Faculty & staff recognized for excellence at annual convocation

Seven faculty members, five staff and three professional staff were recognized with the Excellence Awards at the 2012 Tulsa Community College Convocation.

The 2012 Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence winners are:

Dr. Marvin Cooke is deeply committed to teaching and to his students in the Sociology Program on the Metro Campus. He spends a great deal of time preparing his courses, infusing them with innovative and thought-provoking assignments. His talent for making sociology relevant to students is seen in the community-oriented projects he assigns. Marvin is a valuable contributor to the strength of the Liberal Arts Division.

Jennifer McMahon is an asset to both her Interior Design students and her coworkers at the Southeast Campus. Her students get real-world experience by interacting with industry professionals right here in Tulsa. She has used her skills to update several areas of the campus as a member of the Beautification Committee. Jennifer is highly respected professional by everyone who knows her.

Dr. Eckle Peabody is known as the “Rock Star” of the Science and Math Division on the West Campus. Semester after semester, his courses are completely filled with students. He is caring, knowledgeable and a dynamic lecturer, which is a winning combination for any professor. Eckle has contributed tremendously to TCC, and his efforts are greatly appreciated by his colleagues and students.

Dr. David Ruskoski shows dedication to educating the whole student in the Liberal Arts Division on the Northeast Campus. He makes history come alive for students by making his classes engaging, informative and fun. He has led many study abroad trips, helping students better understand today’s global environment. David has served on numerous committees at the College because students are keenly aware of his excellence.

Dr. Diana Spencer is a passionate leader and innovator as professor of Biotechnology at the Southeast Campus. Her reputation for teaching has spread across the state and nation, as she has garnered numerous grants to facilitate people entering this field. Because of Diana’s enthusiasm and talents, TCC’s Biotechnology Program has become the standard by which others are measured.

Ureka Williams provides students with opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom as a professor of English on the Metro Campus. Her commitment to academic achievement and to TCC is an inspiration to her colleagues. She has organized scholarships, helped implement the Metro Writing Project and served on many College committees. Ureka is committed to innovation, critical applications and service learning.

Sandy Zingo is enthusiastic about her subject as a professor in the Business & Information Technology Division on the Northeast Campus. She instills principles of economics in her classes by using fun and engaging learning activities. Students consistently identify her as their all-time favorite teacher. Sandy genuinely cares about students and is a champion of TCC.

The 2012 Staff Award for Service Excellence winners are:

Sherrill Durbin has served TCC for 17 years, currently working in the Academic and Campus Services & Purchasing areas on the West Campus. She is proactive in her work ethic and diligent in following TCC purchasing policies. She volunteers in various areas of the community, including numerous animal welfare agencies. Sherrill is an invaluable employee who consistently provides accurate and excellent service.

Jenna Grant has been an integral force in the TCC Foundation Office for the past 10 years. Last year, she processed more than $1.8 million in donations. She serves on the College Staff Council where she has raised money for staff scholarships in events such as the “Panhandle with Purpose.” Jenna’s friendly personality make her a joy to work with.

Kim Grayson’s leadership is highly valued in the Student Health Services office on the Northeast Campus. She brings humor and top-notch customer service to her position. She has served on numerous councils and teams, showing everyone that she is not afraid to “take the bull by the horns.” Overall, Kim has a special spirit and zest that is contagious.

Scott Mannas gives superior service to students in the Student Development & Testing office on the Metro Campus. He is an expert at his job and performs it with enthusiasm, no matter whether the task is challenging or mundane. He never misses a deadline and handles problems with a positive attitude. Scott is a self-starter who takes great pride in all that he does.

Scott Reeves is committed to his job in the Registration & Enrollment Services area on the Southeast Campus. He goes out of his way to help students get the information they need to be successful. He is a vital part of keeping the office running smoothly and is a source of information for many across the College. Put simply, Scott is a “go-to guy.”

The 2012 Professional Staff Award for Service Excellence winners are:

Jennifer Duncan exhibits excellence in her role at the Student Activities Office on the West Campus. She has completed several programs at TCC, such as Supervisory Management and the Student Services Institute. Always willing to help, she has served on numerous committees during her time at TCC. Jennifer demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and is an advocate for students.

Heather Hancock has been a fearless leader as the Dean of Student Services on the Southeast Campus. She has presented on safety issues for faculty and worked with them extensively about how to handle disruptive students. She is involved in several Achieving the Dream teams and is co-chairing Enrollment Management Council for the College. Heather is action-oriented, jumping into challenges with both feet.

Dr. Mike Limas goes well beyond his responsibilities as Director of Academic Campuses and Services on the Northeast Campus. He is the lead adviser for Northeast Campus’ Phi Theta Kappa chapter. He was one of the originators of the MAGIC committee, and he has helped organize EcoFest for the past three years. Mike has devoted untold time and energy to the development of academic excellence.

(Pictured above are, from left, first picture: Dr. David Ruskoski, Dr. Diana Spencer, Dr. Marvin Cooke, Dr. Eckle Peabody, Ureka Williams, Jennifer McMahon and Sandy Zingo; second picture: Kim Grayson, Sherrill Durbin, Jenna Grant, Scott Reeves and Scott Mannas; third picture: Jennifer Duncan and Dr. Mike Limas. Heather Hancock is not pictured.)