Faculty and Staff Receive Kudos at Annual FACC Convention
Two South Florida Community College instructors were honored for developing best teaching practices, and college staff received four awards for excellence from the Florida Association of Community College (FACC). The awards were presented at FACC’s 60th annual convention in Orlando, Nov. 18-20, which was attended by representatives of the state’s 28 community colleges.
Adam Martin, coordinator, Criminal Justice Training, received a first place award for best teaching practices from FACC’s Technology Commission for his presentation, “Academic Success for Criminal Justice Officers.” Martin explained the success SFCC’s Criminal Justice program is achieving with its online associate’s degree courses.
Erik Christensen, professor and chair, Natural Sciences Department, received the commission’s second place award for his best practice, “Shifting from Chalkboards to Collaborative Web Pages.” Christensen demonstrated how he uses collaborative wikis to enhance the learning process, engage students, and foster community involvement.
The college also garnered five awards for individual accomplishments. Jennifer Young, community relations specialist, received a first place award for Article in a College-Produced Publication. Young’s article, “Security Guard Walter Hassler is SFCC’s Miracle Man,” chronicled Hassler’s battle with cancer for the college employee newsletter, Panther Tales. SFCC Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) received first place for its Web site, created by curator Mollie Doctrow and the design firm Clark/Nikdel/Powell. Wanita Bates, executive assistant to the vice president of Educational and Student Services, was awarded first place in the Career and Professional Employee Commission’s Essay Writing Contest for her essay “Why Do You Think a College Wellness Program Helps You and the College.”
In the Foundation/Fundraising Piece category, SFCC received a second place award for the “Just Imagine” capital campaign materials created by various members of the SFCC Auditorium Capital Campaign Committee and graphic designer Verna Flexon. A second place award also went to SFCC’s Cultural Programs department for its 2009-10 performance brochure, created by Doug Andrews, dean, Cultural Programs, Kelleigh Tanton, cultural programs assistant, and Clark/Nikdel/Powell.
In other business, SFCC’s FACC chapter received a membership award for having 50 percent or more of employees as members and was designed a Region IV Silver Chapter based on points it earned for such factors as membership, participation in state and regional commissions, education and social activities, and fundraising. Lena Phelps-Ellerker, chapter secretary, received the Region IV Unsung Hero Award.
Several SFCC employees were elected to commission boards. Dr. Robert Flores became the director-elect of both Region IV and the Facilities Commission. Kathleen Benn was elected secretary of the Technology Commission with Melanie Jackson continuing as its chair. Deborah Bell continues as secretary/treasurer of the Communications and Marketing Commission, while Cheryl Arpasi remains treasurer of the Facilities Commission and Jackson continues as FACC state parliamentarian. Phelps-Ellerker retains her membership on the Region IV Teller Committee, and Theresa Crawford continues to serve as secretary/treasurer of the Rural Campuses Commission.
SFCC’s delegates to the convention were Arpasi, Dr. Flores, Jackson, Phelps-Ellerker, and Jennifer Young. Also attending were Dr. Kimberly Batty-Herbert, Benn, Kevin Brown, Christensen, Glenn Little, Sandy Turke, and trustees Tami Cullens, Gary Delatorre, and Joan Hartt.
Melanie Jackson (left), Lena Phelps-Ellerker, Robert Flores, Cheryl Arpasi, and Jennifer Young attended the FACC Convention and served as voting delegates for SFCC.
Adam Martin presents his winning Best Practice “Academic Success for Criminal Justice Officers,” during the FACC convention which showcased the success the SFCC Criminal Justice department is having with its online courses.
- Erik Christensen presents his Best Practice “Shifting from Chalkboards to Collaborative Web Pages.” Christensen demonstrated how he uses collaborative wikis to enhance the learning process, engage students, and foster community involvement.
Lena Phelps-Ellerker (left), Kevin Brown, Cheryl Arpasi, Dr. Robert Flores, Dr. Kimberly Batty-Herbert attend the Region IV meeting during the convention.
Dr. Robert Flores accepts the position of director-elect of Region IV. He will also serve as director-elect of the Facilities Commission.
Lena Phelps-Ellerker received the Unsung Hero award. SFCC’s FACC chapter nominated her for the award because of the selfless work she does for the chapter.
Jennifer Young accepts an award from the Institutional Advancement Commission.
- Cheryl Arpasi accepts SFCC’s Silver Chapter Award from FACC.
Tami Cullens and Jennifer Young enjoy dinner at the FACC convention Presidential Banquet.
Jennifer Young, Cheryl Arpasi, and Lena Phelps-Ellerker enjoy the closing luncheon on the last day of the convention.
Way to go SFCC FACC family! We are so proud of everyone’s accomplishments.