Tyler Junior College speech professor Dr. Amanda Jo Ratcliff has been named Community College Educator of the Year by the Texas Speech Communication Association (TSCA).
The TSCA is a professional, academic association committed to excellence in communication instruction, student performance, research, scholarly accomplishment, professional service and political awareness. The association strives to fulfill its responsibilities by providing a variety of quality academic programs and workshops at its annual convention.
“Dr. Ratcliff is one of the most engaging, professional, dedicated, and honorable professors that I have ever known,” TJC Speech Department Chair Lara K. Smith said in her recommendation letter.
“Her interaction with her students and her colleagues is always positive and professional. She is a leader among her peers, serving on special projects within the Communication Studies Department and committees across campus. She is often approached by local, state, and national entities to conduct seminars or share best-practices for teaching excellence. She leads by example, provides direction and guidance when best, and is respected by all.”
Ratcliff said, “I was so honored to be nominated for Educator of the Year. The best part of the process was receiving my nomination packet, which contained letters of support from former students and colleagues. Receiving this distinction is truly humbling and has motivated me to continue to look for ways I can improve teaching and learning.”
A native of Troup, Ratcliff is in her 17th year of teaching in higher education. She is in her sixth year at TJC, where she teaches Business and Professional Speaking, Public Speaking and Introduction to Communication. She also serves as the editor of the Texas Speech Communication Journal.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from The University of Texas at Tyler, a Master of Science in Communication Studies from the University of North Texas, and a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication from Regent University.