Each year Morgan Community College (MCC) recognizes employees for their achievements in carrying out the college’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
MCC has named Connie Mitchell as Faculty of the Year. Mitchell has served as Math Faculty since 2015 and is the current Math Lead Faculty and Division Chair of General Education. She embodies MCC’s Guiding Principles (integrity, respect, open and honest communication, and collaboration) and is a valued resource for both students and faculty. Mitchell is known for being accessible and responsive to students and to her colleagues. She is innovative in her work with staff and community partners and developed tools that created efficiencies to support enrollment for high school students. One nominator stated, “I faced a particularly challenging situation this semester. Connie was not only a listening ear, but she also made me feel seen and heard. She supports my decision-making, and I am lucky to have a supervisor who leads in this manner.”
Maria Cardenas was selected as MCC’s Administrative/Professional-Technical Employee of the Year. Cardenas has worked at MCC since 2005, serving as the Director of Admissions & Advising since 2017. Cardenas is known for her hard work and dedication to students. She demonstrates the core values of MCC’s mission and vision in every interaction she has with students and her colleagues. Cardenas exhibits excellent leadership skills in the Admissions Department and works side-by-side with her direct reports in advising and admitting students. One nominator stated, “My first experience with MCC was as a first-generation student intimidated by the enrollment process. Maria was the advisor who helped me and my mom through the process. Now, twelve years later, I am daily inspired working alongside Maria, because she is so committed to the success of MCC and our students.”
Travis Freeman was named MCC’s Part-time Instructor of the Year. Freeman has been serving as an Emergency Medical Services Instructor at MCC since 2018. He has demonstrated professionalism and passion through his public service role as the Ambulance Director for Morgan County and by providing quality instruction at MCC to ensure students are career ready. Freeman recruits other industry experts to become instructors at MCC, enhancing the educational environment. He employs real-life situations in his teaching, providing students perspective and confidence as they progress in their coursework. One nominator stated, “Travis is a champion for MCC. His relationships with students, college employees, and the community demonstrate his dedication and commitment to saving lives and teaching others to do the same.”
Annette Lebsock was selected as the Classified Employee of the Year. Lebsock has served in the Accounting Department at Morgan Community College as an Accounting Tech II since 2010. She is always ready and willing to assist wherever needed. Lebsock consistently has a smile on her face and demonstrates a positive attitude. She contributes her expertise in a respectful manner and works proactively to share information with staff, ensuring they have what they need to be successful in their work. One nominator shared, “Annette always has a fantastic can-do attitude. Even on tough days, she always has a smile.”
MCC Employees of the Year will be honored at a state-wide community college employee “Commitment to Excellence” celebration with the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education on April 9, 2024, at History Colorado in downtown Denver, Colorado. Mitchell, Cardenas, Freeman, and Lebsock will also receive National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards and be given the opportunity to participate in the May 2024 NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in Austin, Texas.
For more information about Morgan Community College, including employment opportunities, visit MorganCC.edu.
