BC faculty, staff members honored for excellence in education

Brazosport College faculty member Jerry James, left, and counselor Arnold Ramirez were recently named recipients of the League for Innovation in Community Colleges 2017-18 John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Awards. Ramirez was selected for the John & Suanne Roueche Staff Excellence Award, while James was the recipient of the John & Suanne Roueche Teaching Excellence Award. James is also Brazosport College’s nominee for the Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award.

Longtime Brazosport College employees Jerry James and Arnold Ramirez were recently honored by the college’s students, faculty and staff as representatives for the League for Innovation in Community Colleges 2017-18 John & Suanne Roueche Staff and Faculty Excellence awards.

Ramirez, a director of counseling and testing, was selected for the John & Suanne Roueche Staff Excellence Award, while James, a professor of human anatomy and physiology, and nutrition, was the recipient of the John & Suanne Roueche Teaching ExcellenceAward. As the 2017 teaching excellence recipient, James also becomes BC’s Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award nominee.

Both Ramirez and James have spent a majority of their professional careers at BC, as they have a combined 77 years at the College. Ramirez has served BC for 39 years, while James has worked at the College for 38 years.

Ramirez is the school’s director of counseling and testing, a position he has held since 2000. He has a master’s degree from East Texas State University and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&I University.

“I am honored to have been selected by my fellow Brazosport colleagues for this award,” Ramirez said. “It is truly a blessing to be a part of our students’ life journeys. I am grateful to be a part of a place and process that supports, encourages and, at times, challenges our students’ goals and aspirations.”

James earned a Master’s of Science in Biology from University of Houston, as well as a Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Texas A&M. James has taught human anatomy and physiology for more than 23 years and nutrition for more than 10 years.

James has also volunteered seven years in emergency medical services, including five years as a paramedic. He is currently the faculty sponsor of the student organization, Revive.BC.

"Everyone needs to know periodically that what they do makes a positive difference and is appreciated,” James said. “I am flattered to be appreciated by receiving this award. It puts gas in my gas tank."

The John & Suanne Roueche Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions and leadership by community college staff and faculty. Each academic year, member colleges are invited to select and submit names of individuals to be recognized as recipients of these prestigious awards.

For more information about the League for Innovation in Community Colleges John & Suanna Roueche Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards, visit its Web site at www.league.org. To learn more about Brazosport College, go online towww.brazosport.edu or call (979) 230-3000.