Audrie McCann of Southaven 2024 Recipient of Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award

by Sarah Smith

Senatobia, MS (08/16/2024) — Northwest Mississippi Community College's Audrie Rhoda McCann of Southaven was awarded the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award at this year's college-wide Convocation on Aug. 12 at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts on the Senatobia campus.

"I am very humbled and honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award 2024," said McCann. "Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and this award reaffirms my commitment to fostering an environment where curiosity and learning thrive. I am inspired daily by the enthusiasm and dedication of my students, and it is their growth and success that make this profession so rewarding."

The award was established by the Social Science Department in 2004 in honor of retired social science instructor Sandy Grisham. Grisham was an instructor who hallmarked excellence in education and instructional innovation with a deep commitment to student learning. It's both an honor and a symbol of pride to receive the award, which is given to those who go above and beyond with a commitment to innovation in the teaching profession.

This award, originally reserved for academic faculty on the Senatobia campus, has been extended to any instructor on any campus to celebrate excellence in instruction. The award winner receives a $500 cash award.

Dr. Matthew Domas, vice president of Instruction said that McCann was chosen for her "infectious enthusiasm" for teaching, helping students, and going above and beyond.

"Her commitment to providing the most current instruction in the classroom, her positivity, leadership, and respect for her students and colleagues are reflective of the values of Northwest Mississippi Community College," said Dr. Domas.

McCann, who teaches and serves as program director for the Business and Marketing Management Technology program at the DeSoto campus, tailors projects to real-world trends and always stays up to date on current instruction to prepare students for an "ever-changing business world." She was also instrumental in establishing her program at a second campus, the Concourse in Batesville.

"She is able to connect with her students in a way that fosters student success," said Dr. Keith Reed, dean of the DeSoto campus. "I have observed Mrs. McCann mentor students into becoming consummate professionals. Recently, one of her former students raved about how wonderful Mrs. McCann is and that she keeps in touch with her regularly for advice and mentorship. The student now owns her own business, and much of her success she attributes to Mrs. McCann's mentorship and guidance."

McCann received both her graduate and undergraduate degrees from Delta State University in business administration and has taught at Northwest for the past 10 years. Before working in education she had real-life experience in the business world, previously working for companies like Smith & Nephew, Frazier, and Delta State University.

For more information, visit the college's website at www.northwestms.edu.

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