The Navajo County Community College District Governing Board met on April 17 where Northland Pioneer College (NPC) administrators presented Meritorious Service and Emeritus Awards to four staff members at the board meeting who are retiring. Prior to presenting the awards the board did need to approve the nomination of Faculty Member, Tracy Chase, for emeritus recognition. Chase has dedicated 25 years to NPC as a business instructor. It was approved and Chase was presented with the award.
“NPC has been a huge part of our entire family for a really long time,” said Chase as she choked back tears. She emotionally shared how she began as a student, both children attended NPC and how her husband attended NPC.
The next Faculty Emeritus honoree was Randy Porch, Faculty in Geology. Porch became full-time at the college in 1996. He has served on several committees, has been the science coordinator for six years and has developed labs for the program. Porch said, “When I first started I wasn’t even interested in being an instructor. It has been a great privilege.”
An Administrative Emeritus award was given to Vicki Bessinger for her service to the college from 1996 to 2018. Over the years Bessinger has served in a variety of administrative capacities including business office manager, accounts payable and now bookstore manager just to name a few. Bessinger became emotional when she said, “I have moved from Holbrook to Show Low because the college was there for me when I had to go help my parents and I appreciate that and now its time for me to move on, thank you.”
The final honoree was current NPC President Dr. Jeanne Swarthout. Dr. Swarthout was appointed President in May of 2007. Previously Dr. Swarthout was the college’s Dean of Liberal Arts and Vice President of Instruction & Learning since 2001. Dr. Swarthout was presented with the Administrator Emeritus award by board Chairman Frank Lucero. “It’s been an honor every single day to work with this crew. It is the best crew imaginable. Nowhere I have ever been have I worked with a group of people who are so dedicated and committed to what they do. They make this institution,” said Dr. Swarthout. She noted that she looks forward to hiking and fly-fishing in her retirement and plans on devoting time to several causes she is passionate about.
