2022 - Parul Raval and John Karnatz receive the 2022 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award

Parul Raval, EdD, professor of education, and John Karnatz, MA, communications studies unit adjunct faculty, were recently recognized with the 2022 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award from Elgin Community College. Raval received the full-time faculty award and Karnatz received the part-time faculty award.

“We are grateful at ECC to have such uniquely committed and innovative faculty members who exemplify what it means to offer high quality, student-centered instruction,” said Peggy Heinrich, EdD, vice president of teaching, learning, and student development. “Particularly over the pandemic, they have invested time in learning to design and teach effective online courses, and have demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring our students are successful during challenging times.”

The Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award recognizes and honors individual faculty members who have made the greatest contribution to the learning environment of ECC, are dedicated to the successes of students, and exemplify and strengthen the college’s shared values of excellence, freedom of inquiry, equity, ethical practices, accountability, respect for diversity and community engagement. Each year, employees, students, and community associates of ECC are invited to nominate outstanding faculty for the award.

Twenty-three full and part-time faculty were nominated for the 2022 award. Raval and Karnatz have been nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Outstanding Faculty Member Award, which will be announced in early May.

Professor of Graphic Design Timothy Karr won the 2021 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award for full-time faculty and Business Unit Adjunct Faculty Robert Russ won the part-time faculty award.