Outstanding Former Developmental Education Students The nominee must be a person who participated in a developmental education program and has gone on to become an outstanding member of a profession, thereby exemplifying the effectiveness of developmental education. The recipient receives a $100 check and an engraved plaque.
The award for Outstanding Former Developmental Education Student was presented to Michael Crouch. During the developmental sequence, Michael learned to utilize available resources for support and to encourage and uplift others around him. He continues this effort in his current role as Program Manager of the Favor and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Upstate Oconee Center. FAVOR provides free services to families and individuals affected by substance use disorders. As the Program Manager, Michael is responsible for supervising other staff members, developing and maintaining community partnerships, and working with individuals affected by substance use disorders. Michael’s duties also involve training other peer support specialists and sitting on the state certification commission. Michael has spearheaded the implementation of a program that targets individuals with substance use disorders within the criminal justice system. Additionally, he manages a program funded through the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and other Drug Services (DAODAS) that has opened and now maintains a recovery center. Michael’s latest project is working towards creating a recovery-friendly business community by educating employers on substance use disorders and the stigma related to addiction. Michael works one-on-one with people reentering the workforce following treatment or maintaining employment while participating in peer recovery support services, and he assists people enrolled in college, vocational rehabilitation training, and other certification programs. Developing a career related to his life struggles has helped him overcome those struggles. Michael has been able to find fulfillment by giving back to his community. Many graduates of developmental education successfully complete coursework and go on to become successful college students and productive members of society, but few actively give back to the field of DevEd by intentionally integrating its principles into their personal lives and professional roles. In his publications and conference presentations, Michael often attributes his success to principles of learning and life that he gleaned as a college student enrolled in developmental coursework. “I am always developmentally learning,” he often says. He is truly a testament to the effectiveness of developmental education.
The award for Outstanding Former Developmental Education Student was presented to Dale Herron. Dale began his studies in developmental coursework at Tri-County Technical College and successfully completed his certification in the HVAC program. Dale is now teaching HVAC courses as an adjunct instructor at TCTC.
Outstanding Service to Students The nominee must be a person whose work exemplifies the developmental education philosophy. He/she must demonstrate excellence in teaching or appropriate professional skills (tutoring, counseling, administration, etc), responsiveness to individual students, and commitment to professional growth. The recipient receives an engraved plaque and a check for $100.
The award for Outstanding Service to Students was presented to Pamela Altstatt. Pamela is a full-time personal trainer who has trained many people over the years. She was recruited to teach Lifetime Fitness and Wellness at Tri-County Technical College more than five years ago. She has helped grow this class to more than 8 sections a semester, and she faithfully trains new adjunct instructors. Her passion to help others set and reach goals for physical fitness and overall wellness is a contagious and encouraging motivation to students in her classes and coworkers in her professional development sessions.
SCOSS award recipients Pamela Altstatt and Michael Crouch hold their plaques at the 40th Annual Conference.