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2024 Distinguished Instructor Awards go to BCC faculty
distinguished instructors 2024
Barton Community College 2024 Distinguished Instructors (left to right) Nolan Esfeld, Ericka Peoples-Howard, Danika Bielek, and Jessica Fullen pose for a photo before the Barton commencement ceremony Friday night in the Barton Gymnasium.

Five Barton instructors earned the Distinguished Instructor Award (DIA) for the 2023-2024 academic year for their outstanding efforts in the classroom and were recognized at Barton’s commencement ceremony Friday evening in the Barton Gymnasium.

The recipients were:

• Danika Bielek - Dancing Instructor - Barton County Campus

• Nolan Esfeld - Math Instructor - Barton County Campus

• Jessica Fullen - Business and Communications Instructor - Fort Leavenworth Campus

• Ericka Peoples-Howard - Criminal Justice Instructor - Fort Leavenworth Campus

• Christopher Vanderlinde - Military Programs Instructor - Fort Riley Campus

The DIA recognizes excellence in teaching. The College’s Faculty Council accepts nominations from employees and students. A screening committee reviews the nominations and makes the selections. Criteria for the award include contributions to teaching and learning, alignment with the College’s mission, and community service. A plaque reflecting the names of the award recipients is displayed in the Barton Library.