News & Events

Albemarle, NC – Stanly Community College (SCC) presents awards every year to honor its outstanding faculty, adjunct faculty, and staff members. Their peers choose the award recipients. Decisive factors for eligibility include dedication and skill for the profession, outstanding leadership qualities, and excellent performance and commitment to the community college mission.

John Bowman, English Department Head, received the Faculty of the Year Award. Mr. Bowman has been employed with the College since 2015. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a minor in Philosophy and a Master of Arts Degree in Applied Linguistics, all from UNC Charlotte. Mr. Bowman began teaching as an adjunct in the community college system in 2009 and joined the SCC team as a full-time instructor in 2015. He has served as the Faculty Senate Chair in 2018-2019 and is currently serving as the Faculty Senate Secretary. In addition, he serves on the IDEA Committee where he creates professional development opportunities based on language and culture, which are two subjects that he is very passionate about. As a member of the English Department, he has helped develop a podcast series that seeks to meet students where they are by sharing various voices from the department. Mr. Bowman’s goal as an instructor is to help students achieve their potential by becoming successful writers and researchers in all their college and university coursework.

Dr. Cindy Dean, History/Humanities Instructor, received the Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award. Dr. Dean has been employed with the College since 1997. She holds both a Bachelor and Master of Arts Degree in History from UNC Charlotte, and a Doctorate in Education from Liberty University. During her time at SCC, she has served in numerous capacities from front-line instructor to academic dean to her current full-time positions as Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Title IX Coordinator. She has served on numerous committees and as Co-Advisor of SGA.

Dr. Dean has previously been recognized with the President’s Choice award, NISOD Excellence in Teaching award, and Daniel Hazlett Excellence in Teaching award. She is also a graduate of the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program. Throughout her time at SCC, Dr. Dean has valued working directly with students, helping them achieve their goals, and feels privileged to continue doing so as an adjunct instructor.

April Furr, Learning Technologist, received the Staff of the Year Award. Mrs. Furr has been employed with the College since 2011. She earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Technology-Business Support, both from Stanly Community College. She has served as SCC’s Early Childhood Retention Specialist, Faculty Associate for the School of Health & Public Services, Associate Learning Technologist, and is currently serving as the Learning Technologist for the Center for Teaching & Learning. Mrs. Furr is an indispensable, integral part of SCC's Canvas support, and her positive attitude and unfailing patience have ensured the success of faculty and staff at the College for many years.