Two EFSC Faculty Honored for Distinguished Performance

Two members of the Eastern Florida State College faculty were honored Thursday for their exemplary performance.

Carrie Wells, an Assistant Professor of English on the Palm Bay campus, received the 2019 Distinguished Educator Award, and Marianne D’Altilio, an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Technology on the Cocoa campus, received the 2019 Excellence in Faculty Mentoring Award.

Dr. Linda Miedema, EFSC Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Chief Learning Officer, presented the awards during the annual faculty Welcome Back meeting to mark the start of the Spring Term on Jan. 7.

“Carrie and Marianne exemplify the best qualities of our faculty who strive every day to make sure students receive an excellent education,” said Miedema. “They always go the extra mile and we’re very fortunate to have them at the college.”

Wells was honored for her dedication inside and outside the classroom where she makes a major difference in helping students succeed.

“Ms. Wells touches the lives of students in so many ways and also serves her fellow faculty by being willing to share and collaborate,” said Karyn Ott, a Professor of Humanities on the Palm Bay campus.

Wells’ many accomplishments include serving on the Women’s History Month, Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage committees.

She also serves as faculty advisor for the Palm Bay Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the Core Scholar Program and coordinator for the Palm Bay Writing Center.

Bethany Weaver, one of Wells’ students, said Wells became her role model and that Wells' influence “allowed me to expand my perception of what I am capable of accomplishing and to find my confidence.”

“She also taught me the true meaning of a sincere and humble human being, purely by example,” said Weaver.

D’Altilio was cited for working closely with colleagues and providing critical support that helped them excel.

Melissa Mesman, a Health and Physical Education Instructor on the Cocoa campus, summed up the guidance she received from D’Altilio this way:

“Marianne has been willing to meet with me, text with me, chat with me over the phone anytime that I have needed. She provided me with emotional support when I encountered a frustrating situation with a student.

"I could not have made the connections I needed to make or  learned nearly as much as I have without her. Words really can’t express how grateful I am to Marianne.”