AWC Foundation Selects Faculty for Achievement Awards
January 31, 2017The AWC Foundation awards the Shadle/Edgecombe and the Frances Morris Endowed Faculty Achievement Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize AWC faculty members for their outstanding contribution to their profession, to AWC, to their students, and to their community. This is based upon evidence of excellence in supporting and motivating students, advancing AWC through their career, participation on committees, student activities, partnerships, and community outreach. Each recipient receives a $2,000 cash award.
Dr. Michael Miller was selected as the 2017 Frances Morris Endowed Faculty Achievement Award recipient. The Frances Morris Endowed Faculty Achievement Award Fund was established in honor of Frances Morris who served as a Board Member of Arizona Western College for 28 years. Frances was a strong proponent of education and passionately supported the college in many ways. This year’s recipient is being recognized as someone who knows how to, and I quote, “hook students into the content of his courses and instill a passion for learning.” Dr. Michael Miller serves as the chief editor of the student newspaper Western Voice, giving students invaluable hands on experience in research, writing, and development of interpersonal skills. He serves on countless committees, program reviews, and his drive to mentor and teach have made him a role model in academic and civic leadership. Dr. Miller is a Professor of English and the Communications Co-Division Chair at Arizona Western College.
Melissa Behunin was selected as the 2017 Shadle/Edgecombe Endowed Faculty Achievement Award recipient. In 2007, the Shadle/Edgecombe Endowed Faculty Achievement Award Fund was established by Steve and Bobbie Shadle in recognition of Bobbie’s parents and their lifelong dedication to higher education. This year’s recipient is being recognized for her ability to bring her content area to life for students to grasp and make relevant to their lives. She is 100% committed to engaging students in her content area and for encouraging students to take risks as they learn to master what for many are intimidating and challenging concepts. Melissa Behunin has always been willing to contribute to AWC’s mission at the Division, Instructional, and Institutional levels. She is always eager and willing to share her ideas and experiences in the classroom. Melissa has written and published multiple articles that share her insight into her area of expertise and shine a light on the AWC faculty and the important instructional work going on here at our institution. Her time spent teaching yoga, guest lecturing about mindfulness and meditation, creating and teaching a course on the psychology of happiness, the campus expression board installation, safe space training and other supplemental training sessions have made a lasting impression on our students and faculty. Melissa Behunin is a Professor of Family Studies and Psychology at Arizona Western College.
Contact:
Renee Smith
Director of Institutional Advancement
Arizona Western College
(928) 344-1723
Renee.Smith@azwestern.edu