Anderson Oconee Pickens

Doug Allen Receives Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/9/2005
CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, 646-1506
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Doug Allen's excellence in the classroom and his commitment to students earned him the highest award presented to Tri-County Technical College's faculty at the College's 42nd commencement May 9.

Allen, who leads the Industrial Electronics Technology department, received the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence.

Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, president, presented the medallion to the Pendleton resident. The medallion is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College and to the students.

"Doug is always totally professional and willing to go beyond the call of duty to provide the best instruction and guidance to students," said Amanda Blanton, associate dean of collaboration, who has worked with Allen on Technical Advanced Placement and dual enrollment at the College. "He really cares about them, whether they are his Industrial Electronics students or whether they are still in high school and not sure about what career path to take. He just wants them to be successful and to do what's best for them," she said.

In their nominations, other faculty and staff praised Allen's skills, calling him a role model, mentor and compassionate instructor.

"Doug is an exemplary instructor who values the development of students both inside and outside the classroom," said Vinson Burdette, associate dean of counseling. "He has helped scores of students to achieve their educational and career goals through modeling effective approaches to problem solving and interpersonal relations. Doug is available to students and responsive to their needs well beyond his required office hours."

Allen is respected and admired by his students, colleagues and supervisors.

"Doug is a great role model for his students and is willing to do the extra things required to make the program a success, such as spending time in high schools and career centers, talking to students and recruiting for the program," added Blanton.

"He promotes harmony by listening respectfully to others and by contributing his own ideas with regard for others," said Burdette. "His approach to communication enables individuals to bring out their best."

In 1996, Allen was among the Tri-County faculty selected to receive NIDSO Excellence Awards in recognition of the outstanding contributions to teaching and learning. Alumni have nominating him for Who's Who Among Junior College faculty.

About a year ago, Allen began assisting with department head duties and recruiting efforts while maintaining a full teaching load. As a result, the freshman class headcount increased 20 percent. After teaching DC/AC Machines to high school seniors at the Career and Technology Center in spring 2003, every student in that class enrolled as a full-time student at Tri-County the next academic year. "The fact hat Doug's student followed him to Tri-County is a great tribute to him not only as a teacher but also as a mentor," said Blanton.

In addition to teaching, he established a Men's Golf Team and serves as golf coach and athletic director. The team won the Montreat College Spring Invitational Tournament this year.

Allen's support of the College extends to serving on College committees including the Recruitment and Retention, Calendar, Placement and Integrated Curriculum. He also serves on the advisory committee for the Electronics Department at the Career and Technology Center.

Allen holds an associate in Arts degree from Anderson College and an Industrial Electronics Technology degree from Tri-County Technical College. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at Clemson University.

He began his career at an electronics technician at Singer in 1979 and later worked as a process control engineer for nine years at Honeywell Inc. He joined Tri-County in 1990.

He and his wife, Christy, have three children.