Midlands Technical College (MTC) recognized some of the college’s outstanding faculty and staff during Fall Convocation Monday, August 17, 2026, at Harbison Theatre. Among the awards presented were six Employee of the Year awards and one Pathway Leadership award. Annually, these awards honor outstanding faculty, staff, administrators, and adjunct professors across the college.
2026–2027 Employees of the Year
 | Derrah Cassidy, Student Services Associate Vice President, has been named Administrator of the Year for his leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success at MTC. He has helped drive enrollment growth for six consecutive semesters while strengthening partnerships and improving services that help students enroll, persist, and succeed. |
 | Laura Davis, Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades (AMST) Department Chair, was named Supervisor of the Year for her clear, thoughtful leadership and commitment to helping faculty and students succeed. Her collaborative approach, practical focus, and steady encouragement create a supportive culture where faculty can grow, thrive, and deliver a positive student experience. |
 | Ronald Davis, Career Coordinator, was named Staff of the Year for his dedication to student success and nearly three decades of experience in student services, career development, and academic support. Through internships, experiential learning, career fairs, and workforce readiness programming, he helps students build the skills and connections they need to reach their goals. |
 | Taylor Furnas, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, was named Faculty of the Year for her outstanding commitment to student success and transformative contributions to health care education at Midlands Technical College. She creates supportive, hands-on learning experiences and helped launch the Advanced EMT Program, contributing to one of the state’s highest NREMT examination pass rates. |
 | Matthew Hawkins, Information Systems Technology Professor, was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year in recognition of his innovative approach to curriculum modernization and dedication to preparing students for careers in technology. He redesigned seven core courses with updated, industry aligned content, enhanced D2L course materials, and played a key role in developing a new Game Design course and certificate pathway. |
 | Chevella Williams, Corporate and Continuing Education Health Care Programs Manager, was named Service Excellence Leader of the Year for her student-centered leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to helping students succeed. Her work helped an entire cohort pass the National Healthcareer Association Certified Phlebotomy Technician examination and strengthened a supportive workplace culture where employees feel valued and empowered to grow. |
2025–2026 Pathway Leadership Award
 | Alice Davis, College Skills (COL) Coordinator, was presented with the Pathway Leadership Award in recognition of nearly 30 years of service and leadership at Midlands Technical College. Through her work as an English faculty member, AA/AS Program Director, instructional designer, and currently College Skills Coordinator, Davis has strengthened student-success courses that help students build confidence, connect with resources, and persist toward graduation. Her evidence-based approach, mentorship, and generous support of students and colleagues have enhanced academic pathways and made a lasting impact across the college. |