Clark State Community College Associate Professor Nora Hatem has been designated by the American Association of Community College’s as a recipient of the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Award.
The Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation is named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell. The Association established the designation to recognize individuals making a difference in the classroom.
Hatem, associate professor and program coordinator for Clark State’s industrial and engineering programs, has worked as a faculty member at Clark State since 2008. Prior to coming to Clark State, she worked in manufacturing and secondary education, and Clark State has been the beneficiary of her expertise in both areas.
“Without Nora, Clark State would not have any manufacturing training to speak of,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “She is that critical to our workforce development efforts and training.”
Blondin said prior to receiving a $2.5 million TAACCCT grant, Clark State trained approximately 5-10 students annually in principles of manufacturing, but with Hatem’s help in securing and operationalizing the TAACCCT grant, Clark State has worked with nearly 350 students since receiving the grant in October 2014.
“Nora Hatem exemplifies the values of Clark State,” said Blondin. “She works tirelessly to ensure that our students are successful. Her impact on students can be seen throughout our community—she trains students in manufacturing in successful careers to live and work in our region. Of our nearly 40 manufacturing partners, Nora places our graduates at those businesses, and these businesses are clamoring for more.”
Hatem, who said the best part about Clark State is the support she receives from colleagues, was nominated for the AACC award by Blondin. She will attend the American Association of Community Colleges conference in Dallas, Texas, April 28-May 1, where she will be recognized and receive a custom, commemorative medal. “I am very honored,” said Hatem. “I appreciate the nomination from Dr. Blondin.”
Hatem is from Lima, Ohio, and holds a BS in technology from Ohio Northern University, and an MA in curriculum and instruction from Colorado Christian University.
“A nearly 100 percent placement rate in the field demonstrates Nora’s commitment to students,” said Blondin. “Her constant pursuit of knowledge has led to numerous certifications in manufacturing and technology. She is the very definition of a prepared and up-to-date faculty member, and she stays current in her field through her strong industry partnerships and true utilization of advisory boards.”
Hatem’s recent accomplishments include the development of an applied baccalaureate degree in Manufacturing Technology Management that directly responds to industry needs for training and educating incumbent workers at businesses such as Yamada, Honda and Heroux-Devtek. Hatem collaborated with 15 industry partners to develop a curriculum from the “bottom-up” that is relevant and responsive to both students and their workplaces.
“Without Nora, manufacturing training at Clark State would be a shadow of what it is today,” said Blondin. “She is a dynamic and visionary leader of faculty and students.”