May 10, 2016

SEDALIA—State Fair Community College honored the top instructor, adjunct instructor and staff member for 2015-2016 in a ceremony May 6 in the Yeater Learning Center on the Sedalia campus.

Jack Hayes, Chemistry, was named instructor of the year; Kim Rimel, Agriculture, was named adjunct instructor of the year; and Danika Doyle, informatics coordinator for the Nursing program, was named staff member of the year.

Students submitted 133 nominations for all candidates and a panel of students, faculty and staff chose the winners. There were 68 nominations for 35 instructors, 45 nominations for 22 adjunct instructors and 20 nominations for 12 staff members.

Hayes has taught at SFCC for 10 years. Students say he teaches them to learn the material by trial and error because that is a true way to learn chemistry. He wants students to not only succeed in class but also in life.

One student said, “I was insecure about the class in the beginning, but now I’m confident in this skill set and love chemistry because of Hayes’ guidance.”

Peers say his teaching methods are “cutting edge” and designed to help students become critical thinkers who can apply the skills acquired in chemistry to every area of their lives. Hayes also has worked diligently to ensure the course curriculum transfers to other four-year institutions.

“I try to maintain an attitude of being a facilitator or guide when conducting classroom activities and encourage students to seek the journey instead of the conclusion,” said Hayes. “By understanding the journey, the learner becomes a scholar, which frequently translates into success.”

Rimel has taught at SFCC for seven years. Students say she is a caring, hardworking instructor who makes the learning environment enjoyable and a place where everyone wants to work.

Her peer letter of recommendation highlighted her commitment to student success and her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge as a business owner while emphasizing the value of not only learning skills but also contributing to the communities in which students work and live.

“I believe students need to learn from their daily experiences and apply that knowledge when the opportunity arises,” said Rimel. “All aspects of education should reflect the responsibilities students will have when they enter the workforce. Agriculture does not stop for weekends and holidays. When students have to water plants in the greenhouse on Christmas, they learn what it takes to work in this industry.”

Doyle has worked at SFCC for nearly two years and was described by nursing students as a person who listens, provides support and creates activities that help them study when they struggle with a difficult course.

One student said, “Danika can relate to us and has told us about her own struggles as a student and how she overcame them. Her story gives us hope and motivation so that we can work through the stress to reach our goals.”

“My philosophy of student success is that all students have the potential to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals,” said Doyle. “My job is to not only support students but also to provide content clarification and simulation evaluations so they achieve their dreams of becoming nurses.”

Photos of the honorees are displayed in the Yeater Learning Center lobby. They also received plaques and will be recognized May 13 at commencement.
—State Fair Community College honored the top instructor, adjunct instructor and staff member for 2015-2016 in a ceremony May 6 in the Yeater Learning Center on the Sedalia campus.

Jack Hayes, Chemistry, was named instructor of the year; Kim Rimel, Agriculture, was named adjunct instructor of the year; and Danika Doyle, informatics coordinator for the Nursing program, was named staff member of the year.

Students submitted 133 nominations for all candidates and a panel of students, faculty and staff chose the winners. There were 68 nominations for 35 instructors, 45 nominations for 22 adjunct instructors and 20 nominations for 12 staff members.

Hayes has taught at SFCC for 10 years. Students say he teaches them to learn the material by trial and error because that is a true way to learn chemistry. He wants students to not only succeed in class but also in life.

One student said, “I was insecure about the class in the beginning, but now I’m confident in this skill set and love chemistry because of Hayes’ guidance.”

Peers say his teaching methods are “cutting edge” and designed to help students become critical thinkers who can apply the skills acquired in chemistry to every area of their lives. Hayes also has worked diligently to ensure the course curriculum transfers to other four-year institutions.

“I try to maintain an attitude of being a facilitator or guide when conducting classroom activities and encourage students to seek the journey instead of the conclusion,” said Hayes. “By understanding the journey, the learner becomes a scholar, which frequently translates into success.”

Rimel has taught at SFCC for seven years. Students say she is a caring, hardworking instructor who makes the learning environment enjoyable and a place where everyone wants to work.

Her peer letter of recommendation highlighted her commitment to student success and her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge as a business owner while emphasizing the value of not only learning skills but also contributing to the communities in which students work and live.

“I believe students need to learn from their daily experiences and apply that knowledge when the opportunity arises,” said Rimel. “All aspects of education should reflect the responsibilities students will have when they enter the workforce. Agriculture does not stop for weekends and holidays. When students have to water plants in the greenhouse on Christmas, they learn what it takes to work in this industry.”

Doyle has worked at SFCC for nearly two years and was described by nursing students as a person who listens, provides support and creates activities that help them study when they struggle with a difficult course.

One student said, “Danika can relate to us and has told us about her own struggles as a student and how she overcame them. Her story gives us hope and motivation so that we can work through the stress to reach our goals.”

“My philosophy of student success is that all students have the potential to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals,” said Doyle. “My job is to not only support students but also to provide content clarification and simulation evaluations so they achieve their dreams of becoming nurses.”

Photos of the honorees are displayed in the Yeater Learning Center lobby. They also received plaques and will be recognized May 13 at commencement.

Kim Rimel, Adjunct Instructor of the Year
Kim Rimel (center) was presented with SFCC’s Adjunct Instructor of the Year award on May 6. Making the presentation is Dr. Joanna Anderson, SFCC president (left) and Taylor Sidebottom, Student Government Association president. Jack Hayes was awarded the Instructor of the Year award but was unable to attend the presentation.
Danika Doyle, Staff Member of the Year
Danika Doyle (center) was presented with SFCC’s Staff Member of the Year award on May 6. Making the presentation is Dr. Joanna Anderson, SFCC president (left) and Taylor Sidebottom, Student Government Association president.

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