Professor Deborah Nycz was selected in August 2005 by BCC President Larry Calderon as the first Chair for Teaching and Learning Excellence as part of the Holcombe Institute. She will serve in this capacity during the 2006-2007 academic year. For over 20 years, Professor Nycz has served BCC students as a faculty member and leader. She exemplifies teaching and learning excellence at its best: she is accessible to students, faculty and staff; a scholar in her discipline; active in all aspects of the college community; dedicated to academic excellence; and committed to creating a true learning environment at BCC. These qualities are the hallmarks for the Deborah M. Nycz Chair for Teaching and Learning Excellence.
Each year, a full time BCC faculty member who has demonstrated a personal and professional commitment to teaching and learning and service to the college will be selected to receive full reassigned time for an academic year to work in this position within the institute. In collaboration with the Associate Vice President for the Holcombe Institute and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Nycz Chair will provide leadership for faculty development activities and programs and applied classroom research projects designed to enhance teaching and learning and increase student achievement. He/she will foster an active culture of innovation among BCC faculty to develop model programs.