During Durham Tech’s annual professional development day in May, the winners of the Employee Excellence Awards were announced.
This year’s recipients were selected based on their overall impact, their contributions to the College’s mission and priorities, their leadership and innovation, and the strong support reflected in their nominations.
“The Excellence Awards are one of those experiences where your face hurts from smiling so much,” President J.B. Buxton said. “It is a day to recognize and celebrate outstanding faculty and staff with a deep commitment to their craft and our students. It’s also a reminder that together they embody the talent and dedication of their peers across the College.”
The following employees were recognized:
Patricia Johnson, Excellence in Community Engagement (full time) — Johnson’s work extends far beyond the College. She has built meaningful connections across the community and created pathways for individuals to access education and opportunity. In her role as an Education Navigator for the More Than a Job program, she has taken what could be a traditional support role and expanded it into something much more dynamic. She actively connects with community members where they are, attending housing meetings, community events, and outreach opportunities to ensure individuals know what is possible through Durham Tech.
Sara Williams, Excellence in Teaching (part time) — Williams is an educator who brings technical expertise and genuine passion into the classroom. With a background as a licensed professional in her field and years of industry experience, she provides students with instruction that is both practical and relevant to their future careers. Her impact on students is immediate and visible. She creates a classroom environment where students feel encouraged, supported, and motivated to succeed. She consistently connects course material to real-world scenarios, helping students understand not just the “how,” but the “why” behind their work.
Dr. Gregory Nash, Excellence in Teaching (full time) – Dr. Nash brings decades of professional and academic experience into the classroom, creating a learning environment that is both grounded in real-world application and enriched by a deep commitment to student growth. His impact on students is profound. He connects course material to current events and real-life experiences, making learning both relevant and engaging. Students describe his teaching style as encouraging, thoughtful, and transformative — one that not only helps them succeed academically but also provides guidance they carry into their lives beyond the classroom. He is known for being highly responsive and supportive. Whether answering questions, offering additional clarification, or providing encouragement during difficult moments, he consistently goes the extra mile to ensure students feel confident and capable.
Kathryn Shriver, Excellence in Support Services (part time) — Shriver has taken on a highly detailed and demanding responsibility by preparing laboratory kits for online chemistry courses. Each kit contains hundreds of individual components, all of which must be assembled accurately to ensure students can fully participate in their coursework. Her impact is both significant and measurable. She handles tens of thousands of individual items each term with an accuracy rate exceeding 99.9 percent. Her attention to detail ensures that students receive the materials they need without delays or disruptions to their learning. Her work also supports the College’s ability to offer flexible learning options.
Eliza Murphy, Excellence in Support Services (full time) — Murphy serves as a central point of connection for students navigating their academic journeys. As the primary advisor at the Orange County Campus, she provides guidance, support, and reassurance to students at every stage, from their first questions about enrollment to their transition toward graduation. Her impact on students is clear in the feedback she receives. Students consistently describe her as knowledgeable, approachable, and encouraging. She helps them build realistic academic plans, reduces uncertainty, and gives them the confidence to move forward. For many, she is one of the first and most important connections they make at Durham Tech. Her professionalism and adaptability are evident in her ability to navigate change and support new initiatives.