Gadsden State employees, student recognized with Excellence in Education Awards

Teachers across the three public school systems and four private schools in Etowah County were honored during the Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County’s fourth annual Excellence in Education Awards Luncheon in September. Gadsden State is the presenting sponsor of the event, which also recognizes the Teachers of the Year from area public and private schools. 

“These award winners were nominated, completed an application and were then organized into categories and reviewed by our committee members,” said Heather New, president/CEO of The Chamber. “We had an exceptional amount of excellent nominations from which to choose.” 

Gadsden State community College had five winners at the 2021 awards luncheon, including: 

Excellence in Student Empowerment – Rob Dunaway, English instructor at Gadsden State Cherokee and Phi Theta Kappa co-advisor 

Excellence in Support Services – Beth Enders, administrative assistant to the dean of Academic Programs 

Excellence in Post-Secondary Administration – Kelley Pearce, assistant dean of Enrollment and Retention 

Exceptional Post-Secondary Student of the Year – Alexandra Booker 

Heart of an Educator, Post-Secondary – Gina Tice, the now-retired director of Radiologic Technology Program 

Jackie Brehm Edmondson, director of Public Relations of Marketing, served as chairperson of the Excellence in Education Committee. Dr. Leslie Worthington, the now-retired dean of Academic Programs and Services, served on the committee as well.