Every month, Amarillo College honors a member of its faculty with the Badger of Honor award. The award is given by students and peers to someone in the AC family who merits recognition for efforts toward student involvement.
Dr. Claudie Biggers, an assistant professor in the biology department, and Brenda Walsh, an academic adviser, were the December and January recipients. Both Biggers and Walsh were first-time recipients of the award, which is given by surprise with the AC badger mascot in attendance.
“I was speechless,” Walsh said, “and not knowing what to say, I stood up and hugged the badger.”
Walsh has been an academic adviser at AC for three years.
She advises students in the Language, Communication and Fine Arts Division, which includes mass communication, graphic design and photography as well as other fields. She formerly was an adviser in the nursing department at West Texas A&M University for a year. She obtained two degrees at WT, one in wildlife biology and the other in elementary education.
“When I was working on my biology degree, I lived at home and worked part-time,” she said. “I had to balance it all like most of my students here.”
This semester, Walsh made herself readily available to her students by starting a LCFA advising page on Facebook. The page offers up-to-date postings from Walsh that include reminders about deadlines and any current events going on around campus. The Facebook page allows students to comment and receive responses quickly.
Cody Holliman, a graphic design major, is a fan of the LCFA advising page.
“I had several other majors before,” Holliman said, “but I never knew my adviser’s name, where their office was or what they were supposed to do for me.”
Holliman made a decision during late registration and switched majors, and Walsh was there to help build a class schedule fitting Holliman’s agenda.
“Everything has gone smoothly this semester,” Holliman said. “But I know that if I ever have a problem, I can go to her and she'll help.”
In December, the Badger of Honor award went to Biggers, who was unable to receive her award until January because the badger mascot suit had disappeared. By this semester, the suit had been replaced.
Biggers attended Parker Chiropractic School in Dallas and received a doctorate of chiropractic degree. She began working at AC in 2002 and said her main focus is online anatomy and physiology.
“Receiving this award made my day,” Biggers said. “I immediately posted the honor on my Facebook page to share with friends and family.”
Biggers said she has had many opportunities at AC and is fortunate to be a part of students’ lives.
Every month, Amarillo College honors a member of its faculty with the Badger of Honor award. The award is given by students and peers to someone in the AC family who merits recognition for efforts toward student involvement..." />
Faculty members receive Badger of Honor awards
Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Updated: Thursday, March 4, 2010
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