Tyler

Tyler Junior College recognized the return of faculty members and the start of the 2008-09 school year with the General Faculty/Staff Meeting Monday in Wise Auditorium.

About 500 faculty and staff members attended the opening convocation Monday, according to a statement from Tyler Junior College.

The opening ceremony included the introduction of new faculty and staff members and the presentation of awards, according to TJC.

Regular fall classes begin Monday. Late registration for students who have not already registered or who must make changes to their schedule is Wednesday and Thursday.

TJC President Dr. Mike Metke, who presided over the opening meeting, encouraged faculty and staff members to pursue new ideas for recruitment and retention of students and to "set goals high," according to the statement.

During the event, incoming Faculty Senate President Dr. Byron Howell announced finalists and the winner of the Mattie Alice Scroggin Baker Excellence in Teaching Award, an annual award presented to an outstanding faculty member. The award is made possible because of an endowment established with the TJC Foundation in 1987.

Finalists were Jennifer Bailey, instructor, dance/director for TJC Academy of Dance; Gigi Delk, instructor for computer information systems; Larry Marta, instructor for music; Deborah Spradlin, instructor for reading/college preparatory studies; and Lois Ulsh, instructor for associate degree nursing. The award of a $1,000 annual stipend went to Ms. Delk. Other finalists received a $200 stipend.

Howell also presented the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award to Telfair Fullerton, information technology training coordinator and adjunct instructor. She received a $750 stipend.

The winners of the annual Oscar and Marguerite Herrin Awards for Staff Excellence were also announced. They were: Debbie Brown, computer operator for information technology; Priscilla Lee, registration coordinator for continuing education; and Deborah VanDevelde, staff technician for applied studies.

Herrin awards are presented to classified level staff members who have been cited by their peers for excellence in the performance of their duties. Awards include a plaque and a $500 stipend to each recipient.

Metke also presented a plaque honoring outgoing Faculty Senate President Shelley Kersh.

HONORED: Tyler Junior College president Mike Metke looks on as outgoing TJC faculty senate president Shelley Kersh was honored at the TJC Convocation on Monday At Wise Auditorium in Tyler.
(Courtesy Photo)