Retiring Faculty Spotlight: Lee Knippenberg, Dr. Brent Runnels
Dr. Brent Runnels
Brent Runnels joined the Oglethorpe University faculty in 2008, eager to create for students the same formative experiences that encouraged him to
pursue a career in music at a young age. He brought to the university a wealth of knowledge, quickly becoming a fixture of the Oglethorpe arts scene and providing a comprehensive music education to hundreds of students over his 17-year tenure.
He became Director of Music in 2017, building and overseeing many of the university’s musical ensembles, including the Oglethorpe University Symphony and “The Jazzy Petrels,” the university’s jazz ensemble. For many years, he conducted pieces at the annual concert that ushers in the holiday season at Oglethorpe. And, at the end of every concert, he would lead the crowd in singing “Sleigh Ride,” — complete with whip crack.
“During his tenure, Dr. Runnels greatly expanded music opportunities for Oglethorpe students,” says Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Tom FitzStephens. “He built an enormous private lesson program and developed the music minor. His hard work and contributions to OU will be felt by decades of future students.”
Lee Knippenberg ’82
Beloved theatre faculty member and Oglethorpe alum Lee Knippenberg ’82 began a new chapter in December, retiring from the university after a remarkable 34-year career.
When Knippenberg began her career at Oglethorpe in 1990, a major in theatre did not yet exist. Fortunately, she came equipped with an indomitable spirit and a boundless supply of theatre expertise, which helped catalyze Oglethorpe University Theatre into a robust program that prepares students for rigorous careers in performing arts.
“If not for her, I doubt there would even be a theatre major at Oglethorpe,” says Matt Huff, coordinator of the university’s theatre program. “Under her leadership, Lee directed all of the plays, helped build the sets and costumes, and taught all of the classes.”
Knippenberg met her husband, Joe, a professor of politics, at the university in 1990, and two years later, the two married in Hearst’s Great Hall, surrounded by colleagues and then-president of the university Manning Pattillo.
