OCTC Announces Pillar Awards, Quiet Hero, President's Award for Teaching

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (01/21/2025) — The OCTC Pillar Awards are part of the annual OCTC employee recognition program and were presented at an event held on December 13, 2024.

Nominations for the awards are solicited from the campus community and are based on the founding pillars of the institution: student advocacy, fostering an approachable learning environment, workforce readiness, and community service. These awards include a $750 stipend for professional development.

Pillar Award for Fostering an Encouraging & Approachable Learning Environment, Sean Steele

The Pillar for Fostering an Encouraging and Approachable Learning Environment award was created to honor those employees who contribute to creating a student centered classroom and campus environment. Sean Steele is the Instructor and Program Coordinator for the Industrial Maintenance Technology program coordinator. He started at OCTC in this role in 2022 and brings a wealth of industry experience.

Steele holds an Associate in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing /Industrial Maintenance after successfully completing the GO FAME program in 2015. He also serves the college on the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Implementation Team

Steele is an Ohio County native whose previous experience includes working in coal mines, in juvenile justice for Green River Youth Development, as well for the Department of Corrections and he also served as an emergency responder. His most recent experience was with Green River Distillery in industrial maintenance.

In his spare time Steele is a skilled woodworker producing one of a kind Americana art pieces.

His nomination noted that as an instructor and program coordinator Steele works tirelessly to ensure student success and actively shares his enthusiasm for the program with school groups, individuals, and community partners such as Educators in the Workplace. His dedication to OCTC's mission is evident through his service on multiple committees. His approach to teaching is both personal and impactful, as he often provides one-on-one instruction to accommodate the diverse learning paces and levels of his students.

Pillar Award: Student Advocacy, Karri Barnett

The Pillar for Student Advocacy Award was created to honor team members who demonstrate a commitment to and on behalf of students and their success.

This year's honoree started her journey at Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) in 2008 as a work-study student in the Adult Education department at OCTC's Downtown Campus, participating in the Ready to Work program. This initial role laid the groundwork for her future, as it supported various activities aimed at empowering students.

In 2011, after completing her degree from Western Kentucky University, Barnett advanced to the role of Ready to Work Program Coordinator. She facilitated employment opportunities and educational activities specifically tailored for parents who were college students.

Barnett also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for three years and has experience coordinating the Refugee Employment program collaborating with various stakeholders to create job opportunities for students. In 2021, she transitioned into a role as a College Counselor at OCTC. In this capacity, she provides and connects OCTC students with essential mental health services, resources, and workshops. Additionally, she works with students receiving accommodations to ensure they have equal access to educational opportunities, advises students on academic probation, helping them to develop effective strategies for academic success.

Barnett is also active on numerous committees, including the QEP Implementation Team on campus and has taught the First Year Experience course since 2022.

Barnett's nomination noted in her unwavering commitment to student success, well-being, and access to resources. Adding that her care and compassion are evident in every aspect of her duties as she goes above and beyond to understand students' needs. Barnett's dedication is demonstrated through efforts to build partnerships with mental health providers, increasing access to vital services that contribute to students' academic and personal success. Additionally, Barnett co-coordinates the Student Fest resource fair, playing a critical role in connecting students with community services and enhancing their access to essential resources.

Pillar Award: Workforce Education & Readiness, Danny Moseley

The Pillar for Workforce Education and Readiness award was created to honor team members who strive to make the prepare students to make the transition from the classroom/lab environments to the workplace. Professor Danny Moseley began his career at OCTC in 1999 as an instructor and program coordinator for the Computerized Manufacturing and Machining program (CMM).

Moseley holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Applied Technology and an Associate of Science degree in Vocational Education both from Western Kentucky University. He also earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Machine Tool Technology from OCTC, and is credentialed as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker and is a Certified Welder. His professional experience includes Morgantown Plastics/Delta Faucets, Toolco, and Hunter Douglas. Moseley has additional teaching experience an the National Teaching Institute.

Moseley's nomination noted that he works tirelessly to update the CMM lab with the latest technology, ensuring the program remains a vital resource for student success across disciplines including Industrial Maintenance, Tech X, GO FAME, and CMM. His dedication extends to supporting current and future workforces, frequently speaking to school tours and administering skills tests for industry partners. In addition Moseley provides safety training and individualized setups to help candidates advance in their fields. As a program coordinator, he serves as a role model to students and mentors new faculty members. His high level of motivation and dedication exemplifies the qualities needed to meet the workforce demands of the region.

Quiet Hero, Mike Hoover

The Quiet Hero Award is a part of the Peer Awards program and was created as a way to acknowledge those behind the scenes who work tirelessly and diligently to ensure student and college success. This award includes a professional development stipend of $750.

Michael "Mike" Hoover was named as the 20243 Quiet Hero. Hoover has been a member of the Maintenance and Operations team since July 2007. He has successfully completed college courses and trainings related to his professional duties. Hoover also serves as an active member of the OCTC Nature Committee and most recently helped facilitate a grant supported tree planting project on campus.

Hoover's nomination outlined his exceptional qualities and contributions toward the maintenance of the Virginia Miles Nature Area, including tasks such as vegetation management and repairs. His strong work ethic, creativity, and determination were instrumental in restoring a wetland habitat during summer 2023. Hoover consistently goes above and beyond to ensure timely and careful delivery of packages, and a willingness to assist with challenging projects. Known for his quiet demeanor and commitment to teamwork, he fosters a positive work environment and exemplifies the selflessness.

President's Award for Teaching, Michelle Tudor

OCTC's President's Award for Teaching recognizes excellence in teaching and includes a $1,500 stipend for professional development. This year the honor was awarded to Professor Michelle Tudor, M.A., R.T.(R). She resides in Hancock County, and is the Radiography Program Director. Tudor began her career in education in 2000, and has over 24 years of experience in radiography education. She has played a key role in shaping the academic and clinical training of future radiologic technologists in both program and clinical coordination.

Tudor holds a Master of Arts in Adult and Higher Education from Morehead State University, a Bachelor's degree in Radiography Clinical Education from the University of Southern Indiana, and an Associate in Applied Science in Radiography from OCTC. Tudor is a registered radiologic technologist with certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy. She oversees curriculum development, clinical site management, and accreditation processes for the Radiography Program, ensuring students receive high-quality education and training. Tudor's passion for advancing student success is evident through her active involvement in faculty mentorship, program development, and creating educational pathways in collaboration with universities and clinical facilities.

Tudor's nomination highlighted her dedication to student success and noted over her 24 year career guiding over 200 students to graduation. Tudor strives to ensure that the program stays current by incorporating advanced technology into the curriculum, engaging students in innovative and effective ways. She collaborates with faculty and community partners to enhance the student experience, from organizing simulations with the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program to inviting guest speakers from diagnostic imaging modalities. Most recently her leadership extended to developing CT and MRI certificate programs to meet community needs. Tudor fosters connections with healthcare employers and coordinates classroom visits, actively assisting students in navigating the competitive job market.

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