The Community Colleges for Iowa announced yesterday the 2023 winners of the annual Community Colleges for Iowa Awards. Two Southwestern Community College (SWCC) employees, Denise Kelley of Afton and Deb Roberts of Corning were among the honorees.
Kelley, SWCC controller, will be honored as an outstanding staff member. Roberts, SWCC mathematics instructor, will be honored as an outstanding faculty member.
According to Kelley’s nomination, “Denise is often stretched in many directions, however, no matter how much she has on her plate, she makes sure every one of her staff members’ needs are met. Throughout her career, Denise has navigated several key leadership changes within her division and the college overall.”
Roberts has served as a full-time math instructor for SWCC since August 2015. According to her nomination, “Deb’s most incredible attribute is her commitment to student success.”
The Community Colleges for Iowa awards recognize faculty, staff, and leaders from across Iowa’s 15 community colleges for their dedication to excellence and accessible education for all. The awards will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, as a part of the inaugural Community Colleges Convention and Tradeshow being held at the Hilton Des Moines. Honorees include one outstanding staff member and one outstanding faculty member from each college. These outstanding individuals were selected by their colleges for their service and leadership to the colleges and communities.
“Iowa’s community colleges are successful because of the professionals dedicated to the success of their students and communities,” said Emily Shields, Community Colleges for Iowa executive director. “We hope these awards will lift up their work and the great work happening at all of our colleges statewide.”
In addition to the outstanding staff and faculty recognition, awardees were also selected for competitive awards in equity and inclusion, business and industry, innovation, and outstanding alumni.
Honorees will include:
Outstanding Equity and Inclusion Award-Revathi Vongsiprasom and LaShawna Moyle, Western Iowa Tech Community College
Outstanding Business and Industry Award-Kimball and Beecher Group, Hawkeye Community College
Outstanding Innovation Award-TechWise, Des Moines Area Community College
Outstanding Alumni Award-Anthony (Tony) Coloff, North Iowa Area Community College
Outstanding Faculty and Staff (by college):
Northeast Iowa Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Jacob Krapfl
• Outstanding Staff: Daniel Neenan
North Iowa Area Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Heather DeWaard-Flickinger
• Outstanding Staff: Dr. Shelly Schmit
Iowa Lakes Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Michael Gengler
• Outstanding Staff: Kathy Muller
Northwest Iowa Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Karla Harris
• Outstanding Staff: Alicia Van Horsen
Iowa Central Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Jennifer Dutcher
• Outstanding Staff: Dr. Stacy Mentzer
Iowa Valley Community College District
• Outstanding Faculty: Mark Monroe
• Outstanding Staff: Honoria Balogh
Hawkeye Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: John Cockrell
• Outstanding Staff: Nick Landmesser
Eastern Iowa Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Barb Nichol
• Outstanding Staff: Kelsey Snyder
Kirkwood Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Shaunda Clark
• Outstanding Staff: Cassandra "Cassie" Brown
Des Moines Area Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Carrie Morris
• Outstanding Staff: Jen Wollesen
Western Iowa Tech Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Jessica Thompson
• Outstanding Staff: Mike Logan
Iowa Western Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Alan Fredericksen
• Outstanding Staff: Libby Woods
Southwestern Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Deborah Roberts
• Outstanding Staff: Denise Kelley
Indian Hills Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Andy Summers
• Outstanding Staff: Dr. Brett Monaghan
Southeastern Community College
• Outstanding Faculty: Julie Meyer
• Outstanding Staff: Keri Mercer
Learn more and read about each honoree on the Community Colleges for Iowa website: https://www.ccforiowa.org/events/awards/outstanding-community-college-awards
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