Two Montcalm Community College instructors were recognized during the 57^th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 3 on the college’s Sidney campus.

Board of Trustees Chairperson Karen Carbonelli recognized the award recipients, given to one full-time and one part-time faculty member in recognition of their noteworthy work with and on behalf of students, scholarly or professional achievement and service to MCC.

The Leslie K. Morford Faculty Recognition Award, named for MCC emeritus instructor Morford, was presented to Nursing Instructor Tabitha Keiffer, of Carson City, during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony on May 2 at MCC and was acknowledged during the Commencement presentation. Part-time Instructor Dave Hansen, of Lakeview, received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award. The recipients were given a plaque, a stipend and a citation.

Keiffer joined MCC’s full-time nursing faculty in August 2021, having first come to the college in 2017 as an adjunct instructor.

“She is heralded by her students as a caring, engaging, knowledgeable and passionate instructor,” said MCC Board of Trustees Treasurer Kurt Peterson, who presented the award to Keiffer during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony. “She relates well to her students in the classroom and clinical settings and they appreciate her enthusiasm and undying commitment to the nursing profession.”

In a written nomination, one student said, “Tabitha is very kind and encouraging, and she is always willing to help. She is so very patient and provides excellent resources for students.”

Another added, “Tabitha is a great teacher. She explains things in a way that is easy to understand and always takes the time to answer whatever questions students have.”

“Tabitha is an amazing instructor who has clear passion for her courses. She makes sure that the content is digestible and offers students endless tools to succeed,” wrote another student.

Keiffer has earned degrees from Montcalm Community College and Walden University.

“At Montcalm Community College, we are fortunate to have such an outstanding instructor on our staff, and we are proud to recognize Tabitha Keiffer as the recipient of the 2024 Leslie K. Morford Faculty Recognition Award,” Peterson said.

Hansen has served as an Adjunct Instructor at MCC since fall of 2015. His main area of focus is philosophy, which includes courses in Bioethics, the Philosophy of World Religions and Social Problems. Serving as a dual enrollment instructor as well, Hansen has taught at several area K-12 school districts, allowing him to impact even more students.

“Dave’s students recognize him as “a very kind teacher who cares about his students with a great leadership style. He works really well with all students, many of which are high schoolers taking dual enrolled classes,” Carbonelli said.

In addition to being an MCC alumnus, Hansen has earned degrees from Southern Wesleyan University and from the Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.

“Montcalm Community College is very fortunate to have such outstanding instructors on our staff, and we are proud to recognize them with these awards,” Carbonelli said.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833