MCC recognizes faculty excellence in teaching with Endowed Teaching Chair awards

Published Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Endowed Teaching Chairs: Diana Breed, R.N. and Elizabeth “Bootsie” Martinez


Head and shoulders image of Diana Breed, R.N. Endowed Teaching Chair Diana Breed, R.N. MESA, Arizona – June 23, 2021– Mesa Community College (MCC) recognizes faculty for excellence in teaching and learning with Endowed Teaching Awards.

Faculty members Diana Breed, R.N. and Elizabeth “Bootsie” Martinez, receive Endowed Teaching Chair awards for excellence in instruction and demonstrated engagement in innovative and effective teaching practices.

Breed, residential Nursing faculty, is the recipient of the Endowed Teaching Chair Award for residential faculty, receiving $15,000 over three years.

“I am overwhelmed and so thankful,” said Breed. “I have loved teaching here at MCC for the past 18 years and understand the significance of this honor.

Martinez, adjunct Administration of Justice Studies (AJS) faculty, is the recipient of the Endowed Teaching Chair Award for adjunct faculty, receiving $2,000 over two years.

Head and shoulders image of Elizabeth “Bootsie” Martinez Endowed Teaching Chair Elizabeth “Bootsie” Martinez “I love the AJS Department, and I am so enthusiastic about teaching our students,” said Martinez. “Mesa Community College has been amazing to me since I moved here in 2016 and began teaching in AJS. I look forward to more opportunities to be of service to the students and to the college.”

Awards were presented to honorees in separate small, surprise, virtual gatherings in May 2021.

The endowment was established with funding from private donors and employees and matching funds were provided by the U.S. Department of Education through MCC’s Title III Foundations for Student Success grant. MCC’s Office of Development coordinated this philanthropic effort with support from the Foundations for Student Success. The awards for residential and adjunct faculty focus on recognizing and rewarding teaching excellence and demonstrate MCC’s commitment to quality instruction.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of-state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. 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.eduto learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) - https://www.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 http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.