Employee Awards and Recognition
Ben LeClair Award
The recipient of the Ben LeClair Award is a model employee who demonstrates excellence in the four core values of Cowley College and who remains true to the Ben LeClair model of excellence. Ben LeClair was a highly respected, long-time employee of Cowley College. He was a valuable staff member dedicated to the continual pursuit of excellence by embracing the four Core Values of Cowley College: People, Accountability, Integrity, and Leadership. He performed his daily responsibilities with integrity, leading by example, and most memorably…with a soft word and a smile. He was a leader in his church and an excellent provider for his family. Ben is remembered for his great laugh, loyalty to Cowley, and commitment to a job well done.
Ben LeClair Award recipients by year:
- 2025 — Roxanna James
- 2024 — Beverly Frank
- 2023 — Jody Arnett
- 2022 — Jamie McGee
- 2022 — Jeff Fluty
- 2021 — Stefani Jones
- 2019 — Gary Hale
- 2015 — Ellen Kelly
- 2014 — Janice Stover
- 2013 — Jack McVey
- 2012 — Larry Swaim
- 2011 — Todd Ray
- 2011 — Clinton Marlow
Bill and Judy Docking Faculty Achievement Award
The Bill and Judy Docking Faculty Achievement Award (previously the Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence) is presented every two years to recognize an outstanding faculty member who has provided exceptional service to the students of Cowley College.
Bill and Judy Docking Faculty Achievement Award recipients by year:
- 2025 — Meg Smith
- 2023 — Frank Owens
- 2021 — Scott Layton
- 2019 — Pam Smith
Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence recipients by year:
- 2016 — Deborah Layton
- 2014 — Mark Flickinger
- 2012 — Melinda Neal
- 2010 — Amy McWhirt
- 2009 — Scott Layton
- 2007 — (No award given)
- 2005 — Marlys Cervantes
- 2003 — Pam Smith
- 2001 — Connie Donatelli
- 1999 — Michelle Schoon
- 1997 — Dejon Ewing
Paul Stirnaman Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence
The Paul Stirnaman Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence is named for Paul Stirnaman, a long-time Social Science Department instructor and strong supporter of the College Education Association. He died June 16, 2000, following a lengthy illness.
Paul Stirnaman Memorial Award recipients by semester and year:
- Fall 2025 — Brooke Istas
- Fall 2023 — Julie Rhoads
- Fall 2021 — Sarah Mathews
- Fall 2018 — Deborah Layton
- Fall 2016 — Rae Dale
- Fall 2015 — Chris Mayer
- Fall 2014 — Deb Nittler
- Fall 2013 — Amy McWhirt
- Fall 2012 — Melinda Neal
- Fall 2011 — Lois Sampson
- Fall 2010 — Karolee Weller
- Fall 2009 — Greg Nichols
- Fall 2008 — Scott Layton
- Fall 2007 — Todd Shepherd
- Fall 2006 — Pam Smith
- Fall 2005 — Michelle Schoon
- Fall 2004 — Chris Vollweider
- Fall 2003 — Uwe Conrad
- Fall 2002 — Larry Schwintz
Tiger Heart Award
The Tiger Heart Award is given each semester to a faculty or staff member who exemplifies dedication, kindness, and commitment to excellence while going above and beyond to support their colleagues and the students of Cowley College.
Tiger Heart Award recipients by semester and year:
- Fall 2025 — Meg Smith
- Spring 2025 — Jim Ailey
- Fall 2024 — Matt Stone
- Spring 2024 — Chris Absher
- Fall 2023 — Carissa Honkomp
- Spring 2023 — Bryan McChesney
- Fall 2022 — Micah Fry
- Spring 2022 — Rhoda MacLaughlin-Ramirez
- Fall 2021 — Ashley Leighty
- Spring 2021 — Somsy Sengvixay
- Fall 2020 — Liz Shepard
- Spring 2020 — Robin Graves
- Fall 2019 — Rikki Hettenbach