PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR, ROSE AWARD RECIPIENTS NAMED

Collin College faculty and staff members took a few moments out of All College Day to recognize some of the people who make Collin a special place to work and to learn by presenting the ROSE and Professor of the Year awards.

David Drane ROSE Award
David Drane (center) receives his Full-Time Employee ROSE Award from District President Neil Matkin (right) and All College Council Chair Sarah Henderson.

The ROSE (Recognition of Service and Excellence) Award recognizes consistent application of the college’s core values through service to the college, staff, students and/or public by Collin College employees. This is the highest honor for full-time and part time Collin College staff.

“With more than 2,500 employees all told and 52,000 students to serve, only the best of the best qualify for the ROSE Award,” District President Neil Matkin said, introducing the award.

The Full-Time ROSE Winner was David Drane, a plant operations worker at Central Park Campus. His fellow workers praised his positive attitude and strong work ethic in a video shown as he accepted the award.

“Even the students know ‘Dr.’ Drane’s name, because he is a hero to them,” Donna Okaro, assistant director of student life at CPC, said. “He is a hero to all of us.”

Holly Stone, manager of the Center for Academic Assistance, added “He is really one of the good guys on campus. He has always got a smile on his face.”

Stephen Anschutz ROSE Award
Steven Anschutz (center) receives his Part-Time Employee ROSE Award from Dr. Neil Matkin (right) and Sarah Henderson.

ROSE Award Part-Time Winner Steven Anschutz was also honored for his willingness to work quickly and with a positive attitude. An audio engineer at Spring Creek Campus, Anschutz’s video highlighted his willingness to help no matter the situation.

“Steven is the best,” music professor Katherine Morgan said. “He will come and work with you at the last minute if you have a computer issue in your classroom, if you have a mic problem, just anything. That makes your job so much easier when you have support like that.”

Professor of the Year honors went to English Professor Martha Tolleson. Her co-workers praised her teaching style, her commitment to the students and the incorporation of humor into her classroom.

Martha Tolleson, Professor of the Year
Dr. Martha Tolleson receives her Full-Time Professor of the Year Award from Dr. Neil Matkin.

Tolleson uses various teaching styles designed to facilitate participation and sharpen students’ critical thinking skills. Tolleson makes time for students outside of class as well, providing opportunities for accessibility and a willingness to go to whichever campus is most convenient for them.

“I love working with my students, especially one-on-one,” Tolleson said in a video featuring all the nominees. “They learn that I really do care about how they do in my class.”

The other finalists for this year’s Professor of the Year Award were: Daphne Babcock, professor of environmental science; Luke Sides, professor of art; Stephanie Abramoske-James, professor of criminal justice; and Paula Miller, professor of accounting.

Associate Professor of the Year honors went to Cris Nunn of the American Sign Language Department.

Cris Nunn (left) receives his Associate Professor of the Year Award form Dr. Neil Matkin.
Cris Nunn (left) receives his Associate Professor of the Year Award from Dr. Neil Matkin.

Dr. Donald Weasenforth, dean of communication and humanities, spoke about Nunn’s commitment to education and his willingness to keep refining his instructional method.

“I was really impressed by the innovative techniques that he uses in class,” Dr. Weasenforth said. “Cris has a personality and approach to the instruction that makes students comfortable and also promotes their learning.”