Two longtime Southwestern Community College (SWCC) employees, Ann Coulter of Creston and Dawn Esser of Winterset, were honored as outstanding employees during the annual Community Colleges for Iowa Awards, announced at a reception and dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, during the Iowa Community College Convention and Tradeshow, Dec. 2-4, at the Des Moines Marriott in downtown Des Moines.
The Outstanding Community College Awards celebrate individuals and partners who exemplify excellence, service, and innovation within Iowa’s community college system. Each of the 15 colleges nominates one faculty member and one staff member for their dedication and impact.
Coulter, who received the Outstanding Staff Award, has worked for SWCC since 1980 and has been the director of the Learning Resource Center (the college library) since 1998.
Dr. John Franklin, SWCC vice president of instruction, said it is nearly impossible to overstate her positive impact on the college and its students.
“Ann’s dedication to students and the community is unquestionable, and the library is a central hub for the campus,” Franklin stated in Coulter’s nomination for the award. “She has a strong commitment to customer service and will assist everyone with any request they make. She helps the faculty with classroom technology and is quick to greet visitors to campus. Her commitment to students is especially noteworthy. Students know that the library is the place on campus where they can get assistance with nearly anything.”
Esser has served as a communications instructor in the social sciences and humanities department at SWCC since 2006. Franklin said Esser develops positive relationships with students and does an excellent job encouraging reticent students to speak in public.
Serving as a department chair from 2014-23, Esser continues to serve on several essential college committees, including curriculum, institutional effectiveness, and the recently created AI committee.
Responding to the tremendous impact of generative AI, Esser examined student use of AI in her communications courses in 2024-25 and has worked to incorporate AI in her classes while stressing its ethical use. She has presented on the topic to faculty as they seek to understand the technology's implications.
“Dawn’s dedication to finding ways to best instruct students through changing trends and technologies is commendable,” Franklin added.
Additional statewide awards recognize an exceptional advocate for community colleges, a business or industry partner making a meaningful difference, a standout alumni demonstrating leadership and service, and an innovative program or project that drives creativity and continuous improvement.
Together, these awards highlight the diverse contributions that strengthen Iowa’s community colleges and the communities they serve.