Bob Smith
Susan Voigt, Dawn Bishop and George Herring
The district came together on Jan.31 to celebrate those chosen by co-workers as among the best that each college has to offer. This year with Conference Day taking place at each individual college location, the District Awards Ceremony was at Brookhaven College and set before the Feb. 21 conference date.
Highlights from the ceremonies will be played at each of the Conference Day meetings at the colleges so we won’t give away too much by going into detail. One big win is worthy of special attention however. Bob Smith, instructional associate and PSSA president, was honored as this year’s Professional Support Staff Employee of the Year for the district.
In addition to his work with students as an instructional associate, Bob also serves as an adjunct instructor in the Business Studies Division. As an advocate for professional support staff, Bob took on the extra duties required of the PSSA president. He has shown his commitment to improving the campus work life for support staff and strengthening relationships throughout the college community. He played an integral part in the creation of the education stipend for professional support staff employees. The board approved the stipend at their February meeting, offering a one-time educational stipend to full- or limited-full time employees who receive a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education. There are specific policy and regulations related to the stipend, details of which can be found online. The stipend acknowledges district employees for their commitment of professional development in the continuation of their education.
The PSS Executive Council’s Scholarship Committee awarded 10 $200 PSSA scholarships to association members pursuing their educational goals. The PSSA scholarship recipient from Brookhaven College was Hannah Love, senior administrative assistant for resource and economic development.
For those others who were Brookhaven College’s candidates for district awards, it was an evening to be recognized by peers at the other colleges.
Innovation of the Year: The Green Sheet
Awarded to an individual employee or team for innovation
Part-time Employee of the Year, Professional Support Staff
Jean Sharon Griffith Student Development Leadership Award
In recognition of exemplary service to students
Administrator of the Year
Awarded to recognize outstanding leadership
Workforce and Continuing Education Instructor of the Year
Awarded to a noncredit instructor for outstanding classroom performance
Excellence in Teaching Award for Adjunct Faculty
Awarded to credit adjunct faculty for outstanding classroom performance
Minnie Stevens Piper Award Nominee
Awarded to full-time faculty for excellence in teaching
