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Teaching Excellence Awardees

The Teaching Excellence Award, presented by the Salt Lake Community College Foundation Board, recognizes cumulative excellence in professional education over the span of a career. Both full-time and adjunct faculty are eligible for the award.

2025 Awardees

N. Carolina Bloem, PhD
Associate Professor, Spanish
Director, Center for Latin American Studies

Creating a positive learning environment where students can develop knowledge and thrive is the guiding principle of Salt Lake Community College associate professor Dr. Carolina Bloem. “My goal is to provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom,” she says. “That path may look different for each student, but together we will get there.”

Carolina, who describes her teaching style as student-centric, encourages her students to connect the material in her classes with what they are learning in their other courses. She believes this interdisciplinary approach deepens understanding and fosters both creative and critical thinking. “My role in the classroom is to be a leader,” she says. “I am guiding my students toward a shared outcome of gaining knowledge, and together, we can reach that goal.”

Carolina is grateful that her journey led her to SLCC. “I am incredibly lucky and honored to work here. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and I take my role in helping them build their dreams very seriously.”


Kristen Hall
Associate Professor, Dental Hygiene

In 2012, Kristen Hall was a busy mom trying to balance her career as a dental hygienist with her family life when she met Renee Mendenhall, associate professor and program coordinator of Dental Hygiene at Salt Lake Community College. Their sons played on the same soccer team, and their shared profession sparked a conversation in which Renee asked Kristen if she would consider teaching at the College.

“I initially declined,” Kristen says. “While I liked being a hygienist, I didn’t care for my experience in hygiene school.” Eventually, Renee convinced Kristen to join the faculty at SLCC, and she became a full-time instructor in 2019.

Kristen strives to ensure her students feel supported. “I sometimes felt like just a number to my professors, so I make sure to meet with my students several times each semester to learn what’s going on in their lives and how I can help,” she says. “I’m honored to help my students reach their full potential and see their profession not just as ‘mouth janitors’ but as a way to help people live their best lives.”


Emmanuel Santa-Martinez, PhD
Assistant Professor, Biology

Students in Dr. Emmanuel Santa-Martinez’s classes learn that bumblebees can carry pollen across three miles, expanding the gene pool for plants and promoting greater crop yields. Likewise, Emmanuel encourages his students to enhance their educations by venturing beyond the classroom for immersive field research. “I feel a deep responsibility to guide my students in developing essential skills, encourage critical thinking, expose them to extracurricular opportunities, and nurture their love for biology, all of which will help them thrive in their future careers,” he says.

Other examples of “cross-pollination” in Emmanuel’s work include internships and classroom innovations. He pioneered a program that connects students with local internships, and he developed the College’s first dual-language biology class. Here, Emmanuel presents course material in Spanish and leads discussions in both English and Spanish.

Emmanuel’s interest in biology began on a farm in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. “I learned from my father the importance of understanding and taking care of plants and animals,” he says. This work inspired him to eventually pursue an undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico and a PhD in Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He began teaching at SLCC in 2019.

Previous Years Awardees

Thirty-fifth Year – 2020

  • Faculty:
    • Jodie Jones, Communications
    • Kerry Gonzales, Visual Arts & Design
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Marisa Maughan,  Anthropology

Thirty-sixth Year – 2021

  • Faculty: 
    • Jessica Berryman, Biology
    • Brett Terpstra, Criminal Justice
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • David Pack, Communications & Fine Arts

Thirty-seventh Year – 2022

  • Faculty: 
    • Craig Ferrin, Fine Arts
    • Hau Moy Kwan, Computer Science
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Michael Young, Humanities

Thirty-eigth Year – 2023

  • Faculty: 
    • Claire Adams, Humanities
    • Melissa E. Hardy, Biology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Nikki Mantyla, Linguistics and Writing Studies

Thirty-ninth Year – 2024

  • Faculty: 
    • Ryan Holcomb, Chemistry
    • Stacey VanDahm, English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Matt Afolder, Geology

Fourtieth Year – 2025

  • Faculty: 
    • N. Carolina Bloem, Spanish
    • Kristen Hall, Dental Hygiene
    • Emmanuel Santa-Martinez, Biology

Twenty-sixth Year – 2010

  • Faculty: 
    • Alena Balmforth, Developmental Education
    • Judy Braun, Developmental Education
    • Marianne McKnight, History
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Kathleen Hom, Communication

Twenty-seventh Year – 2011

  • Faculty: 
    • Luther Giddings, Chemistry
    • Melaney Farr, Biology
    • Rolayne Day, Marketing
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Brandon Alva, English

Twenty-eighth Year – 2012

  • Faculty: 
    • Mary Alvarez, Chemistry
    • Kyle Costello, Mathematics
    • Terry Martin, Visual Art & Design
    • Lois Oestreich, Family & Human Studies
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Melanie A. Dance, MD, Biology

Twenty-ninth Year – 2013

  • Faculty:
    • David Alldredge, Accounting
    • Katerina Salini, Psychology
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Shannon Atkinson, Philosophy 

Thirtieth Year – 2014

  • Faculty: 
    • Bill Trovar, Professional Truck Driving
    • Melissa Tillack, Biology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Emily Dibble, Humanities

Thirty-first Year – 2015

  • Faculty:
    • Celestina Punzalan, Mathematics
    • Walter Cunningham, Surveying and Geomatics Program
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Katie Lewis, Humanities

Thirty-second Year – 2016

  • Faculty: 
    • Mequette Sorensen, Humanities
    • Heather Schumacker, Economics and Finance
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Ron Carpenter, Humanities

Thirty-third Year – 2017

  • Faculty: 
    • Heather Schumacher, Finance and Economics
    • Jude Higgins, Anthropology

Thirty-third Year – 2018

  • Faculty: 
    • Deidre Tyler, Sociology
    • Kristin Taylor, Biology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Gordon Storrs, School of Arts, Communications and Media

Thirty-fourth Year – 2019

  • Faculty: 
    • Chad Erekson, Visual Arts & Design
    • Pook Carson, Business Management
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Linda Jemmett, Biology

Sixteenth Year – 2000

  • Faculty: 
    • Diana L. Carroll, Medical Administrative Asst./Medical Asst.
    • Alan H. Drechsel, Professional Truck Driving, Skills Center
    • Suzanne McKenna, Fine Arts
    • Kjartan T. Magnusson, Finance and Economics
    • Elizabeth Montague, English
    • Jeffrey Plant, Architectural Technology
    • Jeri J. Sheehy, Cosmetology
    • Shari Lee Sowards, Political Science
    • Gilbert Ulibarri, Electronics/Microprocessor, Skills Center
    • Deena R. Wood, Developmental Math
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Christopher S. Case, History
    • Kerry L. Gonzales, Visual Art and Design
    • Margaret D. Nelson, Developmental Math
    • Sherie Schmidt, Business Information Technology
    • Albert Ybarra, Nurse Assistant

Seventeenth Year – 2001

  • Faculty: 
    • John S. McCormick, Ph.D., Social Sciences
    • Annette Miner, American Sign Language Interpreting
    • DeeAnn D. Jensen, Office Information Systems – Skills Center
    • Diana Ploeger, Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Sherwood I. Davis, Engineer Drafting/Design Technology
    • Dean Huber, English as a Second Language
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Lawana Merrill, Mathematics
    • Cathy Bagley, Barbering/Cosmetology
    • Georgina Milne, Mathematic Basic Skills – Skills Center
    • Greg Hose, Mathematics/Sciences
    • Linda Archibald, Marketing

Eighteenth Year – 2002

  • Faculty:
    • Barbara B. Grover, Associate Professor - Mathematics
    • Kenneth Freeman, Assistant Professor - Physical Therapy Assistant Program
    • Nolan D. Clifford, Flight Technology
    • Joyce M. Barra, Associate Nursing
    • Lana Lee Gruendell, Associate Visual Arts & Design
    • Helen J. Stringham, Associate Music
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Ronald D. Vernon, Health Sciences
    • Mary Jane Swalber, Family and Human Studies
    • A. Burr Dallof, Developmental Education
    • Lyle G. Ferguson, Visual Arts & Design
    • Walter E. Pera, Electrical Apprenticeship

Nineteenth Year – 2003

  • Faculty:
    • Soni Adams, Associate Health and Lifetime Activities
    • Allison Fernley, Associate English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Patty Brooks, Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Jim Dykman, Anthropology and Humanities

Twentieth Year – 2004

  • Faculty: 
    • Christine Iltis, Biology Department
    • Karen Johnson, Developmental Education
    • Peggy Stevens, Nursing
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Luther Giddings, Business Administration
    • Sharon Giles, Developmental Mathematics

Twenty-first Year – 2005

  • Faculty: 
    • Vince Badger, Technical Specialties
    • Nick Safai, Engineering
    • Tess Boone, Associate Fine Arts
    • Ron Valcarce, Natural Sciences
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Chris Black, Adjunct Business Administration
    • Jerri Harwell, Adjunct Developmental Education

Twenty-second Year – 2006

  • Faculty: 
    • Robert Burdette, Accounting
    • Jane Hook, Engineering Design/Drafting Technology
    • Francis Afghan, Engineering
    • Lisa Bickmore, Associate English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • LaVerna Stapler, Computer Workshops
    • Mojdeh Sakaki, Interior Design

Twenty-third Year – 2007

  • Faculty:
    • Ralph Tasker, Carpentry
    • Susan Curtis, Barbering & Cosmetology
    • Davis Hubert, Political Science
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Kristie Fitzgerald, Pharmacy Technician Program

Twenty-fourth Year – 2008

  • Faculty:
    • Rick Dalton, Truck Driving Program – Skills Center
    • Susan Labasky, Nursing
    • Dorleen Jenson, Geosciences
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Kent Morgan, Paralegal

Twenty-fifth Year – 2009

  • Faculty:
    • David James, School of Applied Technology - Building Construction at Womens Prison
    • Mary Jane Keleher, School of Math Science & Engineering – Biology Dept
    • Alexander Izrailevsky, School of Humanities & Social Sciences – Philosophy Dept
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Robert Young, School of Business – Finance and Economics Dept

Sixth Year – 1990

  • Faculty:
    • Donald Gaillard, Skills Center/Basic Skills
    • Richard H. Jensen, English/Humanities
    • Ray M. Southwick, Automotive
    • Jean M. Widdison, Physical Education
    • Sally J. Williams, Skills Center/Clerical Program
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Joseph S. Wood, History

Seventh Year – 1991

  • Faculty:
    • Charles Cummins, Computer Science
    • Nina M. Edgmand, Office Information
    • Marian Noble, Skills Center/Basic Skills
    • Delmar W. Stevens, Building Construction
    • Lynette Yerbury, Accounting
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Louis F. Bertram, Criminal Justice

Eighth Year – 1992

  • Faculty:
    • Ronald L. Ash, Electronics
    • Grace K. Birch, Cosmetology
    • Nancy K. Farmer, Physical Education
    • George Miyatake, Professional Truck Driving
    • Nicole Stansbury, English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Rodney W. Walker, American Sign Language

Ninth Year – 1993

  • Faculty:
    • Drusilla Glascoe, Social Science
    • Paula McBride, Learning Center Director
    • James E. Miller, Carpentry
    • Elaine Strom, Early Childhood Development
    • Curtis Youngman, Marketing and Business Communications
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Mary LaJunne Neilson, Office Information Systems

Tenth Year – 1994

  • Faculty:
    • Victor Aikhionbare, Social Sciences
    • Tom Davies, Mechanical Pre-engineering
    • Steffeny Fazzio, Developmental Studies
    • Karen Macfarlane, Marketing and Business Communication
    • Marlene Tucker, Radiologic Technology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Toni Reed, Small Vehicle Equipment Repair

Eleventh Year – 1995

  • Faculty:
    • Brett Baird, Auto/Ford Asset
    • George Comber, Manufacturing Technician
    • Laura Bradford, Languages
    • Emerson Cannon, Physical Sciences
    • Penny Wilkins, ESL Coordinator
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Gwen Giles, Biological and Social Sciences

Twelfth Year – 1996

  • Faculty:
    • Joe Italasano, Barbering/Cosmetology
    • Gordon Frisbey, Computer Information Systems
    • Tommie Matthews, Developmental Mathematics
    • Irina Nelson, Physical Science
    • Mary Jayne Davis, English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Dan Smith, Plumbing & Pipefitting

Thirteenth Year – 1997

  • Faculty:
    • Mark Sabolik, Technology
    • Clifton Sanders, Humanities & Sciences
    • Joan Hill, Skills Center
    • Karen Gunn, Business & Industry
    • Carla Ainsworth, Developmental Education
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Jane Luke, Musical Theater

Fourteenth Year - 1998

  • Faculty:
    • Linda Metos, Business Information Technology
    • Charlotte Hamblin, Developmental English
    • Lyle Archibald, Fine Arts
    • George Billings, Building Construction/Const. Management
    • Cheryl Shurtleff, Skills Center ESL
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Gary Beckstrand, Apprenticeship

Fifteenth Year – 1999

  • Faculty:
    • Randall Chase, Communications
    • Linda Cunningham, Business Communications
    • Diane Edwards, Developmental Education
    • Paul Lerdahl, Electricity
    • Tiffany Rousculp, English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Melamene Chong Wong, Developmental Education

First Year – 1985

  • Faculty: 
    • A. Marlon Andrus, Credit and Finance
    • Roselyn N. Kirk, English
    • Robert R. Langford, Welding
    • Helen D. Sheppard, Nursing
    • Boyd L. Warnick, Transportation Management
  • High School Vocational Teacher: 
    • Werner H. Schoeck, Granite School District, Masonry

Second Year – 1986

  • Faculty: 
    • Kathryn C. Beebe, Finance and Credit
    • Ree Erickson, Business and Management
    • Gerald Giles, Developmental Studies
    • Loretta A. Walker, General Studies
    • Huibert Van Os, Machine Trades
  • High School Vocational Teacher:
    • B. Fred Tanner, Brighton High School, Automotive Trades

Third Year - 1987

  • Faculty:
    • Berit E. Blomquist, Life Sciences
    • Jeviene Christopolus, Business
    • C. Wayne Paulsen, Building Construction
    • Cecil C. Sellers, Small Engine S.E./Vehicle Tech.
    • Lewis P. Stephens, Marketing
  • High School Vocational Teacher:
    • Glenna T. Dodge, Alta High School, Art

Fourth Year – 1988

  • Faculty:
    • Ray Carl Emett, Developmental Studies
    • Neal D. Grover, Developmental Studies
    • Melodee Lambert, Business English
    • Gayle Morawetz, Office Occupations
    • Verlaine McPhie, Mathematics
  • High School Vocational Teacher: 
    • Charles C. Larsen, Taylorsville High School, Electronics/Industrial Arts

Fifth Year – 1989

  • Faculty: 
    • Larry Barlage, Social Science
    • Julie Ann Curtis, Office Information Systems
    • Don L. Merrill, Math/Computer Science
    • Katherine M. Walton, Business Management
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Therese M. Golata, Physical Education Instructor
  • High School Vocational Teacher: 
    • Howard S. Pulsipher, Jordan District Technical Center, Brick Masonry