WC NEWS

Weatherford College faculty and staff were recognized for their dedication and years of service at the annual employee awards dinner on Dec. 7 at Dove Ridge Vineyard. 

Math instructor Emily Yager was awarded the 2023 Faculty Member of the Year honor. Reading from her nomination, last year’s awardee, Kelly Staub, said Yager values student success more than her own personal success.   

“During one of her annual observations, the person observing her said they could have lived in that environment she created forever and was disappointed when the class ended,” Staub said.  

Yager said one of her greatest accomplishments was having a student who claimed they hated math and started at the lowest-level math course at WC, later graduated with a master's degree in mathematics and became a math teacher.  

“I've been teaching for 30 years, and I still love my job,” Yager said. “Seeing my students get it is one of the best feelings ever. When that light bulb comes on for them, I get such a rush. I just can't believe that I get to do this every day and I also get paid for it.”  

Food service cashier Rosie Villazana introduced this year’s Staff Member of the Year with a funny speech.  

“I know you all want to know what I did with the money from last year,” last year’s award winner said. “I was so nervous that I paid someone to write this speech for me, so I’m going to need another check.”  

Villazana then presented Tammy Peters with this 2023 award. Peters is WC’s veterans specialist and ensures her students have the information and assistance they need to be successful in their field of study.  

“My job is the best job on campus,” Peters said. “I love what I do.”  

Nursing instructor Libby Slone, last year’s Faculty Member on the Rise, presented the 2023 award to Samantha Grimsley.  

“[Samantha] is always willing to go the extra mile to complete a task and take on heavier workloads to ensure matters are completed and everything is within compliance,” Slone said.  

Grimsley started as an adjunct instructor in 2021 and took over the program shortly after.  

“It has been a challenge, but a very welcoming challenge,” Grimsley said. “I love everything that Weatherford gives to our students and our programs. I appreciate this very much.”  

Dr. Andra Cantrell, executive vice president of financial and administrative services, presented the Staff Member on the Rise award to Jaci Edwards, director of special projects.  

“Since joining the staff in 2020, [Jaci] has exhibited tremendous fortitude, professionalism and attention to detail,” Cantrell said. “She is versatile and can effectively do detailed work one minute and then meet donors and give presentations to groups the next.”  

“Thank you so much for this special honor,” Edwards said. “I absolutely love this college and this community.”  

The following faculty and staff were also recognized with service awards for their years of service:  

5 years – Rosalinda Cerna, Helen Dandan, President Tod Allen Farmer, Michael Lee, Christopher Lewis, Henry Lim, Bernabe Mendoza, Melanie Sharp, Loretta Streif, Cindy Turner

 

 

 

 

10 years – Darrell Castillo, Angela Ellis, Starla Edwards, Christine Endy, Christopher Flanagan, Mika Foreman, Gail Henard, Ginger Hinshaw, Matthew Jansen, Suzie Jary, Michael McGough, Johnny Saldivar, Valorie Starr

 

 

 

 

15 years – John Flanagan, Valerie Hopkins, Kathleen McKenzie, Julie Moeller, DeeDee Perkins, Tammy Peters, John Turntine

 

 

 

 

20 years – Marcia DeChiara, Karen Wells

 

 

 

 

25 years – Gwen Crabtree, Maria Gallegos, Rob Laney, Anna Nichols, Tonya Piehl