In an impressive career that has spanned nearly 30 years, Dr. Betsy Hertzler has contributed to MCC and our district in a number of leadership positions.

She has been a valued professor of history; president of the Faculty Senate and Faculty Executive Council; leader in the Counseling Department; an advocate and co-director of the MCC Honors Program for nearly 20 years; as well as the director of the Maricopa County Community College District Honors Program from 1995 through 2010; and the president of the Arizona Honors Council.

Betsy’s co-director of the MCC Honors Program describes her as beloved by her students and a force to be reckoned with as she pursued her commitment to teaching and the quality of education at MCC.

Her dedication to teaching is illustrated by her innovative teaching methods that create dynamic classrooms emphasizing student involvement. Additionally, she is a founding member of MCC Center for Teaching and Learning, which partners with faculty and staff to inspire and facilitate leading-edge instruction.

She has long stood up for women and diversity. She was an early member of the Women’s Studies Committee and participated in the Global Awareness Learning Community, and Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

At the national level, Betsy served on the Teaching and Learning Committee of the National Collegiate Honors Councils and she was selected for the National Honors Program Committee. Her dedication and fortitude shone when she came out of retirement as the college moved classes online in response to COVID-19. She had never taught an online class before but, during Spring semester, she was running live virtual classes seamlessly.

For a link to the full video of the ceremony, please visit MCC Hall of Fame 2021.