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Teaching Excellence Awardees

The Teaching Excellence Award, presented by the Salt Lake Community College Foundation Board, recognizes cumulative excellence in professional education over the span of a career. Both full-time and adjunct faculty are eligible for the award.

2024 Awardees

Ryan Holcomb
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry

Empowering students to become effective learners is the principal goal of Salt Lake Community College associate professor of Chemistry Ryan Holcomb. "Learning chemistry requires self-discipline and determination," he says. "Students who develop this will find success in all of their academic work."

From his first day teaching at SLCC, Ryan has been mindful that many students are underprepared for college. "I feel a deep responsibility to keep all of my students in class and help them meet their goals," he says. One way he does this is by teaching a special "Unit 0" in all his classes. "Before studying chemistry, we dive into the science of learning, which includes adopting a growth mindset, taking good notes, and mastering memorization and recall techniques," Ryan says. "Unit 0 helps most students but especially disadvantaged students who may have not learned these strategies in high school."

With SLCC being Utah's most diverse higher education institution, Ryan is constantly evaluating his teaching style. "I once had an ASL (American Sign Language) student who used an interpreter, but chemistry is hard to get across in that way, so I started writing everything down. I found this made me teach more mindfully, which helped other students as well." He also prioritizes using culturally responsive examples in his lectures that speak to his students' experiences and concerns.

Ryan earned a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas-Austin and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to starting his teaching career in 2008, he worked as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry and uses this experience to connect classroom concepts with solutions for real-world problems. "Chemistry is at the core of many things, and I love it when my students use knowledge of the microscopic world to understand the macro, or larger, world around them."

Stacey Van Dahm, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of English, Linguistics & Writing Studies

Stacey Van Dahm's teaching approach is rooted in her belief that literature is a powerful tool to develop compassion for others. "Teaching empathy is what literature does," she says. "It makes the human experience more accessible and relatable."

An associate professor of English at Salt Lake Community College since 2017, Stacey prioritizes in-class discussions where she reframes, draws out more reticent students, reiterates key points, and handles interruptions as they happen. She also uses peer feedback to provide students with opportunities to examine how their fellow classmates approach reading, thinking, and writing. This practice exposes students to differing personal and political views and requires them to reflect and respond constructively.

Many of Stacey's students, even those indifferent to literature and writing, express that taking her class is a privilege. "I loved everything about this class," one student said in their course evaluation. "The assignments, the in-class discussions... all of it was intellectually stimulating. I've never been in an English class that made me feel this way before."

Just as she encourages reflection in her students, Stacey does the same in her teaching. She delves deeply into student feedback and considers their opinions essential tools for professional development. "I believe my classroom must be a place where students are challenged but feel safe to explore," she says. "They are most engaged when learning is both relevant to their experiences and when they are exposed to new ideas."

Besides teaching at SLCC, Stacey has taught at the University of California-Santa Barbara and Philadelphia University. She also taught in Russia with the Peace Corps. She holds a bachelor's in English Literature from Pepperdine University, and master's and doctorate degrees in Comparative Literature from the University of California-Santa Barbara.

Matt Affolter
Adjunct Professor, Department of Geology

At an early age, Matt Affolter noticed he had a passion for teaching. Having always enjoyed helping his classmates learn the subjects they were struggling with, in 2011 he became an Earth Science teacher at Fort Herriman Middle School. Four years later, he became an adjunct professor at Salt Lake Community College, and today he shares his knowledge of geology with hundreds of high school and college students annually.

"Geology is extremely underrated in our society," says Matt, who is trying to change the narrative on the field with every class he teaches. "We all use this planet's resources, and geology can teach people to become better stewards." He also trains his students to stay current on environmental issues. "I want my students to be well informed so they can make decisions that can help better our planet," Matt says.

In his eight years at SLCC, Matt has taught Introduction to Geology, Field Studies, and Earth History and Fossils, a course he helped to create. The project he is most proud of is an Open Education Resource (OER) book he wrote for the College's Introduction to Geology course. OER books offer students free, online alternatives to expensive textbooks, and Matt's book is currently used in more than 100 higher education institutions across the United States.

Matt earned a bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of California-Los Angeles and a master's degree in Geology from the University of Montana. He also holds a master's degree in education from the University of Utah. In addition to serving as an instructor at SLCC, he teaches Earth Science, Geology, Paleontology, and Natural Disasters courses at Cottonwood High School.

Previous Years Awardees

Thirty-fifth Year – 2020

  • Faculty:
    • Jodie Jones, Communications
    • Kerry Gonzales, Visual Arts & Design
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Marisa Maughan, Anthropology

Thirty-sixth Year – 2021

  • Faculty: 
    • Jessica Berryman, Biology
    • Brett Terpstra, Criminal Justice
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • David Pack, Communications & Fine Arts

Thirty-seventh Year – 2022

  • Faculty: 
    • Craig Ferrin, Fine Arts
    • Hau Moy Kwan, Computer Science
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Michael Young, Humanities

Thirty-eigth Year – 2023

  • Faculty: 
    • Claire Adams, Humanities
    • Melissa E. Hardy, Biology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Nikki Mantyla, Linguistics and Writing Studies

Twenty-sixth Year – 2010

  • Faculty: 
    • Alena Balmforth, Developmental Education
    • Judy Braun, Developmental Education
    • Marianne McKnight, History
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Kathleen Hom, Communication

Twenty-seventh Year – 2011

  • Faculty: 
    • Luther Giddings, Chemistry
    • Melaney Farr, Biology
    • Rolayne Day, Marketing
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Brandon Alva, English

Twenty-eighth Year – 2012

  • Faculty: 
    • Mary Alvarez, Chemistry
    • Kyle Costello, Mathematics
    • Terry Martin, Visual Art & Design
    • Lois Oestreich, Family & Human Studies
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Melanie A. Dance, MD, Biology

Twenty-ninth Year – 2013

  • Faculty:
    • David Alldredge, Accounting
    • Katerina Salini, Psychology
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Shannon Atkinson, Philosophy 

Thirtieth Year – 2014

  • Faculty: 
    • Bill Trovar, Professional Truck Driving
    • Melissa Tillack, Biology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Emily Dibble, Humanities

Thirty-first Year – 2015

  • Faculty:
    • Celestina Punzalan, Mathematics
    • Walter Cunningham, Surveying and Geomatics Program
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Katie Lewis, Humanities

Thirty-second Year – 2016

  • Faculty: 
    • Mequette Sorensen, Humanities
    • Heather Schumacker, Economics and Finance
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Ron Carpenter, Humanities

Thirty-third Year – 2017

  • Faculty: 
    • Heather Schumacher, Finance and Economics
    • Jude Higgins, Anthropology

Thirty-third Year – 2018

  • Faculty: 
    • Deidre Tyler, Sociology
    • Kristin Taylor, Biology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Gordon Storrs, School of Arts, Communications and Media

Thirty-fourth Year – 2019

  • Faculty: 
    • Chad Erekson, Visual Arts & Design
    • Pook Carson, Business Management
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Linda Jemmett, Biology

Sixteenth Year – 2000

  • Faculty: 
    • Diana L. Carroll, Medical Administrative Asst./Medical Asst.
    • Alan H. Drechsel, Professional Truck Driving, Skills Center
    • Suzanne McKenna, Fine Arts
    • Kjartan T. Magnusson, Finance and Economics
    • Elizabeth Montague, English
    • Jeffrey Plant, Architectural Technology
    • Jeri J. Sheehy, Cosmetology
    • Shari Lee Sowards, Political Science
    • Gilbert Ulibarri, Electronics/Microprocessor, Skills Center
    • Deena R. Wood, Developmental Math
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Christopher S. Case, History
    • Kerry L. Gonzales, Visual Art and Design
    • Margaret D. Nelson, Developmental Math
    • Sherie Schmidt, Business Information Technology
    • Albert Ybarra, Nurse Assistant

Seventeenth Year – 2001

  • Faculty: 
    • John S. McCormick, Ph.D., Social Sciences
    • Annette Miner, American Sign Language Interpreting
    • DeeAnn D. Jensen, Office Information Systems – Skills Center
    • Diana Ploeger, Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Sherwood I. Davis, Engineer Drafting/Design Technology
    • Dean Huber, English as a Second Language
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Lawana Merrill, Mathematics
    • Cathy Bagley, Barbering/Cosmetology
    • Georgina Milne, Mathematic Basic Skills – Skills Center
    • Greg Hose, Mathematics/Sciences
    • Linda Archibald, Marketing

Eighteenth Year – 2002

  • Faculty:
    • Barbara B. Grover, Associate Professor - Mathematics
    • Kenneth Freeman, Assistant Professor - Physical Therapy Assistant Program
    • Nolan D. Clifford, Flight Technology
    • Joyce M. Barra, Associate Nursing
    • Lana Lee Gruendell, Associate Visual Arts & Design
    • Helen J. Stringham, Associate Music
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Ronald D. Vernon, Health Sciences
    • Mary Jane Swalber, Family and Human Studies
    • A. Burr Dallof, Developmental Education
    • Lyle G. Ferguson, Visual Arts & Design
    • Walter E. Pera, Electrical Apprenticeship

Nineteenth Year – 2003

  • Faculty:
    • Soni Adams, Associate Health and Lifetime Activities
    • Allison Fernley, Associate English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Patty Brooks, Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Jim Dykman, Anthropology and Humanities

Twentieth Year – 2004

  • Faculty: 
    • Christine Iltis, Biology Department
    • Karen Johnson, Developmental Education
    • Peggy Stevens, Nursing
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Luther Giddings, Business Administration
    • Sharon Giles, Developmental Mathematics

Twenty-first Year – 2005

  • Faculty: 
    • Vince Badger, Technical Specialties
    • Nick Safai, Engineering
    • Tess Boone, Associate Fine Arts
    • Ron Valcarce, Natural Sciences
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Chris Black, Adjunct Business Administration
    • Jerri Harwell, Adjunct Developmental Education

Twenty-second Year – 2006

  • Faculty: 
    • Robert Burdette, Accounting
    • Jane Hook, Engineering Design/Drafting Technology
    • Francis Afghan, Engineering
    • Lisa Bickmore, Associate English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • LaVerna Stapler, Computer Workshops
    • Mojdeh Sakaki, Interior Design

Twenty-third Year – 2007

  • Faculty:
    • Ralph Tasker, Carpentry
    • Susan Curtis, Barbering & Cosmetology
    • Davis Hubert, Political Science
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Kristie Fitzgerald, Pharmacy Technician Program

Twenty-fourth Year – 2008

  • Faculty:
    • Rick Dalton, Truck Driving Program – Skills Center
    • Susan Labasky, Nursing
    • Dorleen Jenson, Geosciences
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Kent Morgan, Paralegal

Twenty-fifth Year – 2009

  • Faculty:
    • David James, School of Applied Technology - Building Construction at Womens Prison
    • Mary Jane Keleher, School of Math Science & Engineering – Biology Dept
    • Alexander Izrailevsky, School of Humanities & Social Sciences – Philosophy Dept
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Robert Young, School of Business – Finance and Economics Dept

Sixth Year – 1990

  • Faculty:
    • Donald Gaillard, Skills Center/Basic Skills
    • Richard H. Jensen, English/Humanities
    • Ray M. Southwick, Automotive
    • Jean M. Widdison, Physical Education
    • Sally J. Williams, Skills Center/Clerical Program
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Joseph S. Wood, History

Seventh Year – 1991

  • Faculty:
    • Charles Cummins, Computer Science
    • Nina M. Edgmand, Office Information
    • Marian Noble, Skills Center/Basic Skills
    • Delmar W. Stevens, Building Construction
    • Lynette Yerbury, Accounting
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Louis F. Bertram, Criminal Justice

Eighth Year – 1992

  • Faculty:
    • Ronald L. Ash, Electronics
    • Grace K. Birch, Cosmetology
    • Nancy K. Farmer, Physical Education
    • George Miyatake, Professional Truck Driving
    • Nicole Stansbury, English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Rodney W. Walker, American Sign Language

Ninth Year – 1993

  • Faculty:
    • Drusilla Glascoe, Social Science
    • Paula McBride, Learning Center Director
    • James E. Miller, Carpentry
    • Elaine Strom, Early Childhood Development
    • Curtis Youngman, Marketing and Business Communications
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Mary LaJunne Neilson, Office Information Systems

Tenth Year – 1994

  • Faculty:
    • Victor Aikhionbare, Social Sciences
    • Tom Davies, Mechanical Pre-engineering
    • Steffeny Fazzio, Developmental Studies
    • Karen Macfarlane, Marketing and Business Communication
    • Marlene Tucker, Radiologic Technology
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Toni Reed, Small Vehicle Equipment Repair

Eleventh Year – 1995

  • Faculty:
    • Brett Baird, Auto/Ford Asset
    • George Comber, Manufacturing Technician
    • Laura Bradford, Languages
    • Emerson Cannon, Physical Sciences
    • Penny Wilkins, ESL Coordinator
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Gwen Giles, Biological and Social Sciences

Twelfth Year – 1996

  • Faculty:
    • Joe Italasano, Barbering/Cosmetology
    • Gordon Frisbey, Computer Information Systems
    • Tommie Matthews, Developmental Mathematics
    • Irina Nelson, Physical Science
    • Mary Jayne Davis, English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Dan Smith, Plumbing & Pipefitting

Thirteenth Year – 1997

  • Faculty:
    • Mark Sabolik, Technology
    • Clifton Sanders, Humanities & Sciences
    • Joan Hill, Skills Center
    • Karen Gunn, Business & Industry
    • Carla Ainsworth, Developmental Education
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Jane Luke, Musical Theater

Fourteenth Year - 1998

  • Faculty:
    • Linda Metos, Business Information Technology
    • Charlotte Hamblin, Developmental English
    • Lyle Archibald, Fine Arts
    • George Billings, Building Construction/Const. Management
    • Cheryl Shurtleff, Skills Center ESL
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Gary Beckstrand, Apprenticeship

Fifteenth Year – 1999

  • Faculty:
    • Randall Chase, Communications
    • Linda Cunningham, Business Communications
    • Diane Edwards, Developmental Education
    • Paul Lerdahl, Electricity
    • Tiffany Rousculp, English
  • Adjunct Faculty:
    • Melamene Chong Wong, Developmental Education

First Year – 1985

  • Faculty: 
    • A. Marlon Andrus, Credit and Finance
    • Roselyn N. Kirk, English
    • Robert R. Langford, Welding
    • Helen D. Sheppard, Nursing
    • Boyd L. Warnick, Transportation Management
  • High School Vocational Teacher: 
    • Werner H. Schoeck, Granite School District, Masonry

Second Year – 1986

  • Faculty: 
    • Kathryn C. Beebe, Finance and Credit
    • Ree Erickson, Business and Management
    • Gerald Giles, Developmental Studies
    • Loretta A. Walker, General Studies
    • Huibert Van Os, Machine Trades
  • High School Vocational Teacher:
    • B. Fred Tanner, Brighton High School, Automotive Trades

Third Year - 1987

  • Faculty:
    • Berit E. Blomquist, Life Sciences
    • Jeviene Christopolus, Business
    • C. Wayne Paulsen, Building Construction
    • Cecil C. Sellers, Small Engine S.E./Vehicle Tech.
    • Lewis P. Stephens, Marketing
  • High School Vocational Teacher:
    • Glenna T. Dodge, Alta High School, Art

Fourth Year – 1988

  • Faculty:
    • Ray Carl Emett, Developmental Studies
    • Neal D. Grover, Developmental Studies
    • Melodee Lambert, Business English
    • Gayle Morawetz, Office Occupations
    • Verlaine McPhie, Mathematics
  • High School Vocational Teacher: 
    • Charles C. Larsen, Taylorsville High School, Electronics/Industrial Arts

Fifth Year – 1989

  • Faculty: 
    • Larry Barlage, Social Science
    • Julie Ann Curtis, Office Information Systems
    • Don L. Merrill, Math/Computer Science
    • Katherine M. Walton, Business Management
  • Adjunct Faculty: 
    • Therese M. Golata, Physical Education Instructor
  • High School Vocational Teacher: 
    • Howard S. Pulsipher, Jordan District Technical Center, Brick Masonry