South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) congratulates chemistry professor Dr. James (Jim) Chen who was awarded the 2022 ACCT Pacific Regional Faculty Award on August 12, 2022. The Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) regional awards program annually recognizes one trustee, equity program, chief executive officer, faculty member, and professional board staff member in each of its five regions for their tremendous contributions to community colleges.
Since 2005, Dr. Chen has been dedicated to enhancing student success and providing equitable access to engaging and enriching college programs at SPSCC. “It is such an honor to be recognized by ACCT and community college trustees, both locally and regionally,” he shared. “As students face ever-evolving social, global, and scientific concerns, it is particularly important for students to acquire the appropriate skills and experience needed to tackle these issues.”
“We are delighted that ACCT is recognizing one of our long-serving professors with the Pacific Region Faculty Leadership Award,” said SPSCC president Dr. Timothy Stokes. “Jim has a gift when it comes to teaching chemistry and is always looking for ways to improve student success in his classes. His most recent graduate work examining Growth Mindset at Harvard University is integral to our student success work. We are fortunate to have faculty members like Jim at SPSCC and in our community.”
“Jim is a creative and committed educator who works tirelessly to share his passion for chemistry with students,” added Bryan Powell, Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences. “He brings an equity-focused lens to his work that helps to shape future scientists. We are so proud to see him recognized for his efforts.”