OST instructor named Wal-Mart Teaching Excellence winner

Martha Merrill, associate professor of Office Systems Technology, has been named a recipient of the Wal-Mart Teaching Excellence Award.

Merrill is one of only five instructors from two-year institutions who were chosen for the honor.

The award is sponsored by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs in conjunction with the Wal-Mart Foundation. The Associate Degree Commission of the ACBSP recognizes the significance of the classroom teacher to the mission of associate’s degree–granting institutions. The Wal-Mart Foundation joined ACBSP in the effort in 2006.

“I’m very honored to be recognized in this way,” said Merrill. “Since ACBSP is the accrediting body for the business programs here at Pellissippi State, this award is especially meaningful.”

ACBSP selected winners from five regional two-year schools. Merrill represents the Southeast, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The other institutions include Bronx (New York) Community College; Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio; Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) Women’s College.

In addition, 11 winners from baccalaureate degree schools were selected.

Merrill will attend the annual ACBSP conference June 29-July 2 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and all regional winners will be honored during the July 1 Salute to Regions luncheon. Each regional winner will receive a medallion and a check for $1,000.

Merrill is now eligible to become one of two instructors selected for the international award. One candidate from an associate’s degree institution and one from a four-year school will receive international recognition and a plaque. The honorees also will have their names inscribed on a permanent honor roll maintained at the ACBSP office and receive a check for $2,000.

The OST instructor has been with Pellissippi State’s Business and Computer Technology Department for seven years. She teaches students to use software applications in a business setting. She also teaches Web technology and is certified in several areas in that discipline.

Merrill received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and English from Carson-Newman College. She then earned a master’s degree in technological and adult education and an Ed.D. in education from the University of Tennessee. She is active in a number of professional organizations.

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