Blinn professor recognized for outstanding contributions to teaching
The Southern States Communication Association awards Speech Professor Dr. Laurie Metcalf its prestigious Suzanne Osborn Award
April 24, 2019
A Blinn College District professor recently received recognition for her commitment to communication instruction at the 89th annual Southern States Communication Association (SSCA) Convention in Montgomery, Ala.
Dr. Laurie Metcalf, a speech professor at the Blinn-Bryan Campus, was honored with the SSCA’s prestigious Suzanne Osborne Community College Outstanding Educator Award. Presented annually during the SSCA Convention, the award recognizes members who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, service to the profession, and scholarship.
“I was very excited to be nominated for the Suzanne Osborne Award,” Metcalf said. “It is an even greater honor to be chosen by the SSCA for this award from such a large group of deserving individuals.”
Each year, Blinn’s Communication Studies Program sends instructors to the annual SSCA Convention to share experiences, expertise, and advice in the communication profession. This year’s event attracted approximately 800 professionals from numerous two- and four-year institutions across the southern United States.
Metcalf and fellow speech instructors Ruth Martin and Melissa Meek jointly presented “Classroom Management in the Post-Millennial/Generation Z Era.” Metcalf also discussed digital cheating in her solo presentation, “Course Hero and Other Zeroes: How to Manage Tech Savvy Cheating.”
Metcalf also serves as the 2018-19 Chair for the SSCA’s Community College Division. In this role, she presides over the annual division meeting and coordinates organizational activities.
“It is a four-year process to attain the role of chair for an SSCA division,” Metcalf said. “This opportunity will allow me to serve on the nominating committee for the entire organization next year, where I will continue to network with other individuals in this profession from across the nation.”
Metcalf served as the organizer of Blinn’s inaugural TEDx event in 2016 and currently aids in the operation of Blinn-Bryan’s new Speaking Center.
“Dr. Metcalf innovates inside and outside the classroom,” Communication Studies Department Head Britney Hibbeler said. “This award is a recognition of her hard work and dedication to student success,”
Registration currently is available for Blinn’s May Minimester, Summer I, Summer II, and Fall semesters. For enrollment information and to learn about financial aid opportunities, visit www.blinn.edu.
