Gadsden State Faculty Members Win Statewide Awards

Gadsden State Community College recently hosted the annual conference of the Alabama Association for Developmental Education on Oct. 27. The purpose of ALADE is to increase the academic success of students by improving the effectiveness of developmental instruction, support services and professional competencies of developmental education personnel. Developmental education prepares students for success in credit-bearing college classes by addressing areas where there are gaps in students’ academic preparation.

During the conference, 10 awards were presented with three of them going to Gadsden State faculty.

“Honors given by peers is a wonderful accomplishment,” said Dr. Leslie Worthington, dean of academic programs at Gadsden State. “We are so proud of the members of our faculty who were recognized for the contributions to developmental education.”

Mary Jo Cox was awarded Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year. She recently joined the College’s adjunct roster and teaches developmental writing, freshman composition and literature classes. She works fulltime as an English teacher at Ragland Middle School and Ragland High School.

“The love and care she has for her students was evident to us in a very short period of time,” Worthington said. “She has high standards for her students, but is also willing to meet them where they are. She has the caring heart of someone who is truly called to teach.”

The winner of the Outstanding Alumnus of a Developmental Education Program was presented to Tabitha Bozeman, Gadsden State’s division chair of Languages and Humanities. She currently serves as the president of ALADE.

“Tabitha began her college career as a first-generation developmental math student, but has since completed two degrees and is working on her doctorate in developmental education administration,” Worthington said. “She has a love for advising and teaching developmental students.”

Bozeman is known in academic circles for creating innovative developmental programs and support systems at Gadsden State. 

“In addition, she also created the Cardinal Arts Journal, opening access to the accompanying creative writing class to select developmental students who gain confidence in their writing abilities through their low-stakes assessment experience in her class,” she said. “Her experience as both a student and instructor in developmental education gives her a unique perspective for her work with students.”

The final award – New Developmental Educator of the Year – went to Farrah Hayes, who has served as a Gadsden State instructor for two years.

“She has accomplished many milestones during her time at Gadsden State,” Worthington said. “She established and oversees writing and tutoring centers on multiple campuses and is a member of many College committees. She participates in numerous projects that focus on supporting developmental students and innovating developmental programs, all while seeking her doctoral degree in developmental education. Her innovation and passion for teaching and for students drive her to strive for excellence in everything she does.”

 

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print