Science, accounting professors earn recognition from professional groups
WHITNEY KNIGHT
Staff Writer
staffwriter1@occc.edu
Fabiola Janiak-Spens
Myra Decker
Two OCCC professors recently were recognized for their efforts.
The 2009 Oklahoma Science Teachers Association College Faculty Award was recently presented to Fabiola Janiak-Spens, biotechnology professor, for her contributions to kindergarten through 12th grade science education.
OSTA is the statewide professional association that addresses the interests and concerns of science teachers throughout the state of Oklahoma.
Each year, the association honors a college faculty member for his or her support and contributions to K-12 science in Oklahoma.
Janiak-Spens said winning the award was a humbling experience.
“I just like what I’m doing,” she said. “I feel it’s my responsibility. To be recognized for it is nice.”
She said her own children, as well as others of their television- and video game-dependent generation, fuel her desire to educate them.
“Science is such an important field,” Janiak-Spens said. “It’s very, very important to not just educate college students, but younger students as well.”
DeAnn Campbell, Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Discovery Project coordinator, said she nominated Janiak-Spens for the award because she is “a true science educator.”
In addition to working full-time at OCCC, Campbell said Janiak-Spens is a coordinator for the Sooner Elementary Engineering and Science after-school program, works with high school teachers through summer workshops, and is a part of OCCC’s Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Discovery Program.
“To her, there are no barriers as far as age and location go,” Campbell said.
“She is willing to help everyone.”
Also, an OCCC accounting professor was recently given a prestigious award.
Myra Decker received the 2009 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Oklahoma Professor of the Year Award Nov. 19 in Washington D.C.
The award recognizes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country, according to the Web site at www.usprofessorsoftheyear.org .
Decker was the only Oklahoma professor to receive an award.
“I am honored,” she said.
In addition to receiving the award, Decker said, attending the awards ceremony and reception in Washington D.C. was the experience of a lifetime.
“When I attended the ceremony in D.C., I was given the opportunity to meet past recipients of the award,” Decker said.
“It was a very humbling experience.”
Decker has worked for OCCC for 28 years, she said.
She said she has no plans to leave OCCC any time soon.
“I really enjoy teaching here,” Decker said. “I love everything about the college.
“I love the community college environment. It is a wonderful place to be.”
Ron Summers, accounting professor, said the award “couldn’t have gone to a better person,” and was glad Decker won the award.
“Her number one thing is helping students,” he said.
“We need more like her.”
