March 15, 2018

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) congratulates almost 50 recipients of its Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation. Amongst those recipients is Delta’s own Associate Professor of English, Dr. Crystal Starkey. Starkey will be recognized at the annual AACC convention in Dallas taking place April 28 to May 1.

This award was created to recognize the individuals making a difference in the classroom. Criteria for nominees include demonstrating passion for students and the classroom, showing a willingness to support students inside and outside of the classroom, being inclined to participate in college committees and going above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.

“Dr. Starkey consistently makes a difference in the lives of her students and colleagues, and she is an advocate, a leader and an agent of change,” says Delta College President Jean Goodnow. 

Starkey started her journey with Delta in 1996 as a student. She graduated from Delta and has worked full time as a professor since 2007. In addition to teaching Starkey also directs the College’s Honors Program, develops and manages the President’s Honor Scholarships Program, oversees the Honors Academic Travel Study (HATS) program, helped found the Writing Reading Information Technology (WRIT) Center and advises Xi Delta, Delta’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

“Throughout my time at Delta College, a myriad of lessons I’ve learned have directly influenced my growth as a teacher and lifelong learner. Delta College means the world to me, and I have been an active participate in its success since first walking through its doors,” expresses Starkey.

The AACC is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges. The AACC represents nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree–granting institutions and more than 12 million students. AACC promotes community colleges through five strategic action areas: recognition and advocacy for community colleges; student access, learning, and success; community college leadership development; economic and workforce development; and global and intercultural education.