ECC Honors Adjunct Faculty at Appreciation Dinner
Lucy Crain, a STEM adjunct who teaches Nutrition at East Central College, was named Adjunct of the Year for her student-centered teaching approach.
Crain was recognized alongside departmental award recipients and years-of-service honorees at ECC’s Adjunct Appreciation Dinner on April 14.
Crain’s nomination described her as a reliable, professional, and student-centered instructor whose courses are intentionally structured, engaging, and supportive. It also highlighted her collaboration with faculty, her role in departmental assessment and review work, and her steadfast dedication to students.
The following adjunct faculty members were recognized for excellence in their respective academic areas:
- Sue Wurdack, Outstanding Adjunct Health Sciences
- Dr. Amy Jackson, Outstanding Adjunct Fine and Performing Arts
- Elizabeth Rosebrough, Outstanding Adjunct English and Humanities
- David Kelch, Outstanding Adjunct Social Sciences and College Success
- Heather Young, Outstanding Adjunct Business and Industry
- Wendy Scheer, Outstanding Adjunct Dual Credit
- Laura Roselli Insall, Outstanding Adjunct STEM
Wurdack, a nursing adjunct, was praised for consistently going above and beyond to support students. Her nomination said she has “a rare gift for helping students recognize their strengths while gently guiding them to see where improvements are needed,” and noted that her professionalism, warmth, and support make her both a mentor to students and a valued colleague.
Jackson was honored as Outstanding Adjunct Fine and Performing Arts for her work in Art. Her nomination highlighted her dedication to arts education and the way she has refined and enriched ECC’s online Art Appreciation course to make it more engaging and effective for students.
Elizabeth “Lissa” Rosebrough received the Outstanding Adjunct English and Humanities award. A longtime English adjunct, Rosebrough was recognized as an indispensable resource to the department and as a trustworthy, dependable instructor who demonstrates excellence in her teaching and expects excellence from her students.
Kelch, recognized as Outstanding Adjunct Social Sciences and College Success, was noted for creating handouts, course resources, and concept videos that support student learning in accounting. He also teaches religion courses, sometimes building them from scratch.
Young received the Outstanding Adjunct Business and Industry award for her work in culinary. Her nomination described her as well-prepared, informative, and consistently positive, noting that she is “a great example of what a teacher should be” and that ECC is fortunate to have someone who inspires both students and instructors.
Scheer’s nomination cited her organization, timely communication, and thoughtful collaboration, which helped support the relaunch of dual credit at New Haven High School and expand opportunities for students.
Laura Roselli Insall was recognized as Outstanding Adjunct STEM. Her nomination highlighted her success in online mathematics instruction, emphasizing her well-organized course design, effective engagement strategies, and commitment to helping students work through complex concepts with confidence.
Together, this year’s honorees reflect the important role adjunct faculty play across East Central College. Through strong teaching, meaningful support for students, and ongoing contributions to their departments, they help shape the learning experience for students across a wide range of disciplines.
Years-of-service honorees also were recognized at the event.
5 Years
- Emily Brasher
- Jaclyn Campos
- Charles Cassidy
- Nicole Crawford
- Jacquelyn Drury
- Philip Giacomelli
- Awad Lemnifi
- Sarah Muir
- Anna Schwein
- Matthew Vogeler
10 Years
- Nancy Tappe
15 Years
- Kristen Adams
- Stephanie Juengling
- Vanessa Whittle
20 Years
- Terry Brookshire
25 Years
- Colin Flynn
