LTC instructor Paul Benfield
Paul Benfield is an American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award Winner. He has this to say about his experience:
After years at Lakeshore Technical College, I still enjoy doing all I can to help students succeed every day. My exploration of competency-based education led me to piloting the effort in some of my classes this fall. Our students are ranked fifth in the entire nation for earning NC3 certifications, showing our focus on their success. I’m very proud of my dual-credit students, some of whom earned Associate Degrees in Information Technology before they graduated from high school.
Students’ schedules can be hectic so I make myself available 24/7. I put a lot of effort into helping students learn to network, serving as a reference, and connecting them with former students now in the workforce. I’ve been involved in Christian fellowship clubs my entire career at LTC, helped form the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Club three years ago, and serve as its Faculty Advisor. Each year I attend three conferences with students which give us the opportunity to carry what we learn into our lives overall. I truly enjoy getting to know what inspires students.
I’ve always been willing to share my expertise and contribute wherever needed. Currently I serve on our Crisis Leadership Team which taps my emergency services background, and our High Angle Rescue Team which jumps into action if a student gets caught high up in wind turbines.
I consider going “above and beyond” part of my life. Recently a student told me he needed to drop out for financial reasons, and I would never just let that happen. I connected him with several resources so he could stay enrolled. I advise students on academics and a variety of resources, from having career closet access so they can dress appropriately for interviews, to getting them registered for classes. I’m here to help wherever, and whenever I’m needed.