Faculty and staff give their all to help students reach their goals.
Each year, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) honors some of its best and brightest faculty and staff members from colleges across the state. This year’s four honorees from Front Range Community College have worked especially hard to meet students’ needs.
“I’m continually impressed with how creative, dedicated and resourceful our employees are in helping our students navigate the challenges of school, work and life,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “Each of our awardees plays a critical role in helping FRCC enrich lives in our communities through learning.”
“As open access institutions, we are committed to serving every learner who walks through our doors—no matter their experiences or background,” says Colorado Community College System Chancellor Joe Garcia. “This mission would not be possible without the incredible teamwork among CCCS faculty, instructors, administrators, and staff who put students first in everything they do.”
Fifty-four employees from across the 13 CCCS schools were honored in April as part of the statewide system’s annual Commitment to Excellence Awards. The winners were lauded for their contributions to the overall success of their college, our students and our communities.
FRCC Employee Award Winners
Outstanding Faculty Member: Chris McGilvray (Business)
Students and colleagues describe Chris as a kind, hardworking, involved and passionate teacher. His assignments relate directly to the real world—and he effectively creates an inclusive environment where everyone is able to contribute. One student says the amount of time Chris spends outside of class to empower his students is “unmatched.”
Chris serves as advisor to the Everybody’s Business Club on FRCC’s Boulder County Campus and has built a student-run, student-led Chamber Student Network, through the partnership with the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce. This network has grown to impact thousands of students from across the Front Range in helping students obtain internships, apprenticeships and career opportunities.
Because of his work, many FRCC students have experienced firsthand the power of making connections with local business owners and industry experts. As Department Chair for Manufacturing and Business, a local business owner and active community leader, Chris goes above and beyond to provide experiential learning opportunities for students within the communities FRCC serves. He has recently been named dean of manufacturing, automotive & construction technology for FRCC.
Outstanding Instructor: Christy Cummings (Psychology)
As an online psychology instructor, Christy is passionate about her students, her classes and the delivery of her content. Her passion for psychology is contagious and clearly rubs off on her students.
Christy gives detailed direction about assignments that students say really helps them stay on track. She goes out of her way to create additional resources, such as exam reviews, to help them study effectively—and gives students multiple options for coursework to complete for an assignment. Colleagues say Christy is dedicated to creating engaging classes while maintaining high rigor.
She successfully makes communication very easy for students, despite being in an online learning environment. Her students attribute their success in her challenging courses to Christy’s continuous support, encouragement and great teaching.
Outstanding Administrative/Professional Employee: Admissions & Outreach Director Hannah Brown
As director of admissions & outreach at FRCC’s Westminster Campus, Hannah is dedicated to creating a positive, uplifting, personalized and supportive environment. She has developed strong relationships with high schools, counselors, community members and staff throughout the college.
She furthers the FRCC’s mission by providing exceptional experiences for prospective and new students, and through her service to current students and staff. For example, Hannah’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion led her to help develop and facilitate a diversity workshop for all new FRCC employees.
She is a supportive supervisor who acts as both a mentor and cheerleader for her team. She leads by example, promotes professional development and growth, helps colleagues whenever possible—and has built a strong admissions team based on grace, trust and appreciation.
Outstanding Classified Employee: Program Assistant Kara Rudnick
As program assistant for the facilities department at FRCC’s Larimer Campus, Kara is a problem solver. She is organized, approachable and efficient—and she jumps right in to help on any project. She takes the time to listen, formulate plans, troubleshoot and be preventive.
In the true spirit of collaboration, she works with her team to be of genuine service to her colleagues and our institution. Kara recently transitioned to her current position after serving for four years as the administrative assistant for FRCC’s Law Enforcement Academy (LEA). For several months after starting her new job, she smoothed the transition by continuing to support the LEA and its new director—and by helping train her successor. Co-workers describe her effort, work ethic and dedication to FRCC’s mission as “relentless.”
See all of this year’s honorees in the 2023 Commitment to Excellence Awards program.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County, Westminster and online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 138,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 39 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
