AWC Foundation presents endowed faculty scholarships

The recipients of the first ever faculty chairs at Arizona Western College were presented the initial distribution of their three-year scholarships Thursday.

Faculty members Scott McLean and Samuel Colton each received $5,000 from the endowed funds, which they will use to better themselves and to benefit the college, said Ruth Whisler, executive director of the AWC Foundation.

McLean, professor of speech communication and adjunct professor for Northern Arizona University-Yuma, is the recipient of the 2007-2010 Shadle-Edgecombe Chair. Colton, welding and technical programs coordinator, is the recipient of the 2007-2010 Frances Morris Endowed Faculty Chair.

The Frances Morris Endowed Faculty Chair program is funded by a $100,000 endowment established by Frances and Herb Morris. They are longtime, generous supporters of AWC and the Matador Athletic Association. Mrs. Morris served on the district governing board from 1977 to 2005.

Steve and Bobbi Shadle established the Shadle-Edgecombe Chair Program in memory of their parents, F.T. and Freda Shadle and Samuel and Winnie Edgecombe. The Shadles continue their parents' legacy through their support of local education. He is currently the president of the district governing board.

Colton and McLean were selected based on excellence in teaching, student support and their participation in task forces, committees, student activities, partnerships and community outreach, said Whisler.

In 1999, McLean joined the AWC staff after teaching for a while in Chile. He was also the former Phi Theta Kappa adviser, and has taught for the Law Enforcement Academy. In 2001, he was selected teacher of the year and received the National Mosal Award for Teaching Excellence in 2003.

He supports his students by inviting international students to stay with his family during holiday breaks and helped honor student Nancy Hernandez reach her goal of becoming a national scholar for the All-USA Academic Team.

"Students consistently inform me of how much respect they have for Scott (McLean) and his teaching abilities and his willingness to go out of his way to provide needed assistance or direct them to the appropriate resources," said Mohammad Bahramzadeh, AWC professor of political science.

Colton joined the AWC staff in 1982. He supports students beyond welding certification by encouraging them to earn associate and bachelor degrees. He has served as the SkillsUSA adviser, Tech Prep Board member, Tech Program Advisory Committee member, Assessment Committee member, and has been part of special community programs.

He founded Welders Without Borders, a program that has gained international recognition for reaching out to welders in other countries.

"Professor Colton is considered to be a role model in the international welding and local community. He is a very proactive, motivated person who is aware of his students' needs and always working to help give back to others what he knows so others can grow," said Luis Barajas, AWC construction trades director.

Whisler said the AWC Foundation is always looking for more community support to fund such programs that bring recognition to faculty and staff and assist them in furthering their careers.

To contact the foundation, call 344-1720.

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Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.

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Correction: Scott McLean was incorrectly identified as the adviser for Phi Theta Kappa. He is the former adviser. Michael Miller is the current adviser. The Sun regrets the error.