WKCTC Honors Faculty and Staff at Awards Reception May 10

Retirees, 135 Years of Service

Paducah, KY (05/10/2019) — West Kentucky Community and Technical College faculty members Julie Thompson and Laura Durbin were among six employees recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception May 10 in the college's Student Center.

Julie Thompson, associate professor of mathematics and co-coordinator of the mathematics department, received the Phelps Award, named in memory of Finis Sargent Phelps and Florence Grubbs Phelps and established at the college in 1991. The purpose of this award is to emphasize quality, promote academic excellence, and reward competence in teaching in the liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Thompson, a Metropolis, IL, resident, joined the college faculty in 2008. She earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Southern Illinois University and a master of arts degree in teaching mathematics from Murray State University.

Laura Richerson Durbin, an associate professor of nursing, received the Paducah Junior College Faculty Award, which was established in 1999 and recognizes quality, competence and excellence in teaching in a technical field. A faculty member at the college since 2008, Durbin served in the practical nursing program before moving to the associate degree nursing program in 2016. She began her nursing career serving for four years on active duty in the Army Nurse Corps and currently enjoys working with student veterans interested in the nursing and allied health fields. She also serves as the faculty liaison to the Dedicated Education Unit, working with students, nurses, and hospital staff to promote success in this unique experiential learning experience. Durbin, a Paducah resident, earned a master of science degree in nursing with an education focus from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Kentucky. She also holds the Certified Nurse Educator credential.

Paducah resident Amanda Balcerzak received WKCTC's Adjunct Faculty Award, recognizing the outstanding contributions and achievements of a dedicated adjunct faculty member who provides exemplary service to WKCTC students. She was hired at the college in fall 2016 to teach in the biology and chemistry department and joined the pharmacy technology program as an adjunct faculty member in spring of 2019. Balcerzak earned a doctorate of pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky in 2009 and holds a pharmacist license in Kentucky and Alabama.

In addition to these awardees, Carolyn Perry, Amy Elmore and Stephanie Osterhout, all of Paducah, were recognized as 2019 WKCTC Awards of Excellence recipients.

Carolyn Perry, Spanish professor and coordinator of foreign languages, received the faculty award. She joined the WKCTC faculty in 2005 and in addition to teaching, Perry also serves as the advisor to the college's Hispanic Culture Club; the National Hispanic Honor Society, Delta Sigma Pi and co-advisor to WKCTC's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from Texas' Southern Methodist University and a master's degree in Spanish Miami University in Ohio and a master's degree in business administration from the Garvin School of International Management in Arizona.

Amy Elmore received the administrative staff award. Hired at WKCTC in 2006, Elmore serves as the coordinator of student development and activities. Dedicated to student engagement, Elmore works diligently with students, campus organizations and faculty and staff to develop, promote and implement student activities and events both on and off campus. As the Student Government Association advisor, Elmore strives daily to provide student members with leadership opportunities, encouragement to get involved in all aspects of college life, and to be the voice of the WKCTC student body. She earned an associate in arts degree in social work from WKCTC in 2003 and a bachelor's degree in social work from Murray State University in 2005.

Stephanie Osterhout, who has worked at the college since 2011, received the support staff award. Prior to her current position as the administrative assistant to the online learning department, Osterhout also worked in the college's Workforce Solutions and dental hygiene/assisting program offices. Over the past two years, she has taken on extra duties and roles on campus, and whether working with students, faculty and staff or community members, Osterhout's attention to detail, timeliness and professionalism help the online department run smoothly and efficiently. Osterhout earned an associate's degree in office supervision and management from John. A. Logan College in 1999, and she is currently working toward a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus in finance at Murray State University,

Six administrative and faculty retirees, who represent 135 years of dedication to the college and its students, were also recognized during the May 10 ceremony.

Paducah's Sharla Hutchinson, psychology professor, retires after 30 years at the college. Dr. Karen Hlinka, also of Paducah, associate vice president of academic affairs; and Norita Youngblood of Mayfield, social science coordinator, each leave the college after 28 years of service. Sally Roof of Paducah, nursing professor, retires from the college after 19 years. Both Legatha Spelbring of Eddyville, associate professor of English and instructor for Women's Studies; and Pat Martin of Paducah, associate professor of nursing, each retire after 15 years at the college.

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