor and the Director of Diversity Studies.

Eden is an accomplished teacher-scholar with expertise in American literature, race, gender, sexuality, trauma, and reception theories. Her pedagogical excellence has been recognized through teaching awards, and her book, Reading Testimony, Witnessing Trauma, won the Eudora Welty Prize for its innovative approach to literature. Eden is an active member of her community. She regularly offers public lectures and workshops and has served on multiple boards. Eden received her B.A. in English and political science from Swarthmore College, M.A. in literature from Boston College, and Ph.D. in literature from the University of New Hampshire. Outside of work, she loves to read and write, explore new places, spend time in the mountains and at the sea, and connect with friends and family.

Kate Murphy, PsyD, LCMHC

Assistant Professor of School Psychology

Plymouth State University

Psy.D., Rivier University (Combined Doctorate in Counseling and School Psychology)
M.A., Johnson State College (Mental Health Counseling)
B.A., University of Southern Maine (Media Studies)

Dr. Kate Murphy received their master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2008 from Johnson State College (now Vermont State University) and subsequently has worked as a master’s level clinician since 2008 with adults, adolescents, children, and couples. In 2012, Dr. Murphy was accepted to Rivier University’s Doctorate of Education Program in Leadership and Learning before changing to the Combined Doctoral in Counseling and School Psychology in 2013. As part of their training, they completed their pre-doctoral internship at the Counseling Center at Keene State College working with transitional-aged youth.

Dr. Murphy’s dissertation research focused on the relationship between mindfulness, cravings, and the severity of mental health symptoms due to their interest in and experience working with individuals with substance abuse and severe and persistent mental illness. They also have additional research interests in disabilities, social justice, and school-based interventions for students with emotional difficulties.

Dr. Murphy is passionate about teaching and the connections that are made in the classroom. They often utilize their previous professional experiences to highlight concepts being discussed and deepen discussions. They maintain an active academic agenda and has a small telehealth private practice.

When not engaged in teaching or other academic interests, they may be found hiking, kayaking, or spending time with their dogs.