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.
2026 Awardees
Aimee Worthen Birdsall
Department Coordinator, Associate Professor
School of Science, Mathematics and Engineering
Aimee Worthen Birdsall’s path to teaching began in structural engineering, where she discovered a passion for helping others learn. Today, she is committed to making engineering accessible to all students, especially those who may not initially see themselves in the field.
She creates inclusive, supportive classrooms where students build confidence alongside technical skills. Her approach adapts to students at every stage—from introducing foundational college skills to emphasizing collaboration and real-world application.
Beyond the classroom, Aimee expands access to engineering through K–12 outreach and innovative programs, including a general education robotics course that reaches students across multiple campuses and local high schools. She also supports current students through mentorship, research opportunities, and industry partnerships.
Erica Marie Grover
Lead Course Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician Program
Erica Grover’s teaching centers on student success through active learning, adaptability, and support. She prioritizes creating an inclusive environment where students feel confident, engaged, and prepared for real-world challenges.
Recognizing that students face diverse barriers, Erica incorporates flexible, practical strategies that are readily accessible in the community. Her structured curriculum and feedback systems have contributed to strong outcomes, including consistent certification pass rates.
Beyond technical skills, Erica emphasizes empathy, reminding students of the humanity at the core of emergency medical care.
Stacey A. Romney
Associate Professor
Physical Therapist Assistant Program, School of Health Sciences
Stacey Romney’s teaching is grounded in the belief that students learn best when they feel supported, engaged, and connected to their future profession. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, she designs learning environments that emphasize real-world application.
Her courses integrate hands-on labs, practical exams, and clinical-style experiences to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required in physical therapy. A key extension of her work is the program’s pro bono clinic, where students gain hands-on experience while providing care to community members.
Stacey’s background in diverse healthcare settings informs her focus on communication, ethics, and cultural competence. She fosters a classroom environment built on trust, compassion, and equity.
Previous Years Awardees
Fourty-first Year – 2026
- Faculty:
- Aimee Birdsall, Engineering
- Stacey Romney, Physical Therapy Assistant
- Adjunct Faculty:
- Erica Grover, Emergency Medical Services
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