State Fair Community College award recipients were recognized during the 61st Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Annual Convention & Tradeshow, held Nov. 12–14 at the St. Charles Convention Center. MCCA’s Recognition and Excellence Awards program honors individuals and institutions that demonstrate outstanding service, leadership and contributions to Missouri’s community colleges each year.
SFCC’s honorees recognized at the convention include Steve and Karen Ellebracht. Steve and Karen Ellebracht received MCCA’s Award of Distinction, one of the association’s highest honors, presented to individuals who demonstrate sustained service and exceptional commitment to their local community college.
The Ellebrachts were nominated for their extraordinary generosity and dedication to education and regional workforce development. In recognition of their gift, the new Center for Advanced Agriculture & Transportation Technology has been renamed the Ellebracht Agriculture & Mechanics Center. The state-of-the-art facility significantly expands SFCC’s ability to meet workforce demands in agriculture and mechanics across the region.
Beyond their philanthropy, Steve Ellebracht has served on the SFCC Foundation Board since 2016 and currently serves as board president. He is also a key member of the capital campaign committee.
Danielle Brooks, biology instructor, received the statewide Excellence in Teaching Award, which honors outstanding instructors for exemplary teaching, innovation and service.
Brooks brings energy to her courses, engaging students through hands-on, student-centered instruction. Students consistently praise her for not only teaching anatomy and physiology but also for helping them build confidence, study skills and resilience. Her impact earned her SFCC’s 2025 Faculty of the Year Award, based on student nominations.
Brooks has redesigned general biology courses, rewritten the anatomy lab manual to reduce costs, provided professional development for K–12 teachers, directed regional science fairs and strengthened dual credit partnerships. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping students overcome challenges and succeed — an impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
SFCC President Dr. Brent Bates celebrated the recognition of both honorees.
“It was wonderful that Steve and Karen Ellebracht received statewide recognition for the significant support they have provided not only for State Fair Community College but for our entire community. That distinctive support allows our college to sustain and build its transformative impact on our communities.”
He also praised Brooks’ commitment to educational excellence.
“State Fair Community College focuses on great teaching, and it is an honor for our faculty member, Danielle Brooks, to receive recognition as one of the top two community college instructors in Missouri. Danielle is a creative teacher who brings hands-on, active learning into her classrooms each day. She is very deserving to be recognized as the best in Missouri.”
About MCCA
The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) is an institutional membership organization representing Missouri’s 12 community colleges and their thousands of faculty, staff, students and administrators. MCCA provides services in advocacy, education, information and networking to support Missouri’s community college system.
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