WPCC Names Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient
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.
Randolph C. “Rusty” Harrison, psychology instructor in WPCC’s Humanities & Social Studies division, recently received the annual Excellence in Teaching Award. The award recipient brings a strong academic background to his position with a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and a Master of Education degree from The Citadel in Charleston, SC.
The honoree received glowing nomination remarks from students and peers. A student nominator described Harrison as “a great instructor who helped me excel at WPCC.” Another stated the instructor is “very much a teacher at heart who is open, honest, warm and genuinely interested in students.” Lastly, one of the instructor’s students summarized it best by offering that Harrison is “the best instructor I have ever had. He is down-to-earth and teaches in a way you understand.”
Peers offered strong nomination comments as well. A colleague shared that Harrison is “enthusiastic regarding his subject matter, student learning and well-being, and is willing to go above and beyond for students and the College.” Yet another colleague described the honoree as “an instructor who demonstrates a strong command and continuous study of his subject matter.” A colleague who works closely with Harrison praised his use of “a variety of active-learning techniques designed to accommodate all four student learning styles.” In addition, another nominator offered that he is “an outstanding professional and an inspirational figure for both students and faculty.”
In addition to his instructional duties, the award recipient demonstrates his ceaseless support of Western Piedmont. Harrison has been instrumental in the development of the Behavioral Intervention Team, has fulfilled one term as Faculty-Staff Council chair and is currently again the chair-elect. He remains committed to implementing new teaching methods, including the pilot course for the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan. In addition, Harrison has been a key contributor to WPCC’s efforts toward institutional-level assessment, specifically for the College’s “Critical Thinking” and “Interpersonal Skills and Human Relations” competencies, which requires a significant level of commitment toward developing students as whole persons.
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. Apply online at wpcc.edu or visit the Western Piedmont campus to apply in person.