Frost Receives Annual Excellence In Teaching Award

Morganton, NC – Each year, Western Piedmont Foundation honors a member of Western Piedmont Community College’s (WPCC) full-time curriculum faculty, nominated by his or her own peers and students, for dedication to the teaching profession. Selection criteria recognize extraordinary efforts as a teacher; service to the profession, the College and the community; involvement with present and former students, and evidence of innovative or special efforts in teaching.

Thomas Frost (shown right), department head of Mathematics in WPCC’s Science, Engineering, and Mathematics division, recently received the annual Excellence in Teaching Award from College President Dr. Jim W. Burnett. The award recipient brings a strong academic background to his position with Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Clarion University in Pennsylvania and a Master of Science for Teachers of Mathematics degree from the University of New Hampshire.

The honoree received glowing nomination remarks from students and peers. Students described this instructor as “helpful and accessible.” One student stated, the instructor “was always willing to help and address issues in a timely manner.” Lastly, one of the instructor’s students summarized it best by saying, the instructor “was always willing to answer any questions that I had, explain things so that I understood them, and went out of the way to encourage me. I wish I had more….instructors like this.”

Peers offered strong nomination comments as well. A colleague identifies Frost as “a caring, committed educator and an articulate advocate for continually improving student learning and teaching.” Yet another colleague described this individual as “a consummate professional displaying a deep passion for student learning, academic integrity and rigor, and innovative teaching strategies.”A colleague who works closely with Frost described him as “an effective, highly respected educator, a consummate mathematician interested in sharing his insights with students, and an accomplished administrator who skillfully leads and manages a dedicated workforce.”

In addition to his instructional duties, Frost has also recently served on the North Carolina Community College System Curriculum Improvement Project for Mathematics and as the Vice- Chair of the Steering Committee for WPCC’s 2014 SACSCOC Reaffirmation. When referencing Frost’s work on these projects, a colleague remarked that “the unselfish dedication and devotion….is unquestionable.”

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Western Piedmont Community College is situated in the picturesque rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, and has served the citizens of Burke County since 1964.  Each year, more than 10,700 students pursue personal enrichment, new skills for a job or career, high school diplomas, college degrees, and transfer pathways. The application due date for new students for Fall Semester is Monday, July 14.  Apply online or visit the Western Piedmont campus to apply in person.