Speech and Humanities Instructor Brad Jester Receives SCTC Rick Perkins Award

Date Posted: March 18, 2021

Brad Jester, Speech and Humanities Instructor and Department Chair at Southern Crescent Technical College, was recently named the 2021 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education.  The Rick Perkins Award is the equivalent to being named Instructor of the Year at Southern Crescent Technical College.

Jester stated that he “was extremely honored to be named the Rick Perkins winner, although he shares this honor with all of the dedicated instructors at the College.”

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical instruction is awarded annually and is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.  Instructors are nominated for the Rick Perkins Award by their peers and competition among instructors occurs at the college, regional, and state levels.

Dr. Alvetta Thomas, President of Southern Crescent Technical College, stated, “Mr. Jester has been recognized as Southern Crescent Technical College’s Rick Perkins winner because of his conscientiousness and genuine commitment as an instructor.  I have witnessed his dedication to student learning, high professional standards, and cooperative spirit.  His teaching methods and techniques are innovative and he encourages his students to achieve at their highest level. Brad is an excellent representation of the quality faculty and staff at Southern Crescent Technical College and we wish him well as she goes on to represent the College at the next level of competition.”

In addition to Jester, finalists for the Rick Perkins Award included James Anderson – Instructor for Paramedicine and Emergency Medical Services, Julie Gates – Program Coordinator and Instructor for Forensic Science, Adam Grubbs – Program Coordinator and Instructor for Paralegal Studies, and Curtis Ward – Lead Instructor and Data Coordinator for Adult Education.

Jester and other nominees were judged by a group of outside individuals. After winning the school title, Jester will represent Southern Crescent Technical College as an ambassador for technical education.  The state Rick Perkins winner will be announced in April.