Rhoads receives Paul Stirnaman Award

Julie Rhoads, Cowley College’s director of education, recently retired after 17 years at the school. However, before closing this chapter of her life, she was named the Paul Stirnaman Award for Teaching Excellence recipient during an in-service event held Friday in the Earle N. Wright Community Room.

The award is named for Paul Stirnaman, a long-time Social Science Department instructor and strong supporter of the College Education Association (CEA). He died June 16, 2000, following a lengthy illness.

Cowley College Humanities and Communication Department Chair Amy McWhirt presented Rhoads with the award.

“Julie’s work was indispensable for those of us who worked in advising with her,” Amy McWhirt said. “She was very beneficial to us and the students.”

Rhoads appreciated the honor and wanted to thank several people at the College for their willingness and openness to listen to faculty concerns.

“Taking a leadership role in CEA is more than just looking at compensation; it is an opportunity for faculty to have a voice,” Rhoads said. “So thank you all very much for this opportunity.”

Rama Peroo | Director of Institutional Communication
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
rama.peroo@cowley.edu