Internal Awards
There will be 12 finalists for each internal award category (one per community college district). A cash award will be presented to two winners at the convention – one from a large college and one from a small college. Large colleges include Metropolitan Community College, St. Louis Community College, St. Charles Community College, and Ozarks Technical community college. Colleges will be encouraged to pay convention fees for each of their finalists.
There will be 12 finalists for each internal award category (one per community college district). A cash award will be presented to two winners at the convention – one from a large college and one from a small college. Large colleges include Metropolitan Community College, St. Louis Community College, St. Charles Community College, and Ozarks Technical community college. Colleges will be encouraged to pay convention fees for each of their finalists.
Excellence in Teaching Award
Presented annually for outstanding instructors for work done during the previous year.
Administrative Professional Leadership Award
Presented annually to a member of the MCCA's Administrative Professional Department who has demonstrated exemplary leadership practices within their college and throughout the community. Recipients exceed expectations for campus involvement and for advancing the mission of community colleges throughout the state. They also have exemplary records of service in professional and civic organizations. Current members of the MCCA Advisory Board may not be nominated for this award.
Classified Staff Achievement Award
Presented annually to a member of the MCCA's Classified Staff Department who has had a positive impact on their college and the department. Current classified staff department officers may not be nominated for this award.
Criteria for selection include the following:
Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award
Granted each year in recognition of the vital contributions adjuncts make to the community college mission. Candidates may be any teaching faculty with an FTE less than 100 percent. Nominees must have taught at least one course per academic year for three consecutive years as adjunct faculty. Any full‐ or part‐time faculty member or student may nominate a candidate.
MCCA Innovation Award
Presented annually to recognize an innovative project by an individual or group of faculty or staff members at a community college. This award encourages the creative and effective use of technology to improve outcomes and/or operations.
Criteria for selection include the following:
Presented annually for outstanding instructors for work done during the previous year.
Administrative Professional Leadership Award
Presented annually to a member of the MCCA's Administrative Professional Department who has demonstrated exemplary leadership practices within their college and throughout the community. Recipients exceed expectations for campus involvement and for advancing the mission of community colleges throughout the state. They also have exemplary records of service in professional and civic organizations. Current members of the MCCA Advisory Board may not be nominated for this award.
Classified Staff Achievement Award
Presented annually to a member of the MCCA's Classified Staff Department who has had a positive impact on their college and the department. Current classified staff department officers may not be nominated for this award.
Criteria for selection include the following:
- Service to MCCA
- Current membership in the classified staff department
- Service to college above and beyond assigned job duties
Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award
Granted each year in recognition of the vital contributions adjuncts make to the community college mission. Candidates may be any teaching faculty with an FTE less than 100 percent. Nominees must have taught at least one course per academic year for three consecutive years as adjunct faculty. Any full‐ or part‐time faculty member or student may nominate a candidate.
MCCA Innovation Award
Presented annually to recognize an innovative project by an individual or group of faculty or staff members at a community college. This award encourages the creative and effective use of technology to improve outcomes and/or operations.
Criteria for selection include the following:
- The project is truly innovative
- The project improves the quality of a particular process, program, or instructional course and results in better outcomes
- The project can be replicated in other areas and/or at other institutions
External Awards
Distinguished Business and Industry Award
Presented to individuals and/or businesses that have engaged in significant partnerships with their local community college to stimulate economic activity and support students and programs.
Award of Distinction
Presented to individuals who have demonstrated sustained service and commitment to their local community college. It is one of the highest honors MCCA bestows.
Criteria for selection include at least one of the following:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. Although it is not required that the recipient be a graduate of a community college, preference is given to those who have earned a certificate or completed a degree program.
Primary criteria for selection:
Supporting criteria:
Trustee Leadership Award
Presented annually to a community college trustee whose work and leadership has substantially advanced the mission of community colleges.
Factors considered in selecting award recipients:
Presented to individuals and/or businesses that have engaged in significant partnerships with their local community college to stimulate economic activity and support students and programs.
Award of Distinction
Presented to individuals who have demonstrated sustained service and commitment to their local community college. It is one of the highest honors MCCA bestows.
Criteria for selection include at least one of the following:
- Significant financial contribution to a college or leadership in acquiring such gifts
- Significant contribution of time or resources
Distinguished Alumni Award
Presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. Although it is not required that the recipient be a graduate of a community college, preference is given to those who have earned a certificate or completed a degree program.
Primary criteria for selection:
- Outstanding professional accomplishments
- Outstanding contributions to his/her community
Supporting criteria:
- Number of years of professional excellence and community service
- Magnitude of accomplishments and service
Trustee Leadership Award
Presented annually to a community college trustee whose work and leadership has substantially advanced the mission of community colleges.
Factors considered in selecting award recipients:
- Service as an officer on the college’s board of trustees
- Participation in activities such as civic organizations, public office, etc.
- Service on MCCA’s Board of Directors
- Demonstrated leadership in helping address the challenges facing community colleges
