MESA, Arizona -- Sept. 25, 2024 -- Four outstanding Mesa Community College faculty members have been selected to receive Thunderbird Endowed Teaching Chair awards.

Math Department faculty member Jennifer Caldwell and Exercise Science Faculty Chair Jennifer Fay were honored with the Drs. Ken and Rebecca Boren Endowed Teaching Chair Award consisting of $10,000 each and paid out over two years.

Leanna Hall, Ph.D., English Department faculty member now serving as the interim Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, is the recipient of the MCC Residential Faculty Endowed Teaching Chair Award also consisting of $10,000 paid out over two years.

In addition, English adjunct faculty Jennifer Kady Stanton is the recipient of the MCC Adjunct and Short-Term Faculty Endowed Teaching Chair Award consisting of $2,000 paid out over two years.

“MCC is deeply committed to providing our students with an education of the highest quality,” said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. “Our ongoing success stems from hiring the finest residential and adjunct faculty in the country who are dedicated, talented and share our vision of student success.”

A selection committee evaluated all nominations and submitted recommendations to an awarding committee which made the final selections. Criteria focused on the level of dedication, talent and shared goals demonstrated by the recipients in the classroom.

According to the committee, Caldwell was selected for her teaching philosophy that incorporates high standards, confidence and lifelong learning techniques for students to use outside her classroom. Fay was recognized for supporting students by leading with kindness, empathy, humility and courage and developing authentic learning experiences.

Hall’s commitment to helping students gain technology literacy by using gamification, emerging communication trends and generative artificial intelligence deeply impressed the committee as did Stanton for her encouragement to students to self-regulate their learning to improve student agency and self-efficacy.

The Boren award was established in 2014 and the MCC award was created in 2012.

“I am proud that these awards are available to honor our many accomplished faculty members who exemplify dedication, ingenuity, innovation and vision every day of the year and are at the core of what makes MCC a viable and respected institution in the community,” added Dr. Daniel.

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Media contact: Julie Ruiz, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7283

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.