Namedropper 3-3-13

Brian Geren

Mohave State Bank has announced the promotion of Brian Geren as senior vice president for the bank's branch in Yuma.

As market manager for Yuma, Geren initially opened a loan office for Mohave State Bank in 2006 located in the Crescent Building. In 2009, the Yuma branch moved into a newly renovated location at 1800 S. 4th Ave., which offers full service banking for individuals and businesses.

A longtime resident of Yuma, Geren has more than 10 years of banking experience in the Yuma market. Involved in a variety of local civic and volunteer organizations, he is an active member of Fort Yuma Rotary, serves as a director for the Foundation of Yuma Regional Medical Center and is both a board member and coach for Yuma Youth Hockey League.

Scott Donnelly

Scott Donnelly, Arizona Western College professor of chemistry and director of the Center for Teaching Effectiveness, has been voted chair-elect of 2YC3 (Two-Year College Chemistry Consortium).

2YC3 is a national organization that provides a forum for college chemistry faculty to exchange curricular ideas and promote collaboration in an effort to enhance students' understanding of chemistry and its pivotal contributions to society.

Donnelly will serve a two-year “apprenticeship” before taking the reins in 2015.

Sam Colton,

Chris Benker

Arizona Western College has announced that Sam Colton, welding professor, and Chris Benker, professor of geosciences, are the college's honorees for the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards for the 2012-13 academic year.

Professors Colton and Benker were nominated by faculty from their respective divisions in recognition of the outstanding work they do for the college.

NISOD emphasizes the importance of teaching and leadership excellence in institutions of higher education and recognizes the world's best in post-secondary education.