Giving their respective students the skills to engage and participate successfully in their community and world are common goals of this year’s Lone Star College-CyFair Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award winners.
Chosen from student and peer nominations, award recipients Autumn Hardin, Stephen Hagerty, Jamal Hajo and Bayli Hill are being honored, not only for their commitment to academic excellence and student success, but their meaningful impact on the next generation.
Driven by a lifelong desire to make a difference in the world, Hardin, who previously worked as an environmental consultant, said she is incredibly passionate about biology. In her 15 years teaching at LSC-CyFair, Hardin said she strives to spark scientific curiosity in her students.
“Teaching Environmental Science shows students how truly relevant science is in their everyday lives and that they aren't just observers – their actions have the power to change the world for the better,” she said.
Hagerty, an LSC-CyFair Criminal Justice instructor for four years, brings more than 30 years of public service experience to his classroom having served in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Customs Service and the Federal Air Marshal Service.
“Regardless of why students enroll in my class, one of my primary goals is for them to become informed and thoughtful participants in our criminal justice system - whether as officers, attorneys, judges, litigants, or jurors,” said Hagerty, who added the LSC criminal justice course he took early in his career helped make him a more effective law enforcement officer and informed citizen.
Five years of Hajo’s 15-year career helping students put theory into practice and gain skills applicable beyond the classroom have been at LSC-CyFair. For two years he was in Corporate Training (teaching mathematics for Machine Technology to companies such as Wyman Gordon and ITD Precision) and the last three years, he’s taught in the Business Department.
“I teach because I am passionate about helping the future generation develop practical skills and confidence they can apply in real-world settings,” said Hajo who also has experience as a business consultant for organizations in the Middle East. “I teach business and management to connect theory with industry experience, preparing students to think strategically, lead effectively, and succeed in today’s dynamic workplace.”
Believing education can be a powerful tool for empowerment and with a desire for her students to leave confident in abilities to think, write and engage in the world around them, Hill is in her second year at LSC-CyFair.
“I'm especially passionate about teaching Texas Government because it helps students better understand the systems that directly affect their lives,” said Hill, a former high school teacher and current hospice care liaison. “I want students to feel informed, confident, and capable of engaging critically with civic issues, and not intimidated or disengaged.”
All four of these deserving award recipients are recognized at the campus and system level.