Bluefield College honored its employees during a year-end awards ceremony, which featured the presentation of service awards to a host of longtime faculty and staff and the naming of Distinguished Faculty and Staff Award winners.
President David Olive welcomed the BC employees to the traditional culmination event. Dr. Olive spoke about the accomplishments of the year and expressed appreciation to those who were responsible for the successes.
“I’m excited about where we are going,” the president said, “and our successes and progress are made possible through your efforts, through the hard work of all our faculty and staff.”
One staff member, in particular, received special recognition. Amy Ellison, the school’s controller, was recognized as the 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Staff Award for her leadership, honesty, professionalism, willingness to help, and ability to multi-task.
“She has grown vastly in knowledge and responsibility since she began working for the college five years ago,” Dr. Olive said. “She is a team player and is well respected by faculty, staff and students. She is committed to the college’s purpose and mission, and in all aspects of her life she looks to God for strength and guidance.”
During a transition time for the Business Office in 2009-2010, Ellison went “beyond the call of duty” by taking on added responsibilities. A resident of Bluefield, West Virginia, she is a graduate of Bluefield College and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
The 2010 Distinguished Faculty Award went to Dr. Donna Watson, chair of the Division of Education and director of the Teacher Education Program. Presented with her award during BC’s Spring Commencement, Dr. Watson was acknowledged for her “Christian character” and “classroom excellence.”
Also a graduate of Bluefield College, Dr. Watson joined the BC faculty full time in the fall of 2005 after teaching part time in the Division of Education for nine years. In 2009-2010, she served as faculty president and spearheaded an accreditation process for the Teacher Education Program with the nationally recognized Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
“She is passionate about her students and the college,” Dr. Olive said, “and committed to educating the future teachers of this region.”
BC’s year-end faculty/staff awards ceremony also included the presentation of several service awards, recognizing employees for longevity and loyalty to the school, including Dr. Kim Farmer, associate professor of criminal justice, who received a 20-year service award.
Ten-year service awards went to Betty Carroll, director of annual giving; Ann Looney, director of academic programs; Mimi Merritt, assistant professor of communications; Dr. Rob Merritt, professor of English; Cathy Payne, director of inSpire degree completion admissions; Diane Shott, assistant to the president; and Judy Vannoy, bookstore manager.
Other employees received five-year service awards, including Ellison, Dr. Watson, Juleigh Bailey, assistant registrar; Dr. Cindy Bascom, associate professor of communications; Carly Kestner, assistant financial aid director; and Dena Monroe, assistant registrar.