On August 22, 2024, GRCC kicked off the fall semester with its Opening Day Celebration, a vibrant gathering of staff and faculty. During this annual event, three outstanding employees were honored with the prestigious Excellence in Education Award.
Established in 1989, the Excellence in Education Awards recognize the exceptional dedication of GRCC employees who significantly impact our students and the broader community. This year’s distinguished recipients are:
Faculty Award: Nancy Forrest, Mathematics
Nancy Forrest, a devoted mathematics professor, has earned a reputation as a “math mom” for her unparalleled commitment to her students. Nancy goes above and beyond to ensure each student feels supported and understood, offering explanations in diverse ways to cater to different learning styles.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom. Nancy founded the Math Awards for Perseverance and Achievement, attending ceremonies with personalized trophies to celebrate student success. She is a steadfast supporter of student athletes, frequently attending games and even serving as a scorekeeper for the basketball team.
A pioneer in adopting alternative teaching methods, Nancy leads her department in online instruction and effectively integrates ALEKS as a teaching tool.
Adjunct Award: Jodi Dawson, Mathematics
Jodi Dawson, an adjunct instructor at the Lakeshore Campus, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and advocacy. She actively engages with her departmental colleagues and broader college groups, recognizing the value these connections bring to student support and advocacy for new course offerings.
Jodi’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her readiness to undertake both formal and informal training for new teaching sections. She is a proactive advocate for student needs, working to ensure that necessary resources and services are available and effectively implemented at the Lakeshore Campus.
Jodi consistently refers her students to a Lakeshore Math tutor through a warm handoff so students feel comfortable attending. She raises alerts when needed and works closely with the Lakeshore Success Coach to align support with students in and out of the classroom. She is aware of workshops and events hosted at the Lakeshore Campus by the College Success Center and encourages her students to attend
Staff Award: Misty McClure-Anderson
Misty is the rare staff person who balances a broad strategic perspective of what needs to happen to make our college effective. She is sensitive to individual needs, making sure that all feel included in campus events; she is highly aware of how our institution is perceived in the community, and strives to make sure each of us represents GRCC well. This is her nature: she cares and will do any task in order to guarantee success. From working in the Math Department decades ago through supporting the Board to serving as Chief of Staff, she has remained hands-on.
Misty fiercely and compassionately advocates for students encountering barriers to their academic success. This student-focus began early in her career at GRCC and has been a continued theme in her work for over three decades. She understands the diverse needs and backgrounds of our students and helps them feel they belong. From her work in Academic and Student Affairs departments to the President’s Office, when she encounters a student in need, she responsively rises to the occasion, takes responsibility and lends a helping hand.
Misty’s commitment to service is evident in her extensive volunteer work, from supporting the food pantry and Grad Fest to organizing Welcome Week events. Her ability to work behind the scenes, mobilize colleagues, and orchestrate high-performing committees ensures that GRCC's initiatives are executed with excellence.
Congratulations to Nancy Forrest, Jodi Dawson and Misty McClure-Anderson for their well-deserved recognition and invaluable contributions to GRCC!