ACC Honors Three "Instructors of the Year"

(July 6, 2007 - Littleton, Colo.) Arapahoe Community College's depends on approximately 600 instructors annually to help deliver its many academic offerings to the South metro area. "Instructors," is the term ACC uses to refer to its adjunct faculty. The College recently honored three of these educators as its "2007 Instructors of the Year." The honorees include: Mark Mueller of the Health, Math, Science and Engineering Division; Chris Daniels of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division; and, William Bennett of the Business and Professional Studies Division. Each was nominated by the chair of the department in which they teach.

Mark Mueller - Health, Math, Science and Engineering Instructor of the Year

Mueller is a veteran instructor in the math department. According Math Department Chair Dr. Erica Hastert, "Mark always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude about his classes."

"He is always looking to become a better teacher and often asks faculty for their tips and insight to help him improve plus he recently completed a course to teach him even more techniques to facilitate teaching and learning," she added. Additionally, Mueller volunteers time assisting ACC's Student Retention Committee with their efforts to promote student satisfaction and success. On top of all that, Mueller serves as a tutor in ACC's Math Support Room and is taking. Hastert says, "These activities, along with his continuing quest for relevant application exercises, have demonstrated that Mark has a passion for mathematics and learning new techniques to help his students understand difficult concepts." Hastert recounts that a year ago, Mueller took time to give weekly presentations to members of ACC's Math Department to assist them with mastering "Differential Forms." Hastert says that Mueller is also especially good at showing the connection between Calculus III topics to real world applications. Finally, Hastert points out that Mueller is a regular participant in Math Department adjunct faculty meetings and training sessions and spends time volunteering with the Littleton Museum.

Chris Daniels - Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Instructor of the Year

Daniels, nominated by Music Department Chair Dr. Hidemi Matsushita, joined ACC's Music Department six years ago. Matsushita nominated Daniels in part because since he came to ACC, the Music Department's enrollment has more than doubled. Much of this success, Matsushita says, is due Daniels' ability to recruit and retain a number of students who otherwise would not have come to the College. Additionally, Daniels has planned, created and taught three courses for the department, two of which were new and added to the Colorado Community College System's official curriculum. These classes include: History of Jazz; Music Business and Audio Technology I. Matsushita says that Daniels also teaches private guitar lessons at the College, supervises its Rock/Pop Ensemble and is in the process of creating a recording studio at ACC. Daniels' band, Chris Daniels and the Kings, is popular not only in the Denver metro area, but internationally. Matsushita is especially pleased with how Daniels through the popularity of his band has helped to spread the name of Arapahoe Community College at his concerts. "Chris has no problem teaching any student, he has no problem with challenging students, and he works very well with them," remarked Matsushita. "His compassion for all of his students has been nothing short of amazing."

When asked to comment on being named an Instructor of the Year, Daniels said, "It's really an honor." He added, "The best part of teaching at the College for me is when I see that the students 'get it.'"

"There is that magic moment when the lights go on. And even better is watching a student grow through the year and really start to get good or great at what they are trying to achieve." Daniels says that a lot of his classes are about innovation. "Music Business is changing faster than almost any other field along with the Audio Production side of that equation," he explains. "So about half my job is just trying to keep ahead of all the changes, process those changes and then bring that knowledge into the classroom."

William Bennett - Business and Professional Studies Instructor of the Year

Bennett was nominated by Automotive Service Technician Chair Jerry Viola because of the admiration he has for him. Viola and Bennett have been colleagues for over a decade, having taught together when Viola also was a part-time Instructor several years ago. Viola explains that at that time Bennett was a full-time instructor and, for a time, department chair. Both had left ACC a few years ago; Viola to open his own shop and Bennett to retire. However, the love both of had for ACC's auto program led each to decide to return. Viola says, "Bill is a bit different because transmission teachers are a rare breed."

"He has always been student-centered and involved our students in SkillsUSA, where students compete on a local, state, and national level," recounts Viola. "If talk to any of our alumni, they will remember Bill Bennett" he adds. "He's a demanding instructor who inspires students to excel at their chosen vocation. He is also a character. Most men who have turned 60 don't ride their bike to work 20 miles and then home 20 miles." Viola recalls that Bennett did this on most days last semester. Viola is especially appreciative that Bennett helped him make the transition to becoming the Automotive Department's chair by working extensively with him during the Fall semester. During that time, they co-taught the department's transmissions classes all the while mentoring a new faculty mentor. Comments Viola, "Bill really has had a hand in reviving the auto department."

Upon learning he was an Instructor of the Year, Bennett said, "I feel very honored and humbled by this award. There's not a day that goes by at ACC in which I haven't learned something new. Every lesson plan, every task, every homework assignment is geared toward industry standards. We teach students how to make money honestly by repairing vehicles. I would like to thank Jerry Viola for this great honor."

"Having instructors who are current practitioners in the fields they teach is an important advantage we offer students," said ACC President Dr. Bert Glandon. "I salute these fine educators for the incredible impact they are having on our students."

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