College News

Exceptional Barton faculty recognized with Distinguished Instructor Awards

(From left) Barton 2024 Distinguished Instructors Nolan Esfeld, Ericka Peoples-Howard, Danika Bielek, and Jessica Fullen pose for a photo before the Barton commencement ceremony Friday night in the Barton Gymnasium.
(From left) Barton 2024 Distinguished Instructors Nolan Esfeld, Ericka Peoples-Howard, Danika Bielek, and Jessica Fullen pose for a photo before the Barton commencement ceremony Friday night in the Barton Gymnasium.

May 10, 2024
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Maggie Harris

Five Barton instructors earned the Distinguished Instructor Award (DIA) for the 2023-2024 academic year for their outstanding efforts in the classroom and were recognized at Barton鈥檚 commencement ceremony Friday evening in the Barton Gymnasium.

The recipients were:

Danika Bielek - Dancing Instructor - Barton County Campus

Nolan Esfeld - Math Instructor - Barton County Campus

Jessica Fullen - Business and Communications Instructor - Fort Leavenworth Campus

Ericka Peoples-Howard - Criminal Justice Instructor - Fort Leavenworth Campus

Christopher Vanderlinde听-听Military Programs Instructor -听Fort Riley Campus

The DIA recognizes excellence in teaching. The College鈥檚 Faculty Council accepts nominations from employees and students. A screening committee reviews the nominations and makes the selections. Criteria for the award include contributions to teaching and learning, alignment with the College鈥檚 mission, and community service. A plaque reflecting the names of the award recipients is displayed in the Barton Library.