April 14, 2008

Neal, Waldroupe to receive NISOD Excellence Awards

Cowley College instructors Melinda Neal and Loretta Waldroupe will receive Excellence Awards from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development in Austin, Texas, in May.

Neal, an instructor in the Natural Science Department and Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisor, and Waldroupe, a math specialist, will receive the awards during NISOD’s annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence May 25-28.

“Both of these gifted and talented educators are very deserving of this award; they are committed to teaching and learning both in and out of the classroom, passion about their chosen vocation and dedicated to student success,” Cowley College vice president of academic affairs Sheree Utash said. “My congratulations to both of them.”

Neal has worked at Cowley since the fall of 2002. She has had the opportunity to attend the NISOD conference several times and has always come back with new ideas and strategies to implement in the classroom.

“I am excited about being chosen as one of this year's recipients of the NISOD Master Teacher of Excellence Award,” Neal said. “I have had the pleasure of teaching and learning from students for many years and to be recognized by your colleagues for this award is truly an honor.”

Waldroupe graduated from Cowley College in 1986 and began working at the school in 1988. She spent four years working at Cowley before moving to Kansas City.

She returned to Arkansas City and regained employment at the college in 1998. She was surprised to receive the award.

“I am flattered and humbled,” Waldroupe said. “It means a tremendous amount when it comes from my peers.”

Waldroupe finds satisfaction in working with the students.

“The knowledge of being able to help somebody improve their lives is very gratifying,” Waldroupe said.
Neal spoke highly about the people she works with at the college.

“I feel very fortunate to be an instructor at Cowley,” Neal said. “The faculty and staff do a tremendous job for our students. Administration, faculty, and staff are always very helpful and supportive of each other.”

At the conference there will be more than 250 break out and round table sessions to choose from.

“These sessions give you an opportunity to learn from other educators and to exchange strategies for student success,” Neal said.