Last week, Spartanburg Community College President Dr. Michael Mikota recognized the schools South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Educators of the Year. Honored this year are Dr. Benita Yowe (Administrator), Sophia Montgomery (Staff), and Melissa Collins (Faculty).
“I am very proud and appreciative of the work these individuals do for the students of Spartanburg Community College and in each one of their respective roles, they are deeply impacting the lives of people,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of SCC. “Our college could not be anywhere near where it is now without individuals such as these that work hard each and every day to challenge the status quo and help our students chase their dreams.”
Dr. Benita Yowe, the winner of the Administrator award, has served as the Dean of Health and Human Services at SCC since 2019 and was previously the Department Chair of the Early Care and Education program. In the spring of 2016, she received SCC’s Faculty of the Year-Student Award for excellence in teaching and learning and is also listed in the 2019-2020 South Carolina Black Pages as a Who’s Who of Colleges and Universities.
“I am grateful to work at SCC,” said Dr. Benita Yowe, Dean of Health and Human Services at SCC. “Being recognized as SCC's SCTEA Administrator of the Year Award is very humbling. I sincerely appreciate the nomination and the outstanding faculty, staff, and Administrators at SCC that have helped me mark this as an achievement.”
Sophia Montgomery, the winner of the Staff award, is an SCC alumna and has worked in various student support roles for over 12 years. She currently works with the TRiO Student Support Services Department.
“I’m very humbled and grateful to be acknowledged for this award,” said Sophia Montgomery, an Administrative Specialist at SCC. “Feeling valued and appreciated for my hard work, only amplifies me to maximize my full potential to give my best with students, faculty, and staff. Thank you, SCC, for noticing and appreciating my contributions that will continue to empower and encourage me to do great work!”
Melissa Collins, the winner of the Faculty award, began working at SCC as an adjunct math teacher and quickly moved on to be a full-time learning specialist in the Rita Allison Learning Center and now serves as a full-time faculty member in Transitional Studies.
“Many people at our college are deserving of this award, so it is an honor to even be nominated,” said Melissa Collins. "I love what we do at SCC and I feel fortunate to be with good people, both coworkers, and students. Thank you, SCC family, for recognizing me this year.”
Individuals receiving this award were nominated and voted on by their peers. They will be presented with their awards in mid-February at the SCTEA Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.