A Montgomery County Community College faculty member is being recognized by her students for her exceptional work in the classroom.

Exercise Science and Wellness Senior Lecturer Dr. Maryellen “Missy” Miller is this year’s recipient of the Montgomery County Community College Part-time Teaching Excellence Award sponsored by e-Campus Bookstore. Miller shares the award with Theater Regular Lecturer Dyana Kimball.

Teaching excellence awards recognize 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 was overwhelmed,” the Upper Gwynedd Township resident said. “I come to this job each day with the best of intentions. I care about my students and am passionate about my subject matter. To hear that I am doing a good job in their eyes or met their expectations in terms of learning or having a professor to connect with means everything to me. It’s huge.”

Miller started at the College in 2002 and has been a registered nurse for 47 years. She is a graduate of Chestnut Hill Hospital School of Nursing and Chestnut Hill College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Her Master of Science degree from Louisiana Tech University is in Family & Consumer Sciences. Miller completed her doctorate in Applied Psychology at the University of Delaware and Akamai University. In addition to her work as a registered nurse, she is a CPR instructor with the American Heart Association, and a Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations.

 When Miller applied to work at the College, it was at first to teach first aid courses.

“I was initially hired to teach the Safety and First Aid class, which is a semester long CPR and in-depth first aid course,” she said. “While on the phone interview, Shelly Chamberlain, Coordinator of Exercise Science and Wellness said ‘You’re a nurse. I need someone to teach Human Sexuality.’ That’s how I got the job. It was an interesting turn of events.”

Miller said she’s enjoyed working at MCCC. She welcomes the varied ages of her students and their unique backgrounds. She appreciates how her students trust her enough to confide in her when they are facing a personal problem.

“In my Human Sexuality course, we cover a lot of hot topics that we discuss in class. I’m very aware that my students come to class with various experiences in their history and in their families,” she said. “They each have different turns their lives have taken. I very often have students come up after class and share what’s happening in their lives. Something good, or sometimes a situation that is very difficult and challenging for them. They are looking for an empathetic person who is willing to listen to what is happening in their lives as it relates to human sexuality or a challenging relationship. It’s extremely meaningful for me. They trust me as someone who is understanding and will lead with compassion for what they’re going through.”

Miller began working part-time at the College because she had other responsibilities and it allowed her to stay flexible.

“It gave me the best of both worlds in terms of spending time raising three children,” she said, “and still being able to do the work I love professionally.”

At Commencement, Dr. Chae Sweet, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost read from the nominations from students to led to her receiving the award.

“She understands her students have full lives and need rest periods within classes,” read Sweet. “She makes students want to learn the material and teaches in a calm and smooth way.”

Miller thanked her students for their kindness in nominating her for the award.

“I’m extremely humbled and honored to receive it,” she said. “I love what I do. It was never on my radar to receive this award.”