Front row, L-R: Ed Grun; Kathy Trotter and Patricia Ochoa, excellence winners; Dr. Flora Tydings, college president; and Dr. Mosunmola George-Taylor, vice president, academic affairs.
Back row: Dr. Mike Ricketts, TCAT dean; Jeff McEwen, faculty senate president; John Haworth, social and behavioral sciences dean; Dr. Jim Barrott, vice president, technology.
Once each year, exceptional faculty members are nominated by colleagues at Chattanooga State for Faculty Excellence Awards based on their substantial contributions to student learning.
Presented with the Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching, Dr. Kathy Trotter has piloted seven-week shortened sections of her Psychology 1030 and 2130 classes that have proven to be highly effective in improving student success and student retention, officials said.
“Her leadership in this area has proven so successful that we are now expanding into many areas throughout the division to increase opportunities for more shortened sections of linked classes,” said John Haworth, dean, Social and Behavioral Science Division.
Mr. Haworth said that Trotter’s students continually complement her during teacher evaluations with such remarks as: “Enthusiasm and great attitude was catching,” “Very engaging,” “Knows her stuff,” and “Best and most interesting class I have had at Chattanooga State so far!.
"As a highly effective instructor, advisor, role model, and leader, Ed Grun was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award, TCAT (TN College of Applied Technology), officials said.
TCAT Dean, Dr. Mike Ricketts said, “Ed is an advocate for technical education and is adamant that graduates from his program (Motorcycle and Marine Technology) enter the workforce with a marketable skills set and the requisite soft skills that are vital to success.”
Dr. Ricketts praises Mr. Grun’s established standard of excellence in the classroom, which has exceeded state-mandated benchmarks for program completion rates and graduate placement. As a SkillsUSA advisor, he also imparts, “knowledge of the subject matter, professionalism, classroom preparation, leadership, and enthusiasm” providing a unique ability to bring out the best in all of his students.
Presented the Excellence in Advising Award, Dr. Patricia Ochoa is a well-known and respected member of the faculty, officials said.
“Patricia motivates, inspires and supports through four specific aspects of advising: academic, adjunct mentor, student support consultant, and the Fitness Leaders club advisor,” said Kellie Graves, adjunct instructor and student support specialist.
Mentoring four additional adjuncts, “Patricia always makes us feel special and part of the college,” said Ms. Graves. Students often describe her as “friendly, inviting, and super helpful.”
As a consultant, Ms. Graves said that, “We ask her about new programs considered for implementation and how she thinks her students will respond to certain concepts.”
She also works hard to make sure students have support and participate safely in all activities, officials said.
“Patricia is a superb example of how we should all strive to serve students and our school,” said Ms. Graves.
The 2015-16 Faculty Excellence Award winners each received a check in the amount of $500.