Cecil College faculty bring the classroom to life and life to the classroom. Students benefit from relationships with instructors who know them well and provide hands-on opportunities that enrich the learning experience.
Award Winners
2023–2024
- Allan Drach – Teaching
- Allan Drach, Associate Professor of Mathematics, has worked extensively on Math 127 - Statistics. This course is the math department's most popular and critical for many majors. Although taught by multiple faculty in the department, Allan took on the task of converting the course to Canvas, a task complicated by converting numerous videos, replacing materials that were 10 years old, and generally manipulating the symbolic work math people use. Colleagues describe this task as herculean. Recognizing that the flipped class format was inappropriate for some of our students, Allan created an un-flipped version of the course using a free open-source platform, MyOpenMath. The students greatly appreciated this, as evidenced by the overwhelming support for student evaluations. Allen's student reviews and faculty comments always cite his caring and supportive attitude and his sense of humor.
- Susan Bernadzikowski – Service
- Susan Bernadzikowski, Professor of English, has played an active role in supporting and representing faculty and students. Susan's concerns for student success are reflected in her role in developing a first-year experience program that eventually became Cecil's HUM 101 course. Susan often volunteers to take on extra committee work, such as developing Cecil's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement or working with Student Services on an Ad Hoc group to support Mental Health initiatives. Susan continues to be very active in the Inclusivity Collaborative efforts, including recruiting speakers for faculty and student enrichment. Many faculty also cite her willingness to serve as a sounding board and her support and guidance, which often goes beyond the traditional work hours. As one recommendation cited, "Susan's ability to provide this level of mentorship has allowed many, including myself, to be significantly better professors, chairs, and citizens in our work at Cecil."
- Mark Donohue – Innovation
- Associate Professor of Art Mark Donohue believes in taking his art students out to meet the real world. Annually, he works with various areas across the college to arrange college-wide field trips to major museums, often to Washington DC or New York City, as well as an Art course that involves weekly trips to art exhibits. Mark spends countless hours providing guidance and feedback regarding the mechanics of art and the financial and business aspects of being an artist. Mark provides his students with a 'real world' experience. Mark spends endless hours creating workshops and organizing events and exhibits that engage the college and wider community in art, providing additional avenues for his students to interact with art and the art community. In the words of his colleagues in the fine arts faculty, "Professor Donohue's innovative teaching methods have transformed the learning experience. He integrates technology and interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to explore new mediums and techniques. His commitment to staying current with industry trends ensures that his students are well-prepared for careers in the arts."
2022–2023
- Susan Smith – Teaching
- Susan teaches dancing and exercise classes for Life Long Learning, as well as several summer camps. Susan has earned several professional certificates, developed new classes for the College, smoothly transitioned to teaching online and then back again, adjusting to meet student and college needs. She consistently maintains a positive attitude at Cecil College and in the community, truly exemplifying lifelong learning!
- Suzanne O' Bryan – Service
- Suzanne is often the first contact for potential students when they are considering returning to school. Suzanne has developed and streamlined assessment and enrollment processes to make the process more efficient and welcoming for students. Her cheerful and encouraging demeanor is critical to entering students. Suzanne also developed a PowerPoint presentation about the GED program and GED exam, revising it as need. To her peers she provides training, support and leadership. She is a vital member of the Adult Education Program supporting GED, teaching Math and providing support and guidance to students.
- Brandie Biddy – Innovation
- Brandie recognized a professional need, initiating and then leading the development of a new degree within the math department: Data Science. With little personal background, Brandie interviewed people in the field, researched other institutions courses, pursued graduate education in the field, and developed not only a degree but a certificate and an introductory course in Data Science. By developing this certificate and degree program, she not only addressed the College's strategic plan goals, but helped ensure that Cecil students have the most relevant education that supports current best practices and industries in our region.
- Kelsey Bianca – Research/Discovery
- As Kelsey continues work on her doctoral degree, she submitted three scholarly journal publications, two of which were recently published. She has also completed a book review and frequently presents her work at professional conferences. Kelsey brings her knowledge and skills related to research to the classroom. She provides examples, models the behaviors and has supported several activities and students related to student-led research. She has had several students present at the Scholars Summit, held in collaboration with Harford Community College and had a student submission accepted at the Beacon Scholars Summit. Kelsey is a champion for research, integrating it in the curriculum and modeling it for students.