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ACC Names Richarte, Morgan League Excellence Award Winners

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Alvin Community College faculty members honored Foreign Language instructor Itzel Richarte and Nursing instructor Justin Morgan with the 2020 League of Innovation Excellence Award.

The League Excellence Award recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff. Recipients are recognized in a series of activities and promotions.

“It is wonderful to see Mr. Morgan and Ms. Richarte recognized by peer faculty for their dedication to student success,” ACC President Dr. Christal M. Albrecht said. “I’m very proud of all of our faculty who every day strive to help our students achieve their educational goals.”

 

RIcharte began teaching at ACC as an adjunct in 2009 and became a full-time faculty member in 2013. Being name a recipient of the award is an honor given that it comes from instructors who she works with every day, she said.

“Knowing that my fellow faculty members recognize my hard work is priceless,” Richarte said. “It was an honor to be nominated. But I never thought I would be a recipient because my colleagues are great at what they do.”

In the nomination letter, instructors said Richarte has been invaluable to the Foreign Language Department. Richarte is involved with many organizations and committees including the ACC Honors Program, the La Costa Del Sol chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, ACC Scholarship Committee, ACCTA Scholarship committee and more.

“She has been a tremendous asset in our online, hybrid, traditional and dual credit Spanish courses,” the nomination states. “She has successfully demonstrated leadership by leading book adoptions, curriculum design and the application of teaching methodologies to suit our students’ diverse needs and overall department goals.”

Richarte chose to be an instructor because of how much education changed her life.

“I decided to become an educator to help students reach their goals the way my teachers helped me become who I am,” she said.

Morgan first joined the ACC faculty in 2019 and said it felt like a second home the moment he came to campus.

“I am very honored to have been selected for this award,” he said. It is a pleasure to be part of an organization that supports students and acknowledge the contributions of faculty. There are so many faculty around this campus that continually work to ensure this is a very special place and I am very grateful to be a part of that.”

Faculty members who nominated Morgan said in his time at ACC he has worked to ensure that Nursing students are receiving the education and training they need to be successful in the field.

“Justin continuously looks for ways to improve the student learning opportunities,” the nomination states. “He is a role model of innovation, dedication and compassion. During this past trying year, Justin has created virtual simulations that promote critical thinking and rival many that cost thousands of dollars. He works tirelessly for 12 months to assure his courses are rigorous and current with today's healthcare environment.”

Morgan said the ACC Nursing program has always been held in high regard among healthcare providers in the region.

“The ACC Nursing department has a very strong reputation in the community and when I joined the department it was very clear that the reputation was well deserved,” he said. “I am fortunate to be part of such a passionate and dedicated team and to be recognized by my peers is very special.”

Morgan follows in the footsteps of his mother, who also served as a Nursing educator. By joining the education field, he helps improve the health of his community through his students.

“I wanted to make the biggest possible impact on the health of my community and I recognized the true impact an excellent educator can have,” Morgan said. “I hope one day I can live up to that type of reputation and make a positive impact on my profession.”