Josh Troutman

Josh has brought exceptional passion and intelligence to every course, creating learning experiences extending beyond traditional coursework. His humble, helpful nature made him approachable for any question. Beyond being an outstanding professor, he fostered meaningful connections and friendships, demonstrating education encompasses community-building and relationship development.

Jolene Bruno

Jolene served as an exceptional advisor and mentor who guided Kirkwood's run club formation while providing unwavering academic and personal support. She created a welcoming environment that helped students transition from high school to college, making Kirkwood feel like home. Through the run club, she helped students discover passions and develop leadership skills.

Mallory Petsche

Mallory, from the TRIO program, provided transformative support that extended beyond academics, helping students navigate critical life challenges. She guided them through opportunities such as AmeriCorps service and university transfers, while also securing emergency assistance during times of crisis. Her advocacy gave students the motivation and stability they needed to keep going, helping them grow as learners and as people.

Katie Strand

Katie provided exceptional academic advising support through consistent communication and weekly check-ins for student success, especially online learners. She created safe spaces where students felt genuinely heard and valued. Her dedication extended beyond course scheduling, genuinely caring about each student's overall progress and well-being throughout their educational journey.

Dr. Lori Brown

Lori transformed a student's academic identity by creating an environment where they felt capable and valued. Despite being told they would never read at grade level due to dyslexia, this student earned A's in her well-organized classes and discovered newfound confidence in their abilities.

Linley Heath

Linley provided comprehensive, life-changing support extending beyond academics, stepping in during critical moments when students faced personal crises. She took time to know students as individuals, creating environments where they felt equal to peers despite disabilities or challenges while advocating fiercely on their behalf.

Randy Langel

Randy brings extensive real-world newsroom and television experience into his teaching, using professional expertise to genuinely prepare students for successful careers. As professor, mentor, and club advisor, he demonstrates deep care for students' lives and future success beyond surface-level instruction through meaningful connections.

Steven Long

Steven created transformative classroom environments where students felt simultaneously supported, challenged, and inspired through his genuine teaching passion. His approach extended beyond curriculum delivery, actively encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. His dedication to holistic student development exemplifies the profound difference that invested educators can make.

Randy Shultz

Randy demonstrates exceptional patience, encouragement, and positivity in classrooms, showing genuine care for students' academic and broader life success. His teaching is so outstanding that students actively recommend him and restructure schedules to learn from him. His combination of expertise and caring mentorship makes him invaluable.

Korey Hall

Korey transformed thermodynamics from engineering's most intimidating course into an accessible, engaging subject through exceptional communication clarity. Her innovative lecture style encouraging immediate problem-solving competitions allowed students to demonstrate concept mastery in real-time. Her teaching proves STEM difficulty often stems from poor communication rather than inherent complexity.

Shelby Miller

Shelby's efforts went far beyond instructional responsibilities, dedicating personal time to answer questions, collaborate on projects, and organize comprehensive learning experiences. Her exceptional kindness created environments where students felt comfortable asking questions. Her willingness to work directly with students showed genuine dedication to their success.

Chris McCord

Chris stands out for his exceptional teaching, that made students switch from online to in-person classes specifically for him. His genuine enthusiasm is infectious, transforming disengaged students into passionate learners. His ability to make learning engaging transformed entire Kirkwood experiences from transactional to meaningful.

Judy Stoffel

Distinguished Service Award

Danielle Pickering

Distinguished Service Award

Chad Daugherty

Distinguished Service Award

Tierney Kettmann

Distinguished Service Award

Jes Merino

Distinguished Service Award

Austin Hutchcroft

Distinguished Service Award