Director of College Transfer Advising Center Peyton Dawson earned the Professional Staff Employee of the Year Award.

Dawson was recognized as someone with a remarkable personal connection to students and someone who students gravitate toward for both academic guidance and personal support.

“Peyton’s passion for student success and her love for WCC shine through every day in her work,” said her nominator for the award. “I have full confidence in Peyton’s ability to take on any project with finesse, punctuality, and a level of maturity beyond her years.”

Lead Housekeeper Thomas Dortch won the Operational and Maintenance Staff Employee of the Year Award.

Dortch was described as honest, hardworking, reliable, and determined to do his job at the highest level. His nominator highlighted his enthusiasm and the way he is quick to share a smile with his peers.

“His positive attitude inspires those around him to approach their tasks with the same level of enthusiasm,” Dortch’s nominator said. “His commitment to WCC goes far beyond the requirements of his position, and he consistently demonstrates a level of devotion that is truly admirable.”

The Professional Support Staff Employee of the Year Award went to Cooperative High School Programs Specialist Lisa Rich. She was described as a “valuable resource” to WCC and someone who is a joy to work with. Rich was also commended for being professional, responsible, thorough, and dependable.

“If there is a night recruiting event at WCC, you will certainly find Lisa present,” her nominator said. “She also organizes and plans for the annual CCP [Career and College Promise] Showcase event for recruiting students and bringing them to our campus.”

Adjunct Dental Hygiene Instructor Carrie Wildman was named Adjunct Faculty Employee of the Year. Wildman was noted as being patient with students, innovative in teaching methods, and dedicated to preparing students to enter the workforce with the proper education.

“She is a team player who steps up to any task,” Wildman’s nominator said. “Carrie has been a wonderful asset to the department for students and faculty alike.”

Honorees are nominated by their peers and chosen by an outside committee. Selection is based on initiative, enthusiasm, expertise, leadership, professionalism, productivity, creativity, involvement, dedication, and how they were rated on their last evaluation.

Each winner receives a trophy and a stipend provided by the Foundation of WCC.

An outstanding full-time faculty member is recognized each spring with the George E. Wilson Excellence in Teaching Award. The 2024 winner was Elizabeth King, a mathematics instructor.

The Foundation of WCC is a nonprofit organization that works to broaden the base of community support for educational opportunities at WCC.

It funds program and facility enhancements, provides employee recognition, offers cultural programs for the community, and awards scholarships.