Durham Tech Excellence Award Winner: 'There’s nothing like teaching'

Durham Tech Excellence Award 2024 winner Dr. Jason Moldoff happened upon Durham Tech in a unique and adventurous way. 

“At the time, my wife and I were at Virginia Tech for undergrad and were looking to further our educations,” the Massachusetts native said. “We applied to several universities and decided we’d go wherever the search took us. We decided on UNC-Chapel Hill.” 

Moldoff obtained his doctorate degree while his wife earned her master's. After graduating from UNC, they once again were unsure where they would end up.   

Moldoff was familiar with Durham Tech, but his original plan was to look for jobs at research universities. 

“I thought I’d end up doing research at a university, but there were a number of reasons to be disillusioned with the research going on at these schools,” Moldoff said. “Durham Tech was looking for a professor in Communications. I came to Durham Tech in 2010.” 

While his original passion for research was real, nothing compares to Moldoff’s passion for in-person instruction.  

“There is nothing like teaching,” Moldoff said. “I could tell from my first semester at Durham Tech that the students were good, diverse and interesting. Face-to-face instruction allows for these unique, varied people to come into my life.” 

Since coming to Durham Tech, Moldoff has taught public speaking, communications with a focus on interpersonal skills, introduction to film and mass communications. 

“Mass communications is my first love,” Moldoff said. “Teaching the effects of mass communications and how to get a message across the chosen medium just speaks to me.” 

The course subject matter speaks to Moldoff, but so do his students. 

“Durham Tech students are interesting, brave and compelling. They are inspirations,” Moldoff said. “They share their struggles and dreams. They have ‘it,’ and they are going to go on to do great things.” 

Moldoff is not just inspired by his students. His peers inspire and motivate him, as well. 

“Quality instructors come to Durham Tech and stay,” he said. “I am surrounded by good people who are not afraid. They are innovative and proactive with unique talents.” 

Moldoff’s connection to Durham Tech stretches into the Durham community where he is an advocate for the College and all it offers. 

“Durham Tech is undeniable in our community. It is a place where people grow and excel,” Moldoff said. “There is none of the stigma often felt with community colleges. Durham Tech is a respected place of connection. We get people where they want to go.” 

The Durham community respects the faculty and staff of the College, he said. He points out that the students get what they need, and the future is bright thanks to the community connections, the Middle College, and caring partners that the College creates a talent pipeline for. 

Moldoff’s passion for teaching and for Durham Tech is evident, but he was surprised when honored with a 2024 Excellence Award. 

“My first feeling was surprise, and my first thought was, ‘I cannot wait to share this with my family -- my parents, my wife, my children,” Moldoff said. “It was a moment for Daddy to shine. It hit me that I was joining an exclusive club of strong educators, and it is not the end. The excellence acknowledged by the award was for what I have done. I am not finished. I’ve got more and I promise to keep working.” 

He said he is proud of being added to the list of Durham Tech Excellence winners and he puts in his all in the classroom every day.  

“When I pull into a parking space at 8:45 a.m. the feeling is 'let’s go.’ I have an idea of what I will teach for the day, what I will do with my students and advisees, but I am excited to see where the teaching takes me -- takes us,” he said. “It’s a feeling of anticipation. It’s physically seeing the students. It’s a thought: ‘Showtime. Let’s make this happen.’”