A faculty member’s primary responsibility is to encourage learning and critical thinking in all of their students so that students can accomplish their higher education goals and build better futures. On Feb 26, 2010, four outstanding faculty members from Lone Star College-North Harris will be acknowledged for their contributions and talents as educators at the Lone Star College System’s annual employee banquet, held at the The Woodlands Waterways Marriott.
The 2010 Lone Star College-North Harris Faculty Excellence Award winners are: Gwendolyn Charvis, ESOL professor, languages and communications division; Megan Franks, Kinesiology professor, health and human services division; Julie Kendall, Nursing professor, health and human services division; and Bruce Machart, English professor, languages and communications division.
The success of LSC-North Harris can be attributed to its outstanding faculty members. The awards process is inclusive. Both faculty peers and students provide feedback on their choice of professors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity and genuine concern for students in their teaching styles.
The selection process occurs during the fall semester and includes submission of self-documentation, student evaluations in two classes, a classroom observation by committee members, and an evaluation by the department dean. Participation is voluntary.
Having worked in LSC-North Harris’ nursing department since August 2001, Julie Kendall said the best part of the job is “the students!”
“I love getting to know them as individuals, but I especially enjoy seeing them ‘get it’ - when they grasp concepts and ideas and are able to put them into clinical practice. We stress critical thinking in all nursing classes and I am especially proud of the students when I see them in action in the clinical setting and observing their interactions with patients. The greatest moment is attending the nursing pinning program, when our students walk across the stage, ready to step into the role of the professional, registered nurse. I also learn from my students–they come from various cultures and walks of life and they have so much to share,” Kendall said.
Megan Franks has worked in the Health & Human Services Department for 28 years. Franks said she loves working with the students and the changing dynamic of the college’s student population. “As the student population changes, so does the health issues that need to be addressed. My job is to provide information and motivation for students to lay a healthy and vital life that will allow them to pursue their goals and become health mentors to their family and friends.”
Franks is passionate about issues concerning women, education and protecting and elevating the life of those with fewer opportunities. “It is a great honor to win the Teaching Excellence award,” Franks said.
After six years with LSC-North Harris, Bruce Machart said working with his “brilliant, generous and delightful colleagues” is what he likes most about his job.
Gwendolyn Charvis teaches English to students whose predominate language is not English reflects, “teaching English to speakers of other languages is a pleasure because every day is an education for me as well as for my students.”
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit: LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.
Shown left to right: Megan Franks, Kinesiology professor, health and human services division; Gwendolyn Charvis, ESOL professor, languages and communications division; Bruce Machart, English professor, languages and communications division; and Julie Kendall, Nursing professor, health and human services division.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 59,000 students in credit classes this fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
Media Contact:
C.C. Sutphen
281.618.5425, desk
281.639.6381, cell