Wayne Community College Business Instructor Erin LeGrand has been honored by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
LeGrand, the chair of the college’s Business and Accounting Department, was awarded a 2020 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation by the AACC.
The Distinguished Faculty designation recognizes instructors who not only exemplify excellence in an academic setting, but who also work outside the classroom to help their students achieve success, according to the AACC.
“I am extremely passionate about what I do and that becomes evident when I speak to students about the content covered in my courses, whether in the classroom or outside of it,” LeGrand said. “I believe that my instructors and my students should rise above basic expectations and become the best that they can be.”
“Faculty make the magic happen,” said AACC President and CEO Walter Bumphus during a virtual event held to celebrate the 58 recipients from community colleges across the country.
“This year, that is truer than ever, considering all that has been done to ensure students have continued access to their education. When we consider the impact of the pandemic on classes, the work of these faculty members is beyond extraordinary, and I am honored to recognize your commitment to students,” Bumphus said.
The criteria for the designation include demonstrating passion for students and the classroom, willingness to support students, inside and outside of the classroom, participation in college committees, and going above and beyond to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.
The honor’s namesake, former AACC President Dale Parnell, was instrumental in establishing many of the foundational concepts for today’s community colleges, including student success initiatives and developing legislative language that would help to pave the way for career and technical education programs, according to Tammy Reichelt, AACC’s director of professional development and student success strategies. Parnell was forward-thinking and set the tone for strategically planning for the needs of future community college students.
“Mrs. LeGrand is a well-respected instructor, confident leader, and student advocate,” said WCC President Thomas A. Walker Jr. “Wayne Community College is fortunate to have such a deserving person as a member of its team”
Since the recognition program’s inception in 2018, AACC has acknowledged more than 120 faculty members.
Awardees receive a commemorative medal and are included on the AACC Faculty Wall of Distinction and the AACC website.
LeGrand was also the recipient of WCC’s 2019 George E. Wilson Excellence in Teaching Award and a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development’s Excellence Award.
About AACC
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for nearly 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,000 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. Learn more about the AACC.
About WCC
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves 11,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 140 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.