Recognizing Faculty
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Exceptionalrecognizing faculty 1992-2020 Recognizing Exceptional Faculty 1992-2020 Recipients of the Exceptional Faculty Award are identified by year on the pages that follow. The information contained in this report was current at the time of the award. Centralia College Exceptional Faculty Award recipients include: 2020 Georganne Copeland 2004 Sharon Mitchler Emmy Kreilkamp Jody Peterson 2019 Dr. Sharon Mitchler 2003 Stephanie Carter Peggy Goldberg Linda Foss 2018 Preston Kiekel 2002 Calvin Taylor David Peterson Jill Johnson 2017 Jeff McQuarrie 2001 Dr. Ruby Nagelkerke Connie Smejkal Dr. Gregory van Alstyne 2016 Carmen VanTuyl 2000 T.R. Gratz Karen Goodwin Brian Tyrrell 2015 Brian Tyrrell 1999 Nola Ormrod Dr. Gregory van Alstyne Laura Yocom 2014 Dr. Atara MacNamara 1998 Wade Fisher Michael Threapleton Julie Priday 2013 Sharon Mitchler 1997 Dr. Donna Huffman Calvin Taylor Dr. Warren “Doc” Clare 2012 Nola Ormrod 1996 Dr. Heesoon Jun Judith Aguilar Todd Lovington 2011 Dr. Lisa Carlson 1995 Dexter Rammage Jacob Lund Doris Wood 2010 Dr. Steve Norton 1994 Chris Hobson Ken Rakoz Laura Siebuhr Dave White 2009 Pat Pringle John Fasler 1993 Marge Wieland Dr. John Pratt 2008 Dr. Susanne Weil Vic Freund Randy Johnson Dr. Don Foran 2007 Jack Bishop 1992 Dr. Dave Martin Dr. Bert Woodland 2006 Doris Wood Greg Garman Greg Garman 2005 Randy Kostick Terry Carver 2 2020: Georganne Copeland and Emmy Kreilkamp Georganne Copeland has experienced Centralia College on both sides of the teaching podium. She was a Centralia College student first and, in 1985, returned to the college as a part-time keyboarding teacher. She was hired by Alice Forth, who became dean of students in 1989; Copeland took Forth’s full-time teaching position at that time. She’s been teaching business technology classes at CC ever since. Keyboarding remains one of her favorite classes to teach. “Keyboarding has been a consistent part of my workload and I enjoy helping students develop strong skills that help with their college work, in their personal life, and in the workplace,” she said. “But, I also enjoy teaching Business Communications for those same reasons. Recently, my interaction with the (bachelor’s degree) students has been a highlight. I appreciate their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.” Georganne Copeland Copeland said she enjoys watching students build confidence as they progress through her classes. “I always knew I wanted to teach, but it took my Centralia College instructors, Alice Forth and Marge Wieland, to show me this path,” she added. “I am grateful to them for opening that door.” Emmy Kreilkamp came to Centralia College from Chicago after being offered a full- time tenure-track theatre position in the spring of 2016. She said she was attracted to the position because it allowed her to teach theatre, direct plays, and experience all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. “The Pacific Northwest won me over with its proximity to the coast, mountains, and plentiful hiking and camping areas,” she said. “I am happy to claim this region as my new home.” Kreilkamp currently teaches all of CC’s drama classes from acting to playwriting, and some English classes such as Shakespeare and Screenwriting. She also directs 3 plays a year, is the faculty advisor for the Theatre Club, and oversees the summer theatre program for young people. Emmy Kreilkamp “I think teaching Beginning Acting is my favorite,” she said. “Many students take it for a new experience (as it is different from their other classes), which allows me to engage with many different majors and people of diverse interests. I enjoy seeing people transform into characters and use their imaginations in an interactive way.” She said teaching has been an exceptionally rewarding choice of career and she’s grateful for the opportunity to connect with students. “Seeing students move from being lukewarm on a topic on the first day of classes to engaged and passionate about the subject matter is the most rewarding part about teaching,” she said. “Regardless where they end up, I hope my students leave my classes with a stronger appreciation for and understanding of the arts.” 3 2019: Dr. Sharon Mitchler and Peggy Goldberg In her 21st year as an English and humanities professor at Centralia College, this is Dr. Sharon Mitchler’s third Exceptional Faculty Award. “Sharon has clearly exhibited her desire to motivate students to expand their critical thinking and discourse skills in her classroom by her personal example to continue to learn and grow as an instructor,” said Centralia College Foundation Executive Director Christine Fossett. Mitchler earned her PhD in 2015 specifically so Centralia College students would be included in important research. “Until you have a formal title and a different kind of training, they don’t consider you,” Mitchler said. “I wanted to contribute something to the larger field … and [Centralia College students] have some powerfully different qualities.” Dr. Sharon Mitchler Mitchler is currently involved in a national eight-university study that is redefining the way English 101 and other writing courses are taught. “There’s a whole movement,” she said. “They learn to take a writing situation, figure out what they need to accomplish, who they’re writing to and what structures they need to apply, and then write it.” The curriculum is already yielding exciting results. Peggy Goldberg has been a Running Start counselor at Centralia College for over two decades. She uses her private practice counseling experience and passion for animal-assisted therapy to guide young students. “Peggy’s dedication to assisting the students and advising them – not only on classes but on their personal readiness and goals – helps them move toward success,” Fossett said. When Goldberg earned the Exceptional Faculty Award, it came as a complete surprise. “I don’t create amazing big things,” she said, “I just love working with my students. I attempt to find what’s best for them, help them find their path, and I’m here for them when they need me.” She brings therapy dogs to campus during finals week and gives special class presentations with her dog, Dewey. “Dog night is the most crowded study night for finals in the library,” Peggy Goldberg she said. “The energy changes in a room when a dog walks in. Animals can really help decrease stress and students bond around them. They bring people together.” Goldberg uses multiple techniques to guide and support her students. One Running Start mother recently wrote and thanked her for seeing each child as an individual and helping them find their own unique path. Goldberg enjoys the process. “I love how their eyes get opened, especially living in a smaller rural community,” she said. “They get exposed to so much at the college, it really expands their world. I love watching that develop.” 4 2018: Preston Kiekel and David Peterson Preston Kiekel started as an adjunct math instructor at Centralia College in 2013. A community college graduate himself, Preston went on the earn his bachelor’s degree from California State University, and his master’s and doctorate degrees from New Mexico State University. He was a statistician at nonprofit organizations for over 10 years. His work at universities and colleges drew him to teaching. “I love the connection of helping someone learn new ideas and reach new goals,” he said. “The great thing about education is that, at the end of it, you have become something new and have achieved goals you could not have imagined before. Knowledge is transformative.” Preston Kiekel Dr. Kiekel is now a tenured professor of math, including statistics, industrial math, and other topics. He teaches both at Centralia College’s main campus and at Cedar Creek Corrections Center. He has even taught psychology. “I love teaching them all in different ways. Helping someone to learn the math they need to be an auto mechanic is rewarding in a different way from inspiring a motivated student to take Math 246 (intermediate statistics),” he explained. In his free time, Dr. Kiekel enjoys playing medieval music. David Peterson starting teaching classes in Centralia College’s Electronics, Robotics, and Automation program in 2011. He had just finished his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University – Vancouver. He didn’t anticipate a career in teaching initially. “At the time, if I had looked ahead, I would have predicted I’d be teaching engineering, but now it’s the hands-on stuff I really like. That’s how I learned and everything I do now is hands-on,” he described. “I wouldn’t have predicted that in 2011 when I first started teaching.” Peterson has since earned tenure and manages the ERA and Mechatronics programs. He works closely with local and regional employers and is constantly modifying and updating the programs to ensure graduates succeed in the workplace. Centralia College’s program is the model for the entire state. David Peterson Personally, he’s enjoyed the connections of being in a smaller community. “I always wanted a job here,” said Peterson, a Boistfort native and Centralia College graduate. “I really value this community. The ability to connect with our local workforce and our schools has really made this job personal to me – it’s my home and I’m glad to be able to stay here and to be invested in my hometown.” 5 2017: Jeff McQuarrie and Connie Smejkal Jeff McQuarrie spent much of his early career in business. He was the president and marketing director of a fishing resort in Alaska, and had his own video production company. But, he wanted more. “Although both jobs were fun, I didn’t feel I was really making the world a better place,” he said.