August 16, 2011
#11-70

As a way of recognizing the exemplary accomplishments of faculty and staff, the Jefferson College Foundation recently presented its 2011 Outstanding Achievement Awards after receiving nominations from constituent groups throughout the institution.

Recipients include:

Kim Harvey, Certified Staff - Director of Admissions and Student Records

Patricia McDaniel, Arts and Science Faculty - Associate Professor of Biology

Lisa Mesey, Classified Staff - Admissions Secretary

Sheba Nitsch, Career and Technical Education Faculty - Associate Professor of Applied Communication

As registrar, Harvey took the initiative to advocate for the purchase of a campus document imaging system and develop/implement an electronic student degree audit. She co-chaired the Higher Learning Commission self-study process, presented at the 2010 Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference which earned a nomination for the Ockerman Award, has served on the executive committee of the Missouri Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and has served as a board member for Experience Jefferson County. She accomplished this while pursuing a Ph.D. through the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

McDaniel is beginning her eighth year at Jefferson College as a full-time faculty member.  She earned her doctorate in biology from St. Louis University, and subsequently taught and held several conservation positions in Central and South America. Since coming to Jefferson, Dr. McDaniel has been actively involved with various institutional committees, served as a student organization advisor, and has presented during the "Friday Speaker Series." She has worked with the community through ‘service learning' and the college's Speakers Bureau, and has been listed in "Who's Who Among America's College Teachers."

Mesey is the first person many potential students interact with at the college, making visitors feel welcome and informed, often leading to a trusting relationship that lasts throughout the student's academic career. She is respected for her patience and kindness. Her service to staff is not unlike that to students as she has dropped everything to assist co-workers and other departments with projects, and volunteers to work evening and weekend events.

Nitsch is beginning her 15^th year of teaching at Jefferson, serving on numerous committees including Public Relations and Marketing, Program and Facilities Planning, Sabbatical, Assessment, JCNEA Executive Council, and Area Technical School (ATS) hiring committees. She is focused on professional development, completing training, coursework, and business-and-industry internships to develop curricula that integrate academic skill in career and technical education. Nitsch has also served professional organizations such as the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA), the National Education Association (NEA), the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education, and the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Nominated by their co-workers and peers, each Outstanding Achievement Award recipient was presented a plaque by Jefferson College Foundation Consultant Tom Burke, as well as a $250 stipend. Their names will also be displayed on the Foundation Honor Roll in the Administration Building lobby on the Hillsboro campus.

Jefferson College Foundation Consultant Tom Burke (back left) recently presented the 2011 Outstanding Faculty/Staff Achievement Awards on behalf of the organization. Recipients include, from left (front row) Lisa Mesey, Classified Professional Staff; Kim Harvey, Certified Professional Staff; (back row) Patricia McDaniel, Arts and Science Faculty; and Sheba Nitsch, Career and Technical Education Faculty.