The California Community College system is the largest system of higher education in the country, serving 1.8 million students. To recognize the invaluable contributions of community college faculty, the Silicon Valley ACS initiated the Teacher-Scholar Award in 2008.
The SVACS Teacher-Scholar Award honors community college faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentoring and scholarship and/or who make impactful contributions to their communities through outstanding leadership and service. This year SVACS is conferring in-person two Teacher-Scholar Awards: one for 2022-2023 academic year and one for the 2021-2022 (pandemic-era) academic year.
We are pleased to announce these award winners selected from chemistry departments across the 116 California Community Colleges.
2021-22 Teacher-Scholar Award Winner: Rushia Turner
Rushia Turner is a full-time chemistry instructor at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC). A “dynamic force” at MPC, Rushia has been instrumental in improving access for historically underserved students to research internships and educational programs outside the classroom. She is an outstanding instructor, a strong advocate for inclusive learning and teaching, and a devoted mentor to her students, providing them with guidance, encouragement and assistance as they navigate toward their chosen careers.
2022-23 Teacher-Scholar Award Winner: Asmik Oganesyan
Asmik Oganesyan is a full-time chemistry instructor at Glendale Community College (GCC). In her 15 years at GCC, Asmik continually seeks innovative approaches to her teaching by adopting new pedagogical approaches and developing curriculum. She has developed a unique undergraduate research program for organic chemistry students at GCC and has successfully secured grant funding to support it with instrumentation and equipment. Asmik’s enthusiasm, creativity and hard work are inspirational to her students and colleagues alike. See GCC Chemistry Research.
Please join us for the presentation of these awards at the annual Silicon Valley ACS summer picnic on July 8, 2023 in Mountain View. This lively SVACS tradition is family-friendly, so bring your friends and family to enjoy barbecue, wine- and beer-tasting ,and good company.
