ECC Religion Instructor Receives Prestigious Teaching Award
Stephen Herring, religion, geography, and developmental studies instructor at Edgecombe Community College, is this year’s recipient of the Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair. As part of his award, he received a chair with an engraved brass nameplate.
Stephen Herring, religion, geography, and development studies instructor at Edgecombe Community College, has been awarded the 2018-2019 Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair.
The chair was endowed by Keihin Carolina System Technology (KCST) through a $100,000 gift in 2007, and it rewards excellence in teaching.
“I accept this honor with incredible gratitude,” Herring said in accepting the award during an August 20 ceremony. “My college family means the world to me, and this acknowledgment from my colleagues is humbling.”
Herring has served on the ECC faculty for 14 years. In addition to his role as an instructor, he serves on the College’s Diversity and Global Connections Committee and assists with planning for the annual Global Education Spring Symposium.
He also serves on the Quality Enhancement Plan Committee for upcoming Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reaccreditation.
In addition to his work at the community college, Herring serves as a stated supply pastor for two local Presbyterian churches. He also founded Creative Salvage Designs, a reclamation center in downtown Tarboro.
Herring holds a B.A. from the University of California-Santa Cruz and an M.A. from Yale University Divinity School. He has completed graduate course work at East Carolina University.
The Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair is the highest distinction the college can bestow on a member of its faculty. As the Keihin chair holder, Herring receives $2,500 and a chair with an engraved brass nameplate.
In announcing the selection during the ceremony, Lynwood Roberson, executive director of the ECC Foundation, said, “He goes beyond what is required; allows the use of personal devices to make class interactive, engaging, and fun; is truly invested in his students’ success; and always comes to class filled with enthusiasm.
“He also keeps remarkably up-to-date on current events on the local, national, and international stage and utilizes these events in his course instruction.”
Herring was selected by a committee of ECC personnel and KCST officials from a pool of six nominees who submitted a performance portfolio, a philosophy of teaching, and an essay.
Other nominees were Rick Basile, criminal justice program chair; Nacole Everette, health information technology program chair; Rufus McCoy, barbering instructor; Laura Otrimski, psychology instructor; and Suzi Shippen, surgical technology program chair.
Herring is the twelfth Keihin Chair holder at the College. Previous recipients are instructors Carole Mehle, 2017; Jennifer Derby, 2016; Dr. Johnica Ellis-Kiser, 2015; Rebecca Stamilio-Ehret, 2014; Ann Kent, 2013; Tim King, 2012; Pam Morgan, 2011; Ralph Webb, 2010; Bruce Panneton, 2009; J.H. Koonce, 2008; and Monika Fleming, 2007.