Three Tyler Junior College professors have distinguished themselves as endowed teaching chairs for the 2024-25 academic year.
The TJC Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence program enables professors to nominate and reward their peers who demonstrate excellence as educators.
This year’s recipients:
• Dr. Keith Eppich, history/anthropology professor – The Watson W. Wise Foundation Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence
• Willace Johnson, surveying and geomatics department chair/professor – The Dorothy Fay and Jack White Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence
• Dr. Deb Kelley, psychology/sociology professor – The Dorothy Fay and Jack White Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence
Winners were surprised during their respective classes with a fanfare of applause and balloons, followed by presentations of certificates and checks from Dr. Deana Sheppard, TJC provost and vice president for academic and student affairs.
“We congratulate this year’s recipients, Dr. Keith Eppich, Dr. Deb Kelley and Willace Johnson, and thank the TJC Faculty Senate and its selection committee for their focus on identifying and recognizing excellence among our remarkable faculty members,” Sheppard said. “They are truly among some of the finest educators anywhere.”
Endowed teaching chair recipients receive $2,000 for each of two years ($4,000 total), which includes a $1,500 cash stipend and $500 for professional development for each year. The professional development portion may be applied toward a personal professional development plan, including travel, books, conferences and equipment.
Twenty-three full-time TJC professors were nominated by their peers to apply for the award. Of those nominees, 15 professors chose to participate in the intensive application process.
Those nominees were: Eddie Airheart, assistant director of bands/professor of woodwinds; Janet Booth, professor, medical office management; Patricia Coplan, professor/coordinator, paralegal; Gigi Delk, professor, CIS/gaming and simulation development; Brian “BJ” Duplechain, professor/department chair, biology; Dr. Keith Eppich, professor, history/anthropology; Kristi Franks, professor, dance; Dr. Jill Johnson, professor, English; Willace Johnson, professor/department chair, surveying and geomatics; Dr. Deborah Kelley, professor, psychology/sociology; Rachel Miller, professor/department chair, medical laboratory technology; Khristie Prince, professor, education/speech; Silvana Vierkant-Waller, professor, English; Deborah Welch, professor/department chair, business/business management; and Jennifer Wilson, professor, vocational nursing.