MCC faculty, HSI receive awards at MCCA convention

The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) honored several MCC employees last night during the awards ceremony at the annual convention, being held in St. Louis.

Sandy McIlnay, director of the Health Science Institute (HSI), was awarded the Administrative/Professional Leadership Award for demonstrating exemplary leadership in moving teaching and learning into a modern environment; and for her passion about learning and excellence.

The Health Science Institute received the Technology Innovation Award for its use of interdisciplinary training and simulation to prepare learners for real work situations, while working towards reducing the shortage in healthcare workers.

Senior Faculty Services awards were given to four long-term faculty:

Mary Simpson, MCC-Blue River – Simpson accumulated 35 years of service to the MCC system, working at several campuses along the way. Her current home is at Penn Valley as a reading instructor. She believes that each student has potential, which has been a theme of discussion at the convention this year.

Ted Dinges, MCC-Longview – Dinges has been with MCC for 29 years teaching courses in business and business law. As a matter of fact, business law has become one of the more popular courses at Longview. He has inspired innumerable students.

Janet Weaver, MCC-Maple Woods – During Weaver’s 22 years at MCC she has served students with special needs; re-entry students, single parents, misplaced homemakers, individuals with disabilities, and students with financil or academic chalenges.

Deborah Craig Claar (not present), MCC-Penn Valley – Craig Claar joined MCC in 1988 as a speech and drama instructor. She has served in both administrative and faculty governance roles. She has developed film curriculum, taught speech and communication and produced many performances.

Congratulations to all award recipients and those who work so hard to make HSI a recognized leader in healthcare training.