Otero College Honors Outstanding Employees and Faculty at Annual End-of-Year Awards

Description: Otero College recognized outstanding faculty and staff during its annual End-of-Year Employee Awards, honoring employees for service, leadership, student support, and contributions to the La Junta campus community.

Otero College recognized outstanding employees and faculty members during its annual End-of-Year Employee Awards celebration, honoring individuals whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the college community.

Employee and Faculty Awards

Classified Staff Employee of the Year was awarded to Justin Miell for his more than seven years of exceptional service on the Physical Plant Security Team. Recognized for his reliability, technical expertise, and solution-focused approach, Miell was praised for his willingness to assist across multiple trades and for his positive attitude in supporting students, faculty, and staff.

Instructor of the Year was presented to Catherine Bollacker. Bollacker was recognized for creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment, maintaining high academic standards, and consistently going above and beyond to support both students and colleagues.

This year's Faculty of the Year award honored a team effort, recognizing Kari White, Becky Sporrer, and Linsay Sumpter. The trio was celebrated for expanding agriculture pathways for high school students, strengthening partnerships with local schools, supporting concurrent enrollment opportunities, and helping improve student access and advising processes across campus.

The Admin/Pro Tech Employee of the Year award was presented to McKensie Avens for her dedication in the Financial Aid Office. During a year of transition, Avens took on additional responsibilities while continuing to advocate for students and ensure critical financial aid processes remained on track.

Retirement Recognitions

The college also recognized two retiring faculty members for their years of service and impact.

Kimi Kelley was honored for 14 years of service as an English faculty member and Arts and Humanities Department Chair. Kelley was recognized for her leadership, compassion, student support, and contributions to initiatives such as the campus Food Pantry and the Humanities remodel transition.

Angela Tarrant was recognized for 13 years of service as Director of the Medical Laboratory Technician program. Tarrant was praised for her commitment to student success, resourcefulness, and dedication to strengthening the program and supporting healthcare education in the region.

Campus Awards

Additional campus awards nominated and voted on by their peers included:

· The Name and Story Award, presented to Aaliyah Trujillo for her ability to build meaningful relationships with students and create a strong sense of belonging on campus.

· The Culture of Care (Integrity) Award, presented to Kelsey Barbee, Executive Director of Human Resources, for her professionalism, integrity, and compassionate leadership in supporting employees and fostering a culture of trust.

· The Unsung Otero Hero Award, presented to Johnny Adame, Dean of Students, for his behind-the-scenes leadership, dedication to student well-being, and commitment to supporting students through challenging situations.

"These individuals represent the dedication, compassion, and commitment that make Otero College such a special place," Dr. Zant, Otero College President, shared during the ceremony. "Their work strengthens our campus and positively impacts the students and communities we serve every day."

About Otero College

Founded in 1941, Otero College is located on an attractive 40-acre campus on the southern edge of La Junta, Colorado. The mission of Otero College is to provide a quality higher education that is accessible, transforms lives, expands employment opportunities, enriches communities, promotes individual and global cultural diversity, and fosters economic development.

Otero College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is member of the Colorado Community College System. Otero offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for students who plan to transfer on to four-year bachelor degree programs. The College also offers numerous workforce ready degrees and certificates that prepare students to enter the workforce within one or two years.

Otero is a full-service campus offering on-campus student housing and dining services. Students have the opportunity to receive both an outstanding academic education and experience the amenities of a large university with 12 intercollegiate athletic sports and numerous student-life clubs, organizations and events.

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