By Ashlei Maltman and JJ Ossola
IV Leader Staff, April 12, 2007
Merri Mattison, in her sixth year at Illinois Valley Community College as an instructor of Sociology and Anthropology, has been awarded the 2007 Faculty Excellence Award.
Mattison, who is the faculty advisor for the student group Amnesty International, as well as being involved with the Diversity team and other committees, said of the award, “It is a real honor. Especially to be nominated by a student and then chosen by my peers. It is very validating.”
She went on to say about her time at IVCC, “It has been great. Overall a really wonderful experience. I work with great people and most everyone is very friendly and helpful.”
The prize for winning the Faculty Excellence Award is an opportunity to attend the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Conference, which will be in Austin, Texas this year, and a $500 stipend.
Jennifer Richards, in her nomination of Mattison said, “Because of her passion for Sociology, she inspires us to think beyond our comfort zones and challenges us to look at issues in a multi-dimensional way. She provides us with many opportunities to view life in a sociological perspective, ranging from great examples or videos in class, to providing us with information and motivation to participate in extracurricular activities sponsored by the school, pertaining to sociological issues.”
Mattison said of her teaching philosophy, “I think we need adequately prepare our students for the next step, push them, challenge them, but to also encourage, support and guide them. Ultimately, if you can’t reach the students, then you can’t teach them, so you have to use a variety of teaching styles/methods, and take the time to get to know your students so you can use examples that they can relate to.”
Anthropology student Shauna Casolari said of the award, “I am not surprised that she won because she is very deserving of it.”
Mattison, an Expert Field Medical Badge recipient in 1987 while stationed in Germany, served from 1986 to 1989 as an Army medic, and continued to serve until 1993 in the National Guard. Mattison, a member of Cold War Veterans association, Veterans for Peace, and Disabled American Veterans, claims that the Army “was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Mattison said, “I started teaching as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University about 15 years or so ago. I spent a year teaching in Korea. I also taught at Alma College (in Alma Michigan) several years part time”
Mattison has received an A.S. from Gogebic Community College, a B.S. and a M.A. degree from Central Michigan University and an M.S.W. from Canyon College.
When asked if she was surprised that she won the award she said, “Yes, I was surprised… but in a good way.” Upon questioning what she would do with the $500 that she won, she said with a smile on her face, “Pay my bills!”
Last year’s award winner was Koshu Jagasia.