Montgomery County Community College Mathematics Senior Lecturer Michelle Eppleman knows the dread that some of her students have about taking a math class. She had that same dread once, too.

“I remember my heart pounded out of my chest,” she said. “As a kid, I was good at math. Then somewhere around junior high school, I must have been absent for the day they taught everything in math. It was not my thing.”

Yet she rediscovered a love for the subject at MCCC and recently was named a recipient of the College’s Part-Time Teaching Excellence Award during an online ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 7. Teaching excellence awards recognize full-time and part-time faculty whose teaching is intellectually stimulating, accessible for all students and demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of students both inside and outside of the classroom.

“I do what I do because I love the students,” she said. “I really do.”

Eppleman, who lives in King of Prussia, began her tenure at MCCC first as a student in 1993. She was a business major enrolled in an accounting class. After rediscovering her love for the subject as a tutor, she continued to pursue her degree and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance in 2000, followed by a master’s degree in mathematics in 2005.

“There were a lot influences around me to teach,” she said. “A lot of encouragement from faculty and students. I thought, ‘wow, maybe I am supposed to do this.’”

Nearly 20 years later, Eppleman said receiving the award this year is the accomplishment of which she is most proud. It’s a reaffirmation of her belief that anyone can succeed in math, whether it comes naturally to them or not.

“It’s no secret most people don’t like math, myself included at first. We come in with preconceived notions and fears. My students come in with a wall of anxiety.”

Eppleman tries to begin each semester with a very relaxed atmosphere to put her students at ease. “The more comfortable they are the more they are asking questions and it makes the material seem less threatening,” she said. “The walls come down.”

The strategy has paid off. During the award’s online ceremony, Gloria Oikelome, Vice President of Academic Affairs, read recommendation letters from some of Eppleman’s students.

“One of Michelle’s students writes that ‘Mrs. Eppleman’s style of teaching makes the hardest problems easy to comprehend,’” said Oikelome “‘and her patience is unmatched.’”

“Another comment from a student,” Oikelome continued, “shared ‘I’ve always felt that I was not good at math and didn’t get it. But after taking a class with Mrs. Eppleman, I have found new love, respect and passion for math. I will never forget how she was able to break math down and make it so easy. She is absolutely the very best.’”

Eppleman also earned the respect and gratitude of her colleagues at the College, many of whom attended the virtual ceremony to wish her well.

“I’ve worked with you for many years and it’s been a pleasure to work with you through everything we’ve done at least since I’ve been there over the last 15 years,” said Math Associate Professor James Muscatell.

“Our students are better off because you’re here,” said Jamie Bretz, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. “It’s a real privilege to have you work in the department. I appreciate everything you do. As I do for all faculty. This is really a well-deserved honor.”

“This is a great honor,” said Patricia Abdalla, Director of Academic Support. “You do such great work. You work with such compassion, thoughtfulness, support to students and your colleagues and integrity. It’s just wonderful.”

Likewise, members of the College’s administration were equally effusive in their praise for Eppleman’s work.

“Our faculty work closely with students both inside and outside the classroom and I am appreciative of your dedication towards their academic success and personal growth,” said Oikelome, during the online presentation. “Michelle, the college is privileged to have you as one of the members of our faculty. Congratulations and thank you again for your commitment to our students.”

“Your commitment is your legacy,” said MCCC President Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, during the online presentation. “And you’ve not only changed the lives of the students, but it’s cascaded to their families and our communities. And I am deeply grateful to have you as a member of our Montco faculty. Thank you so much for your service and this honor and recognition is befitting for you and your accomplishments.”