CONCORD — Cabarrus College of Health Sciences recently honored three faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions to the college.
Patti McCahan received the Educational Excellence Award, sponsored by Cabarrus Bank & Trust. McCahan is an assistant professor in the Louise Harkey School of Nursing and teaches in the associate degree nursing program.
This award recognizes an individual faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching and excels in their role as a faculty member through contributions to the total college learning environment. For winning the award, she receives a $1,000 professional development travel award from Cabarrus Bank & Trust and a commemorative plaque.
In her nomination, McCahan was lauded for having a keen understanding of students. She was also recognized for having the ability to facilitate learning experiences that accommodate the various learning styles of her students.
Janet Wright received the Anita A. Brown Leadership in Education Award. Wright is the program director for continuing education and has devoted 40 years of her nursing career to leadership and education at Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast and the college. This award is named in honor of Chancellor Emerita Anita Brown. The award is presented annually to the faculty member at Cabarrus College who demonstrates the characteristics of outstanding leadership in education. Those characteristics include promoting education in a positive way in the academic and community setting; demonstrating integrity, honesty and accountability; and displaying a personal commitment to students and colleagues. These characteristics are accomplished while also projecting energy and enthusiasm that contribute to the development of leadership skills that positively impact the institution.
Melanie Gass coordinator of Student and Alumni Affairs, received the first-ever Staff Excellence Award which was established to recognize an outstanding staff member who has made a significant difference by consistently exemplifying the core values of caring, commitment, teamwork and integrity.
It was said in Gass’ nomination that she is “valued for the care she gives, the attention she pays, and the courtesies she extends — her work has purpose, is worthwhile, and makes a difference.”
As coordinator of student and alumni affairs, Gass provides programs and activities for students that are designed to enrich their educational experience. These activities include leadership development, as well as planning guest speakers, social events, new student orientation and community service opportunities. She is also responsible for planning and implementing the college commencement ceremonies.