Corey Reynolds, the Behavioral Health Support Program Coordinator, has been selected by Three Rivers College as the 2023-24 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition, Emily Thurman, Adjunct Instructor of English, was named by the College as its Adjunct of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching.
“We’re extremely proud of the work that Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Thurman have done in our classrooms. They both go above and beyond to ensure that our students receive a high-quality education in a nurturing environment,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “They are examples of the excellence all our instructors display and the kind of high-quality education that our students receive.”
Reynolds leads the Behavioral Support Program at Three Rivers, which offers trauma-informed training in the areas of substance use, prevention, and mental health. Graduates of this accelerated 18-month program could expect to work in areas such as substance abuse treatment, mental healthcare, disability services, and educational settings.
“This has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life,” Reynolds said. “I have the privilege of working with some of the most talented faculty and to be counted among them is a true honor and privilege. This award represents the honor of being able to answer the call of being an educator daily, serving Three Rivers College and our community, and most importantly, the relationship I have with my students. Becoming an educator changed my life and because of my students, I am a better person. No other recognition or honor has meant as much to me as this one does, and that is not because of me, but because of the work TRC empowers me to do with my students.”
Thurman has worked with full-time faculty for years with English curriculum development and online course design, showing a continued willingness to go above and beyond the typical responsibilities of being an adjunct instructor.
“I was very pleasantly surprised and honored to receive this award. Three Rivers has a great group of adjuncts, so I was honored to be chosen among this group,” Thurman said. “I hope that I can continue to foster student success and be a strong steward of Three Rivers College and its mission.”
