SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College awarded its 2015-2016 Excellence in Teaching award at the college’s September board meeting.

The Excellence in Teaching award recognizes superior faculty who go above and beyond the expected levels of delivering instruction and improving educational excellence as demonstrated by student outcomes.

“Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is committed to excellence for our teachers and our students,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of the college.

Eric Savage, full-time mathematics instructor, has received the college’s 2016 Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award. Savage received a master of science in mathematics with a minor in statistics from University of Tennessee – Knoxville and a bachelor of science in mathematics with a minor in history.

Savage loves teaching, especially mathematics, because he knows that he is helping people in their personal lives, whether they realize it or not.

“Mathematics is everywhere – in complex engineering models, statistical surveys and polls, and in computing the interest on a mortgage,” said Savage. “Regardless of the students’ major or career path, they will have to take a math class because wherever they go, they will need to know some level of math.”

As a mathematics instructor, Savage knows that he is inspiring and helping others to learn skills that will enhance their future careers and perhaps their personal lives.

Natela Yevloyeva, the college’s part-time recipient, received a master of psychology from Moscow University in Russia and a bachelor’s degree in teaching in elementary education from a pedagogical college in Vladikavkaz, Russia.

Born in the country of Georgia, Yevloyeva found a passion for psychology and dedicated many years to both teaching and practicing in the Ukraine. She came to the United States and began working for Rowan-Cabarrus in 2007. During her tenure, she has valued the students, faculty and staff at Rowan-Cabarrus for their support and help in adapting to a new country and culture. Yevloyeva also holds an associate degree in nursing.

“We are very proud of instructors Eric Savage and Natela Yevloyeva for the commitment they have made to our community and our students,” said Spalding.

Students initiate the nomination process for this award annually by recommending their top instructors. Students then help narrow that pool of candidates by voting for those who they believe best represent the college’s instructor of the year. Final nominees are then required to submit an extensive portfolio, letters of recommendation and submit to an unannounced, filmed observation.

“Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has a long and proud tradition of hiring highly qualified and dedicated faculty in all of its academic programs,” said Dr. Michael Quillen, vice president of academic programs. “The faculty members selected for this year’s Excellence in Teaching Awards certainly are representative of this tradition. These faculty members, and many others, do a wonderful job of providing high-quality instruction to the students at Rowan-Cabarrus.”

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-7222. The college is currently accepting applications for classes beginning in October and January.