Annual Report 2021

Eric Davishahl Full-Time Faculty Excellence Award, Engineering

Eric began at WCC as the College’s first full-time engineering instructor in fall 2016. Prior to arriving at WCC, Eric had spent 15 years working at Everett Community College, where he led the growth and development of the engineering program. Already considered a state leader among engineering faculty, Eric immediately put his experience to work with a vision to grow the program, prepare future engineers for transfer and career success, and expand access and opportunity for an increasingly diverse student population. Within two years, the curriculum was revised and expanded, and program enrollment increased substantially. Eric is committed to diversifying engineering education and does the necessary work to do so. As a student wrote, “The main reason why I respect Eric the most is because he is an advocate for women in STEM and is trying to find ways to change the culture for those who are oppressed in STEM. He is the club advisor for the AWSEM Club (Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering, and Math) and hosted an event called Engineers Show Up and had tough conversations to shed light on the oppressed.” Beth Tyne Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award, Learning Contracts & Prior Learning Coordinator

Having worked at WCC since 1988, Beth has helped countless students finish their degrees and secure meaningful learning experiences through her facilitation of learning contracts and prior learning assessment. Beth’s work as a faculty member is unique at Whatcom. She helps to connect faculty and students together in the pursuit of individualized learning experiences that support student growth

and completion. As a faculty member said, “She doesn’t meet classrooms of students; in fact, she may have only one or two meetings with a student, but without her knowledge, expertise, connections, listening and understanding of student needs, doors and windows of opportunity would be unknown and inaccessible.” Beth takes the time with each student to ensure they have what they need in terms of clarity and support to be successful. She also takes the same time with the faculty mentors, working around their needs to create a successful partnership with the students.

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