Dr. Stephan Irwin Receives Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence
Press Release
Date: May 5,2025
Contact: Lisa Garrett, lgarrett@tctc.edu
Dr. Stephan Irwin Receives Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence
PENDLETON --- Dr. Stephan Irwin, department head for the Associate of Science program at Tri-County Technical College, was presented the highest award given to faculty today (May 5).
Dr. Irwin was honored with the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence at the College's spring convocation. 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.
TCTC President Galen DeHay made the presentation.
Dr. Irwin joined the College in 2014 as an anatomy and physiology instructor and later was named Coordinator for Instructional Activities for Science. In 2022 he took the role of program director for the School of Science and Mathematics, and in 2024 was promoted to his current position.
“Stephan's contributions to the School of Science and Mathematics - and more recently, to the larger Arts and Sciences Division - are remarkable in both scope and depth,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of the Arts and Sciences Division. “He consistently identifies and addresses student needs through thoughtful, equity-centered approaches. His classroom interventions are rooted in a commitment to access and inclusion. Over the past two years, he has engaged in extensive professional development, including refining assessment language for accessibility and building classroom practices that foster belonging,” she said.
“One particularly creative and impactful effort was his development and deployment of daily icebreakers during the early weeks of the semester. Designed to build interpersonal communication and connection, these small moments had a big impact-transforming quiet classrooms into spaces where students now regularly engage in conversation and peer support,” said Hulehan.
She added that outside of the classroom, Dr. Irwin “continues to lead with integrity and effectiveness.”
He supported faculty through the redesign of Biology 101, helping to mediate differing viewpoints and shape course materials and provided valuable assistance in the development of a new science course for the Early Care and Education (ECE) program.
“Dr. Irwin also participated in a peer group with the state technical college system focused on improving success rates in BIO 210 and 211 classes across the state, demonstrating his commitment to excellence beyond his own classroom,” said Shelby Duffy, academic program strategist for the Arts and Sciences Division.
He was among the 18 faculty and staff who earned military badges after participating in a training program focused on awarding college credit for prior learning from military experience. Participants explore detailed methods for helping military-connected students earn maximum academic credit for their military skills and knowledge, utilizing the American Council on Education’s proven frameworks.
Last year he participated in TCTC’s second cohort in the Rural Educator Academy (REA) through the Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA). The REA is grant funded through Ascendium Education Group. The overarching purpose of the REA is to cultivate the competencies and skills required for Appalachian community college faculty, student services staff, and leaders to improve rural student outcomes, particularly for lower income students and students of color. The REA experience includes professional development and culminates in a capstone project.
In a nomination letter, colleagues wrote that Dr. Irwin “not only learns from these experiences but translates them into practical classroom interventions and division-wide strategies, showing that he views professional development as a tool for systemic improvement.”
Colleagues also note that as Department Head for Associate of Science, “he has shown exceptional leadership. focused on strengthening faculty morale, developing meaningful program outcomes, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across campuses and disciplines.” Hulehan noted that Dr. Irwin “remains a consistent and stabilizing presence-offering support to faculty, fielding student concerns before they escalate, and helping to ensure our students and instructors feel heard and supported.”
Dr. Irwin exemplifies a commitment to personal and professional growth. His pursuit of these development opportunities demonstrates his dedication to continuous learning, particularly in the areas of inclusive teaching practices. “He is purposeful and thoughtful in meeting students where they are, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed academically and personally. Whether it means extending his office hours or developing resources specifically for one student, he consistently goes above and beyond to support student success,” said Dr. Brian Smith, director of Adjunct Faculty and Student Support for the Arts and Sciences Division.
Duffy said she admires Dr. Irwin’s dedication to fostering a comfortable learning environment and promoting student engagement while aligning his actions with institutional goals and values. “While Dr. Irwin's formal assessment experience has primarily focused on classroom-based evaluations, he demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in his teaching methodologies and departmental leadership. His willingness to adapt his teaching approaches based on student performance and feedback reflects his dedication to enhancing learning outcomes. His current work on developing program outcomes and success criteria is further evidence of his commitment to meaningful assessment and improvement,” said Duffy.
“His commitment does not stop with students. His leadership is cemented in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the human side of academia,” said Dr. Smith, A co-worker wrote in a nomination letter that Dr. Irwin “engages in continuous reflection and data-informed practice and he is focused on using evidence and feedback to guide improvement. His commitment to evaluating what works—and refining what doesn’t—demonstrates a clear understanding of the evolving demands of student learning and success.”
“It is clear that Stephan exemplifies the very best of Tri-County Technical College. His advocacy for students and faculty, his commitment to continuous improvement, and his collaborative spirit make him an indispensable part of our community,” said Hulehan.
Dr. Irwin holds a Bachelor of Science in aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife, a Master of Science in wildlife and fisheries biology, and a Ph.D. in wildlife and fisheries biology with a certificate in science education, all from Clemson University.
He and his wife, Heather, live in Powdersville.
About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, industrial electronics, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
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