Feature Story
Ammon Hepworth, Matthew Crandall, and Amy Uber Join Southern Virginia University Faculty
Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome Ammon Hepworth as assistant professor of computer science, Matthew Crandall as assistant professor of political science, and Amy Uber as instructor of economics.
Ammon Hepworth, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Hepworth joins Southern Virginia University as assistant professor of computer science, where he will teach authoring for the web, programming fundamentals, data structures, and advanced programming.
“I love to be with the students and watching them develop new skills and gain confidence in a new area,” said Hepworth. “And it’s just a lot of fun to see that growth and help them find the joy of learning something new.”
With over 14 years of professional experience in software engineering and computer science, Hepworth most recently worked as the senior software engineer manager for Walmart Global Tech and is the CEO and co-founder of Jurybox Technologies, LLC.
Hepworth has taught as a lecturer in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of California, Merced, where he developed a course on full stack web development that he continues to teach remotely. He also taught at Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University.
Hepworth earned a doctor of mechanical engineering with an emphasis in computer-aided design, and a master’s and bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University.
Matthew Crandall, Assistant Professor of Political Science
Crandall joins Southern Virginia University as assistant professor of political science, where he will teach america and the enlightenment and western political heritage II.
“I think political science is important for all of us to understand the world that we live in, but also the world that we have created,” said Crandall. “We all contribute to the world that we live in, and I think that for us to make a positive contribution, it’s really important that we are aware. Because how can we change the world or our societies if we don’t understand them?”
Crandall worked at Tallinn University, School of Governance, Law, and Society for the past 14 years, serving as international relations master’s programme administrator for nine years and receiving the Tallinn University Badge of Merit, as well as the award for Best Lecturer in Political Science and Liberal Arts in 2024.
Crandall earned a doctorate from Tallinn University and a master’s in EU-Russian studies from the University of Tartu (Estonia). He received a bachelor’s in political science with a Russian minor from Brigham Young University.
Amy Uber, Instructor of Economics
With over 10 years of experience in agricultural economics, Uber joins Southern Virginia University as instructor of economics where she will teach microeconomics and macroeconomics.
“I have seen how economics can really change the world, how it can make all the difference in work all over the world,” said Uber. “My goal is to take my own applied experience in economics and help students see how they can apply economics right now. And also how they can use it to help them make better decisions, save money, and be able to be stronger financially.”
As a U.S. diplomat representing the United States for agriculture and nutrition in Timor-Leste for the past 3 years, Uber worked in international development to help the people in Timor-Leste build the country’s economy through businesses, agriculture, and skill development.
Uber earned both a master’s of science in applied economics and management focusing on agricultural economics and a master’s of professional studies in international agriculture and rural development from Cornell University. She received a bachelor’s in intercultural communication and conflict mediation from Brigham Young University–Hawaii.