Four faculty members at Gadsden State Community College have been selected as recipients of the ninth annual Exceptional Achievement in Teaching Awards. These awards are one of the highest honors bestowed on a faculty member that recognizes outstanding teachers, both in and out of the classroom. The awards show the commitment of Gadsden State to excellence in teaching, the value placed on the learning experience of students and the importance of instruction to the mission of the college. Not intended to be a “Teacher of the Year” honor, instead the awards recognize career achievements in teaching with emphasis on accomplishments and results. Each recipient receives a $1,000 salary supplement for the academic year with an additional $1,000 discretionary fund within the appropriate department or division budget for the academic year.
David Murdock, English instructor, was presented the Brenda Crowe Exceptional Teaching Award for the academic faculty. The award is named for the former dean of institutional advancement and community services. Murdock has taught English at Gadsden State since 2004 and is the Director of the Honors Scholar Program. He is also the sponsor of the Chess Club and directs the Scholar’s Bowl Tournament.
Harold Waddell, auto mechanics instructor, was named the recipient of the Eugene Prater Exceptional Achievement in Teaching Award for the technical faculty division. This award was named for the founder of Gadsden Vocational Technical School which is now the Valley Street Campus of Gadsden State. Waddell is certified as an Automotive Service Excellence Master, Master Automobile Technician, General Motors Master, Jeep Master, and Pegasus II Robotics. Waddell has been an instructor since 1996, and he was instrumental in helping Gadsden State to achieve the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Accreditation.
The Beverly Hill Exceptional Achievement in Teaching Award for the Health Services Division was presented to Kim Gregg, nursing instructor since 2008. Gregg is a member of the Alabama and National League for Nursing. Her certifications include Alabama Board of Nursing: Registered Nurse and Advanced Life Support.
The Pierce Cain Exceptional Achievement in Teaching Award was presented to Sara Wheeler, mathematics instructor since 2009. Wheeler is a member of Kappa Delta Epsilon and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies and the Alabama Mathematics Association. She has a unique style of teaching that incorporates using musical tunes to teach mathematic formulas.
A committee of faculty and administrators recognized as experts in the field of community college instruction reviewed the nominations and selected the honorees.