John Wood Community College recently announced faculty and staff members who were honored as Employees of the Year for 2018 as well as employees who reached milestone service anniversaries.
Jennifer Grindstaff of Sullivan was named Faculty Member of the Year. Grindstaff started at JWCC in 2016 as a full-time English instructor. Currently she is an instructor of composition, business writing, and literature, and co-advisor of Alpha Tau Gamma, John Wood’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Grindstaff holds an associate’s degree from John Wood Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University, and a master’s degree in English with a literary studies emphasis from Eastern Illinois University. She serves as part of the One Book One College Committee at JWCC and is on the Phi Theta Kappa regional advisory board for Illinois. She is a member of the Midwest Popular Culture Association and serves as a reviewer for the journal. Grindstaff has presented scholarly work at the Midwest Popular Culture Association annual convention, The Louisville Conference on Literature and Culture Since 1900, and the National Popular Culture convention. In 2018, Grindstaff was recognized as advisor of the year at JWCC for her work with Phi Theta Kappa.
Diane Vose of Griggsville was named Staff Member of the Year. Vose began her career at JWCC in June 2014 as a student navigator. After holding other positions, she was named Manager of Regional Centers and Community Based Outreach in July 2017 when the Southeast Education Center opened. In August of 2018 Vose was presented a JWCC Trail Blazer Award. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois-Springfield. Vose currently serves on the Illini Hospital Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board and is a Rotary Club member. She also serves as the founding advisor for the JWCC Rotaract Club which was organized Fall 2018.
Greg Godwin of Keokuk, Iowa, was named part-time Faculty Member of the Year. Godwin started at JWCC in 2009 as a natural science instructor. He holds a master’s degree in teaching from Western Illinois University, a master’s degree in food science and technology from the University of Nebraska, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Kansas.
Dick Tabb of Quincy was named Part-Time Staff Member of the Year. Tabb started at JWCC in 2013 as a part-time staff member in Career Services and Career and Technology Education. Tabb holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree from Truman State University in addition to earning a Secondary School Administration Certificate from Truman State. He works with JWCC students, community members and area high school students in career exploration, résumé assistance and employment preparation. Tabb also promotes the Career and Technical Programs at college and job fairs in addition to area high schools. He also won the Part-Time Staff Member of the Year award in 2014.
In addition to Employee of the Year recognition, JWCC announced the following employees who marked milestone anniversaries between July 2018 and December 2018:
30 Years of Service
Jackie Dickson of Quincy, support services assistant, started at the College in 1988 as a secretary for the special needs program. She has been involved in several committees including student issues and the mentoring program. Dickson earned an associate in applied science from JWCC.
25 Years of Service
Paula Edgar of Quincy, professor of natural sciences. Edgar started at JWCC in 1992. She holds a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and master’s degree in biology from Western Illinois University. Edgar has served on JWCC’s Assessment, Tenure, Internal Support and Faculty Senate committees. She has been a team leader for the JWCC Foundation Annual Employee Giving Campaign and volunteered her time to support the College’s holiday concerts. Edgar has participated in the Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources and University of Illinois Merit Immersion for Students and Teachers trainings. Additionally, Edgar completed EarthScope Training at Illinois State University.
Mary Hass of Pittsfield, professor of nursing education, joined JWCC in 1993. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Quincy University and a Master’s Degree in Nursing from University of Missouri-Columbia.
Norm Rodriguez of Quincy started at JWCC in 1993 as a full-time history and political science instructor. Currently he is a professor of history and political science and head women’s basketball coach. Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree from Quincy University and a juris doctorate from Washburn University. He has completed advance studies in education administration from University of Illinois at Springfield and history at Western Illinois University. Rodriguez leads JWCC’s Faculty Internal Support Committee, and previously served on JWCC’s Benefits, Tenure Review and Reaffirmation Steering Committees. He is a member of the Organization of American Historians, American Political Science Association, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. In 2006 Rodriguez was named National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Midwest Athletic Conference Region 24 Basketball Coach of the Year. In 2009 the NJCAA recognized Rodriguez for reaching 200 career victories. He is the winningest coach in JWCC history and his career record stands at 363-250.
Jenny Venvertloh of Quincy started at JWCC in 1993 as the secretary to the director of purchasing. In 2007, she was appointed to the position of administrative assistant to the vice president for finance and business. Venvertloh is a member of the American Society of Administrative Professionals and has served on several JWCC committees. She earned an associate’s degree from JWCC.
20 Years of Service
Dave Bullard of Quincy, custodian
Mary Durk of Quincy, admissions assistant
Mary Edwards of Quincy, administrative assistant to the director of support services
Shari Harris of Quincy, professor of mathematics
15 Years of Service
Susan Abbott of Quincy, human resources administrative assistant
Beth Bower of Plainville, assistant professor of computer science
Jerry Lunt of Quincy, assistant professor of business
10 Years of Service
Carl Askew of Quincy, mailroom assistant
Cody Baggett of Quincy, dean of students and registrar
Lou Barta of Hannibal, Mo., physical plant director
Bill Fleer of Quincy, assistant professor of developmental education in mathematics
Monica Foster of Quincy, adult education coordinator
Brad Hoyt of Quincy, athletics manager and head men’s basketball coach
Kevin Schaller of Camp Point, maintenance technician
5 Years of Service
Debbie Amsler of Liberty, fiscal services specialist
Julie Bice of Quincy, assistant professor of education
Erin Ealy of Quincy, learning resource center manager
Eric Foster of Quincy, coordinator of student life
Dave Hetzler of Quincy, interim dean, career and technical education
Lindsay Meyer of Hull, campus police administrative assistant
Darla Snyder of Maywood, Mo., purchasing coordinator
Carrie Tarpein of Canton, Mo., custodian
Laura Routh of Hannibal, Mo., chair and instructor of health sciences