WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa - Two SCC employees and a novel public-private partnership initiative were honored at the annual Outstanding Community College Awards at the Community Colleges for Iowa Annual Convention and Trade Show in Des Moines on December 4. Michelle Brown earned the SCC Outstanding Staff Award, Jim Steffen received Outstanding Faculty Award, and Great River Health (GRH) won Outstanding Business and Industry Award.
The awards highlight SCC's dedication to excellence in education and community development.
Michelle Brown, Director of SCC's Title III Guided Pathways Grant, was honored with the Outstanding Staff Award for her remarkable contributions to student success. Michelle has utilized grant resources to enhance support systems, including training initiatives and innovative tools like translation earbuds to assist non-native speakers. She has been instrumental in improving recruiting, retention, and student outcomes at SCC, creating lasting positive change for faculty, staff, and students alike.
The Outstanding Faculty Award was presented to Jim Steffen, SCC’s EMS Program Coordinator and Instructor. With over 30 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Jim was celebrated for his leadership in EMS education and his dedication to community outreach. His calm demeanor and passion for teaching have made him a respected mentor and advocate for emergency responders in rural areas.
“We’re all extremely proud of our award winners, Michelle and Jim,” said SCC President, Dr. Michael Ash. "They are amazing examples of what it means to live out the College’s mission to provide accessible, quality programs and services to promote student success."
SCC partner Great River Health received the Outstanding Business and Industry Award for a number of novel initiatives implemented by the two institutions to enhance and expand SCC’s health programming. One winner is selected from all Iowa’s community colleges nominees each year as the business or industry that has gone above and beyond to impact students and the community.
In 2022, the foundation committed $10 million over five years to support the expansion of SCC's nursing program. This transformative partnership funded critical upgrades to facilities, increased faculty and staff, and provided scholarships to nursing students. GRH has also enhanced student support systems, established new clinical sites, and ensured financial assistance for students. In addition, GRH has made sizeable donations in support of SCC health programs, facilities, and scholarships. This past fall, it also opened a facility to house SCC’s new radiologic technician program on its West Burlington hospital campus.
GRH President and CEO Dr. Michael McCoy accepted the award on behalf of GRH.
“Success in any community begins with partnerships between people and organizations with an eye on a better future for the common good. Great River Health has enjoyed this kind of partnership with SCC for many years,” said McCoy. “We need to continue to find creative new ways to secure our future by educating more students to fill the open positions to provide quality care.”
Dr. Ash echoed Dr. McCoy’s remarks.
“The vitality of a community is often measured by the strength of its education and healthcare institutions,” explained Ash. “SCC and Great River Health have been strategic partners doing everything we can to build upon the quality of life for the residents of our region. The College is very fortunate to have such a willing and forward-thinking partner in this effort.”
Michelle Brown, Director of SCC's Title III Guided Pathways Grant, accepts the Outstanding Staff Award. Photo courtesy of Community Colleges for Iowa.
SCC EMS Program Coordinator and Instructor Jim Steffen accepts the Outstanding Faculty Award. Photo courtesy of Community Colleges for Iowa.
Jason Hutcheson, Executive Director of the Great River Health Foundation; Michael Yost, Chief Human Resources Officer of Great River Health; Dr. Michael McCoy, President & CEO of Great River Health; and Dr. Michael Ash, President of Southeastern Community College, proudly accept the Outstanding Business and Industry Award on behalf of Great River Health & SCC. Photo courtesy of Community Colleges for Iowa.