PENDLETON — Sandra Williams, a certified surgical technician who teaches in Tri-County Technical College’s Surgical Technology program, received the College’s 2017 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award today (May 4).

This award is given annually at the spring faculty/staff convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College.

Williams, who has taught at the College for six years, is a 1994 alumna of the Surgical Technology program and has worked as a certified surgical technician for 23 years. Currently she works PRN at Oconee Memorial Hospital’s Operating Room.

“Sometimes I still can’t believe I’m teaching in the same program I graduated from 23 years ago and receiving an award for doing what I love to do,” said Williams. “I want all the students to succeed – to pass their certification exam and find a job — and I will try my best to help them do just that. I also wanted to give a special thanks to everyone in the Health Education Division and to Cheryln Brown, (former program coordinator) who helped me tremendously anytime I needed her and is a true friend.”

“Sandra is key to our students’ success,” Donna Palmer, department head for health professions at Tri-County, said in her nomination letter. “She serves as the lecturer for this program and has maintained the excellence required in the classroom and the clinical externship experiences. She is well respected by her colleagues, peers and hospital administration.”

Last year Williams helped students to prepare for the national certification exam, which resulted in a 100 percent pass rate.

The Surgical Technology program requires an enormous amount of oversight, said Palmer. Williams is trained in My Clinical Exchange, a software program used by clinical agencies to submit student information so they may be approved for their clinical externships and assignments.

“Sandra serves as the contact person for clinical agencies and is in constant communication with them to ensure that our students are getting the cases they need to meet the accreditation standards,” said Palmer.

“Sandra’s hospital relations are vital to the success of our students,” said Palmer.

Williams has managed students, assumed additional teaching assignments, helped with scheduling, provided student mentoring, assisted with job placement and provided information for the accreditation annual report, added Palmer.

“Her students are aware of her tireless efforts and her student evaluations are an example of her excellence in the classroom.”

Williams serves on the adjunct expo committee to help provide insight on best practices for serving and recognizing Tri-County’s adjunct faculty. She also is a member of the College’s Surgical Technology advisory committee. She soon will complete the online teaching certification class.

“Sandra’s cooperative spirit and loyalty, as well as her timeless and tireless service for the good of her students and Tri-County Technical College, make her deserving of this award,” said Palmer.

Williams, her husband, Pat, and their daughter, Lindsey, reside in Walhalla.

Sandra Williams, a Surgical Technology instructor at Tri-County Technical College, right, received the College’s 2017 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award May 4. Presenting the award is President Ronnie L. Booth. This award is given annually at the spring faculty/staff convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_tctcadjunctawardwilliams.jpgSandra Williams, a Surgical Technology instructor at Tri-County Technical College, right, received the College’s 2017 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award May 4. Presenting the award is President Ronnie L. Booth. This award is given annually at the spring faculty/staff convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College. Courtesy photo

By Lisa Garrett

For The Sentinel-Progress