MARIA SEIDEL NAMED PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR
IRCC recognized for excellence in four categories by Florida's community colleges
Maria Seidel, Associate Professor of Nursing at Indian River Community College, received the Professor of the Year Award for Teaching Excellence by the Florida Association of Community Colleges (FACC). Seidel was presented with the top award at the recent FACC Convention after competing against community college professors from around the state. The competition evaluates the ability to encourage student learning, address individual learning styles, support student success and use technology to enhance learning.
"Maria Seidel is committed to helping students become outstanding nurses and her enthusiasm for teaching, good-natured concern for students and dedication to health care education are evident in her classroom every day. She is very deserving of this state-wide recognition," said Jane Cebelak, IRCC Assistant Dean of Health Sciences.
The lesson presented by Seidel for the Professor of the Year competition used hands-on techniques, audio-visual resources and humor to instruct students how to safely administer an injection into muscle.
An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Seidel has served as an IRCC faculty member for 12 years and lives in Port St. Lucie.
IRCC was also recognized for Excellence in Technology, Exemplary Business and Industry Partnership and for Exemplary Practice in Curriculum and Instruction.
Suzanne Ensmann, IRCC Director of Adult Education, received the 2006 Excellence inTechnology Award for spearheading the expansion of IRCC adult education beyond classroom walls by delivering GED Preparation, Adult High School, and English as a Second Language instruction via the Internet. The program began with 61 students served online in 2004-2005 and has grown to over 300 students this year.
A Port St. Lucie resident, Ensmann directs IRCC's free Adult Education programs.
Palm City resident Jose Farinos, IRCC Dean of Advanced Technology, and his Graphic Design team received the 2006 Curriculum and Instruction Exemplary Practice Award. The award recognized the IRCC Digital Media Institute as an instructional model to prepare students for careers in the graphic design industry. The Digital Media Institute provides students with multidisciplinary job skills in Desktop Publishing, Drafting, Web Publishing, 2D and 3D Animation and Digital Video Production.
Sherri Coleman, who served as IRCC's Academic Coordinator for the Culinary Institute of the Treasure Coast, was presented with the 2006 Exemplary Business and Industry Partnership Award. The Award recognizes the College's Culinary Institute for its responsiveness to the needs of the restaurant and culinary industry and the strong involvement of community leaders, chefs, business owners and in the program.
Coleman, of Vero Beach, was recently appointed Business Solutions Consultant for the College's Corporate and Community Training Institute.
Indian River Community College also was awarded the Region V Chapter of the Year Award and recognized for having more than 50% of IRCC employees as registered members of the Florida Association of Community Colleges.