State Fair Community College celebrated a time-honored tradition on April 26 with the announcement of the 2024 Instructor, Staff Member and Adjunct of the Year recipients. Students nominated over 190 candidates for the three awards, and a committee of student leaders selected the winners.
Kristen Henning is SFCC’s 2024 Instructor of the Year. She is Theater instructor and in her response essay for the nomination, Henning wrote that her educational philosophy centers on the conviction that every person, regardless of their background and experience, can achieve goals. Henning also values working alongside students and providing individualized support.
Students nominating Henning for the award spoke of her dedication, support and teachings on work ethic, personal growth and life skills. One student wrote, “She [Henning] has a certain power when it comes to helping students with their personal growth and is so supportive and proud of everything students accomplish.”
Elisha Moulton is SFCC’s 2024 Staff of the Year. Moulton is a TRiO Student Success Coach and believes in the importance of students learning how to overcome challenges and instilling confidence, patience and determination.
Students who nominated Moulton for Staff of the Year all commented on her kindness and encouragement and her willingness to set aside times to help students outside scheduled hours. One student wrote “She [Moulton] has encouraged me to be a better version of myself and is always there for me when needed.” Another student powerfully attributed Moulton to their continuation in college, and added she is, “…incredibly kind and helpful, if I have a question about anything, right there to help me no matter what.”
Victoria Wittmaier is SFCC’s 2024 Adjunct of the Year. Wittmaier teaches English and reminds students the important skills a degree represents for an employer and how learning outcomes and more importantly, achieving goals set at the time of enrollment, are dependent on the quality of work students are willing to put forward.
Students who nominated Wittmaier for Adjunct of the Year all commented on her caring attitude, patience and understanding. Wittmaier’s efforts to accommodate and willingness to work with students to prevent them from “falling behind” were also noted. One student wrote, “She [Wittmaier] worked with me to ensure I didn’t fall behind and gave me much needed advice on how to proceed.” Another student said, “Eliminated my terror that I wasn’t cut out for college.”
All honorees received plaques and their photos will be displayed in the Yeater Learning Center lobby on the Sedalia campus. They also will lead the procession of faculty and staff at commencement May 17.
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