Award Winners
HCC Announces Award Winners
During a campus-wide meeting on Tuesday, August 9, Haywood Community College leaders presented employees with the Superior Staff and Master Teacher awards. These awards are peer-nominated and state recognized awards given to employees that meet the award criteria, going above and beyond their daily duties at the college. Nominations were accepted and reviewed by the respective selection committee which is comprised of faculty and staff and the prior year’s winner.
“This year’s award winners exemplify service in action and commitment to our community. With combined service to HCC of nearly 40 years, Diana and Susan have dedicated their careers to helping students discover and achieve their highest potential, provided excellent support to colleagues, and continue to live-out the mission of the Haywood Community College” said Dr. Shelley White, President of Haywood Community College in recognition of the award winners.
The Superior Staff award winner for 2022-2023 was Diana Conard, Department Assistant. The Superior Staff winner demonstrates a commitment to the mission of the North Carolina Community College System and exhibits consistent, excellent job performance with unselfish devotion to a duty above and beyond normal requirements with a significant contribution to the advancement of the HCC and its students. The award winner also demonstrates responsible and efficient use of their time and resources. Diana’s willingness to share time and expertise through her service has not gone unnoticed. Diana has been with the college since 2002 supporting the Foundation, Marketing Department, and Small Business Center. Nominators stated that Diana is a true representation of the spirit of this award and always goes the extra distance to support HCC and is always willing to help others.
The Master Teacher award winner for the 2022-2023 school year is Susan Roberts, Biology Instructor. The Master Teacher award recipient demonstrates positive interactions with students that focus on their successful development as whole persons, creation of effective classroom environments producing motivated students, innovative use of technology, and taking on leadership roles beyond the classroom. Students and peers nominated Susan Roberts for her work in and out of the classroom through a variety of special projects and community outreach with organizations such as Haywood County 4-H. She has over 20 years of teaching experience, 18 of those with HCC. She has taken initiative on numerous large projects from a Students-Teaching-Students program to leading one of the most successful Earth Day events on campus featuring a student and community showcase. Susan takes great pride in her teaching and has goals set for herself that she weaves into her curriculum throughout the semester. Her instruction provides opportunities for students to learn through meaningful projects, preparing students to meet their learning goals through skill-building, and ensuring to create an environment which fosters innovation and creativity. From bringing in over 10 guest speakers this past semester for students to hear from the experts, to partnering with other resources on campus, Susan’s students were able to see what they are learning about inside the classroom take a practical application outside of the classroom.