College News

Exceptional Barton faculty recognized with Distinguished Instructor Awards

faculty pose for a photo
(from left) Barton 2023 Distinguished Instructors James Hill, Jason Murray, Sue Simmons, Roni Wertz, and Kara Brauer pose for a photo before the Barton commencement ceremony Friday night in the Barton Gymnasium.

May 12, 2023
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

Five Barton instructors earned the Distinguished Instructor Award (DIA) for the 2022-2023 academic year for their outstanding efforts in the classroom and received their awards at Barton’s commencement ceremony Friday evening in the Barton Gymnasium.

The recipients were:

Kara Brauer - Nursing Instructor - Barton County Campus

James Hill - Hazardous Materials and Occupational Safety and Health Instructor - Grandview Plaza Campus

Jason Murray - Business Instructor - Adjunct Faculty

Sue Simmons - Leadership Instructor - Fort Riley Campus

Roni Wertz - Early Childhood Education Instructor - Barton County Campus

The DIA recognizes excellence in teaching. The College’s Faculty Council accepts nominations from employees and students. A screening committee reviews the nominations and makes the selections. Criteria for the award include contributions to teaching and learning, alignment with the College’s mission, and community service. A plaque reflecting the names of the award recipients is displayed in the Barton Library.