SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College recognized the 2018-19 Excellence in Teaching award recipients at a recent board meeting.

The award recognizes superior faculty members who go above and beyond expected levels of instruction and improving educational excellence as demonstrated by student outcomes.

Jessica Fowler, a mathematics instructor, and Leslie Pullen, a part-time lab instructor, received the awards.

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

Fowler has been a faculty member in the math department for three years. Before joining Rowan-Cabarrus, Fowler taught high school mathematics for six years at Albemarle High School and Jay M. Robinson High School. In addition to teaching math, she is a co-adviser for Phi Theta Kappa and a team leader for MAT 143, Quantitative Literacy.

Fowler holds a master of arts in mathematics education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a bachelor of arts in math with a minor in education.

“I became a math teacher to show others how fun and exciting math can be,” said Fowler. “I strive to create a positive learning experience where students feel comfortable asking questions and collaborating with their peers.”

She lives in Midland with her husband and 3-year-old twin daughters. Fowler enjoys spending time with her family, reading and hiking.

Pullen holds a bachelor of science in biology from McGill University in Montreal and a master of education in science instruction from UNC-Greensboro.

Pullen has been an adjunct lab instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus for 15 years. She teaches Anatomy I and II labs. She has also been a science teacher and administrator at North Hills Christian School, where she teaches honors chemistry.

“Science is my passion, and I want to ignite a fire in my students to be curious and to investigate the unknown,” said Pullen. “I encourage my students to also seek a career that they too can be passionate about.”

Pullen is married with two grown children and an 11-month-old grandson. When she is not teaching or tutoring, Pullen spends time with her grandson, helping him to be curious about the world around him.

“We are very proud of instructors Jessica Fowler and Leslie Pullen for the commitment they have made to our community and our students,” said Spalding.

Students initiate the nomination process for these awards by recommending their top instructors. Students then help narrow that pool of candidates by voting for their favorites. Final nominees are required to submit an extensive portfolio and letters of recommendation and have 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 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/apply or call 704-216-RCCC (7222).