MESA, Arizona – May 10, 2023 – Mesa Community College (MCC) recognizes four faculty for excellence in teaching and learning with Endowed Teaching Awards.

Reading faculty member Dr. Stephanie West receives a $1,100 Endowed Teaching Chair Award for a research project to help students overcome classroom apathy through innovative technology, engagement and social-emotional strategies.

“There appears to be no single perfect method for teaching, but an important aspect of education seems to be identifying the student’s needs and what works best for each given individual,” said West.

A team of Math faculty share a $3,321 Developmental Education Endowed Teaching Award for their project, Study Well in Math: Increase Confidence, Competence, and Self-esteem.

Jennifer Caldwell, Kimberly Norris and Allison Berkman used their award to develop a series of workshops focused on developing study skills for students in corequisite math courses. The workshops contribute to the overall support available for at-risk math students. Successful implementation of the workshops results in improved student completion of developmental and gateway courses.

“Learning mathematics is different from learning most other subjects, and developing good study habits is one of the keys to being a successful learner of mathematics. Good study skills can help students increase their confidence, competence, and self-esteem, while also reducing anxiety,” said Caldwell. “We are designing workshops to engage students in the exploration of different study skills and teaching them how to support their own learning. By providing students with the right support at the right time, we are letting them know we care about their success and that we have resources to help them achieve their educational and personal goals.”

The endowments were 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. The MCC Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement coordinated this philanthropic effort with support from the Foundations for Student Success. The awards focus on recognizing and rewarding teaching excellence and demonstrate the college’s commitment to quality instruction.

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Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. 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. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The 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.

MCC 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.