Sedalia, Missouri – Dec. 9, 2022 – The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) recognized State Fair Community College nominees during its annual conference recognition and excellence awards program in St. Louis on Nov. 30. MCCA is dedicated to recognizing individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.
SFCC’s winners and finalists who were recognized at the convention’s awards dinner are as follows:
Russell and Julie Childers of Sedalia received MCCA’s Award of Distinction that is presented to individuals who have demonstrated sustained service and commitment to their local community college and is one of the highest honors MCCA bestows. The Childers are owners of RAC-JAC Properties, Inc. SFCC nominated the Childers because of their support in the Stronger Workforce, Greater Community capital campaign and for Russell’s leadership on the SFCC Foundation’s board of directors.
Danielle Beumer was a finalist for the Excellence in Teaching Award that honors outstanding instructors for their work during the previous year. Beumer is an instructor and program director for SFCC’s Radiologic Technology program. She was selected by SFCC students as the 2022 Instructor of the Year for her engaging and caring teaching style and her passion for student success.
Darren Pannier was a finalist for Administrative Professional Leadership Award that recognizes exemplary leadership practices within colleges and communities. Pannier, SFCC’s Athletic Director, expanded the college’s athletic programs from about 28 student-athletes to more than 400, thus increasing opportunities for more students and SFCC’s enrollment. In addition to mentoring student-athletes, Pannier serves on the board of directors for the National Junior College Athletic Association, the Boys and Girls Club of Sedalia and the Sedalia School District Foundation.
Christine Brown was a finalist for the Classified Staff Achievement Award that recognizes employees who have a positive impact on their college and their department. Brown is a member of SFCC’s Facilities Management team where she engages students, faculty, staff, vendors, and community members. Her personality, work ethic, organizational skills, attention to details, compassion for others, and empathy for people in need makes SFCC a better place in which to work.
Donald “Dondi” Ramirez was a finalist for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award that recognizes the vital contributions adjuncts make to the community college mission. As an alumnus of SFCC, Ramirez knows firsthand the mission and value of community colleges. He started as an adjunct teaching sociology and history, became a full-time navigator (student advisor) and continues to teach a few sociology classes. Students have honored Ramirez twice (2015, 2022) with the SFCC Adjunct of the Year award because of his engaging teaching style and concern for his students.
Donnie Luper, Art program coordinator and instructor, was a finalist for the MCCA Innovation Award that recognizes an innovative project by an individual or group of faculty or staff that creatively use technology for effective outcomes and/or operations. Luper had observed a decline in art students’ interest in traditional mediums, so he explored the use of virtual reality (VR) as a new art form. Luper implemented VR into his curriculum and collaborated with applied science faculty to use 3D printers and other industrial devices to produce students’ artwork. The outcomes were positive, and Luper plans to add hi-flex options for traditional studio art instruction to online students.
