Our 2023-24 Faculty & Staff Excellence Award Winners
Full-Time Faculty Award
Claudia Payne, Basic and Transitional Studies
As the English as a Second Language Program Chair, Claudia has excelled in supporting students, encouraging faculty, and building partnerships with the greater community. Her colleagues describe her a community connecter and outstanding teacher, applauding her innovative efforts to offer a new off-site ESL class in partnership with the Snoqualmie Tribe. She has cultivated a welcoming and encouraging community for her students, employing creative and effective teaching methods to support the diverse needs of our ESL community, while also earning the trust and respect of the ESL faculty, who applaud her resilience and commitment to equity. Congratulations Claudia!
“Claudia is highly respected and trusted among the faculty and staff. In her interactions with colleagues and students, she handles herself in a professional manner and helps us to work better together by creating a welcoming and respectful space. Claudia brings her best to her job each day. She has effective strategies for handling the complexities of her Program Chair responsibilities. I admire her resiliency and ability to maintain balance. It is inspiring to work with a colleague and leader who is continually reflecting, innovating, and collaborating in service to the mission of our ESL Program and the college.”
Nominator
Part-Time Faculty Award
Karrin Peterson, English
In the twenty-four years she has served at BC, Karrin has earned a reputation from her students as an understanding and supportive instructor. Those who have taken her class appreciate her commitment to open-access learning, and share that her classroom feels diverse and inclusive as well as safe and accessible. Students in her classroom are empowered and develop not only high levels of proficiency in formal writing by also critical research, analysis, and communication skills. Congratulations Karrin!
“Her emphasis on the accessibility of quality learning support services ensures that students receive the necessary resources to thrive academically. Through her dedication, Professor Pete not only exemplifies BC’s Core Values but elevates them to new heights. Her multifaceted approach to education reflects BC’s mission to prepare individuals for academic success, employment, and lifelong learning. Professor Pete is undeniably an asset to Bellevue College and a true embodiment of its guiding principles.”
Nominator
Classified Employee Award
Mitchell Bland, Maintenance
For more than three decades, Mitchell has been a beloved member of the campus community. Known for his kindness and incredible dedication, Mitchell has not only made BC’s physical spaces more beautiful and welcoming, but shared light and humor with all who are lucky enough to work with him. He is a thoughtful partner is creating campus offices, and is always trusted to do an impeccable job while also being proactive and mindful about potential safety or ventilation concerns. Congratulations Mitchell!
“Mitchell Bland brings a smile to the face of everyone on campus. He is the most delightful person to talk to and I am always happy when I see him on campus. He never fails to greet me and others with a big smile and an upbeat attitude. I also leave any interaction with Mitchell feeling like Bellevue College is a great place to work.”
Nominator
Exempt Employee Award
Chris Bell, Social Science
As Dean of the Social Science Division, Chris has earned the respect and adoration of many. The faculty who work with him know that Chris is their advocate, who will practice what he preaches and push them to become the best possible educators. He has served diligently in a variety of committees across campus, including the Curriculum Advisory Committee, Commencement Planning Committee, and on the inaugural Budget Review Advisory Committee. Dedicated to creating an inclusive learning community, Chris is known as a fair and equitable leader who always demonstrates empathy and kindness. Congratulations Chris!
“It has been delightful to work with Chris and learn under his guidance. He is such a great leader. The way he has led our division since 2019 has been admirable, and he constantly inspires me to do great work. He has worked hard to make our division a strong force on campus, and under his leadership, we have come to become a diverse pool of faculty members who always strive to make our classes inclusive, open, safe, and accessible spaces for all.”
Nominator
Thank You and Congratulations to All Our Nominees
We were inspired by the nominations we received this year. We feel humbled to read about the many ways that our outstanding staff and faculty nurture and support our students every single day. Congratulations to all the 2023-24 Faculty & Staff Excellence Award nominees!
Malini Ajwani • Tony Akhlaghi • Martina Almario • April Ambalina • Kyle Barber • Dan Beert • Jessica Berry • Jeanne Bogdan • Ernesto Bowie • Tamara Boynton Howard • Nadescha Bunje • Jean D’Arc Campbell • Stephanie Campbell • Teaessa Chism • Shana Chung • Brian Cobb • Kathy Colasurado • Tessa Cornish • Michael Culpepper • Gregory Delia • Jonathan Diehl • Sandra Doyle-Wilson • Matt Edwards • Branden Ellsworth • Juan Esparza • Sara Farag • Jenna Fox • Charlene Freyberg • Jacqueline Gapinski • Minnat Hamada • Kari Hammond • Lisa Harris • Jabril Hassen • Vlasta Hillger • Varik Hoang • Aimee Hong • Carrie Horton • Bradley Huggins • Margo Ikegami • Danielle Jacobson • Amy Jing • Naomi Jones • Joceline Juarez • Michael Knarr • Supreetha Kumar • Sophie Leung • Michelle Macauley • Ben Machado • Julie Malone • Rick Mangan • Ted Mansfield • Melissa Martinez • Jennie Mayer • Amy McCrory • Travis McKinney • Jennifer McMillan • Amanda Morris • Laëticia Nkinsi • Abner Pagunuran • Ilona Pitkanen • Peter Prescott • Ndayishimiye Priame • Jennifer Pritchard • Michael Pulido • Naeim (Ali) Rahmani • Hima Rami • Keith Rowley • Greg Schmidt • Fatma Cemile Serçe • Dan Shade • Melody Sierra • Elizabeth Stanley • Alicia Steenis • Brian Stephanik • Christine Taylor • Pavy Thao • Renee Tinsley • Patrick Torres • Yuping Yang • Betsy Zahrt Geib • Yelena Zlotnik • Sheere Zupan
Nominations
Do you know someone deserving of the BC Excellence Award? Learn about the nomination process and how you can be involved in the nomination and selection of the next round of winners.
Last Updated April 18, 2024