Nominations to recognize outstanding teachers, part-time, and full-time staff are now open to students and IVCC personnel through Jan. 31.

Categories for this year’s nominations are “Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member Award,” “Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence,” and the “Connie Skerston Memorial Award for Support Staff Distinguished Service.”

Students received an email with a link to where they can nominate on Jan. 22. A QR code can currently be found on Brightspace’s homepage and also on table flyers in the cafeteria. 

Students are eligible to vote in the following categories: “Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member Award” and the “Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence.” If a student wishes to nominate for the “Connie Skerston Memorial Award for Support Staff Distinguished Service,” an IVCC employee may nominate on their behalf. IVCC personnel are eligible to nominate peers in all three categories. 

Student voices matter. The votes of students are weighted at 50 percent of the total for the Stephen Charry award.

Tina Hardy, coordinator for the Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity, past recipient of the “Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member Award” in 2011 and the “Connie Skerston Memorial Award for Support Staff Distinguished Service” in 2021, said “The awards are important because part-time and full-time faculty are given the opportunity to be recognized for the hard work they do.”

Mary Beth Herron, human resources director said, “In memory of Connie Skerston, assistant director of admissions and records, this award was established to recognize a support staff person who demonstrates a high level of achievement in their work performance, positive interpersonal characteristics, and loyalty, respect, and commitment to IVCC.”

“Connie was a friend of mine and I respected her hard work and dedication,” said Hardy.

Part-time counselors and Academic Support Center staff are also eligible for the “Connie Skerston Memorial Award for Support Staff Distinguished Service.”

Hardy stated that being nominated “Can make awardees feel validated for the hard work they do and get done–bringing more awareness to their role. Student voices are important and can help these outstanding individuals to be recognized.”

The recognition of the teaching excellence award is “in memory of respected history professor Stephen Charry. This award was established to recognize instructors and full-time counselors for outstanding service in teaching, leadership, professional development, and contributions to the college and community,” said Herron

If a student would like to nominate a faculty member but is unsure of their community engagement, there are a few things to consider. A teacher, part-time, or full-time staff member “that encourages students to give back to the community, local involvement, donations, or participating in our community and giving back, so that our community continues to grow,” said Herron.

Nominee winners will be announced for faculty via email and on development day. Students will be notified through mail and Brightspace.