Renton Technical College honors exceptional faculty, staff

June 11, 2009 4:46 pm
Renton Technical College's Exceptional Faculty and Exceptional Staff
Renton Technical College's Exceptional Faculty and Exceptional Staff

Faculty and staff at Renton Technical College</a were recently presented with the Exceptional Faculty and Staff Award from Puget Sound Energy, First Savings Bank Northwest and the Renton Technical College Foundation.

Each winner received a plaque and a $400 cash award.

Exceptional faculty

• Barbara Culler, Early Childhood Careers instructor.

According to the presenters, Culler’s curriculum is rigorous but is designed to help students stay on track and prioritize what they need to accomplish. She also plans and organizes the Childhood Matters Conference, which benefits the college by raising thousands of dollars each year for student scholarships.

• Jim Drinkwine, Administrative Office Management instructor.

According to presenters, Drinkwine is fairly new to RTC. He has had more than half his students become involved in many RTC campus activities. His teaching style is geared to each individual student, helping them to be attentive and eager to learn.

• Kim Smith, Professional Baking instructor.

According to presenters, Smith cares about her students and is attentive to their learning styles and inspires them to achieve their dreams. She was one of several who helped procure a $25,000 endowment from Les Dames d’Escoffier, a high-profile organization of women culinary professionals.

Exceptional staff

• Aubrey Durbin, Allied Health administrative assistant.

According to presenters, Durbin has a good understanding of health issues, can follow the terminology and maintains confidentiality. She is innovative and has prepared forms and contracts for her department, utilizing feedback solicited and integrating the needs of individual programs into tools that work for many.

• Cindy Leggett, Business Technology administrative assistant.

According to presenters, Leggett has the ability to work independently, make decisions and be accountable. With more than 50 instructors in the department, she has been the key person to assist with the paperwork for program changes, budgets and data entry, all requiring accuracy and detail.

• Karen Noble,Trade and Industry administrative assistant.

According to presenters, Noble has approached her career at RTC as more than just a job. She has been key in organizing and retaining advisory members for her departments. She is an effective communicator who takes her job seriously, while mixing in a dose of humor to maintain a supportive and friendly working environment.