Sterling Silver Award
Sherry Simkins
Division Chair
Communication and Fine Arts Division
Employee of the Month
“Sherry excels as division chair of the Communication/Fine Arts/Humanities division. She's quick to offer astute advice on all matters, and promotes an engaging work environment. Her talent for leadership, problem solving and providing quality educational opportunities remains unrivaled. I recently came across a meme shared by a college friend turned college instructor that decried the pointlessness of division meetings. I felt it my duty to comment on this post that I never had such feelings when attending my division meetings. Sherry fosters a welcoming environment that promotes colleagues working together rather than against each other, and her unparalleled wisdom has been a great benefit for all who serve under her leadership. NIC hires a great many fantastic workers and people, yet I cannot think of one person who deserves this recognition more.”
Geoffrey Carr, Instructor/Adviser - Journalism - Communication and Fine Arts Division
“It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to share my professional experiences with Sherry Simkins. Sherry is an exemplary leader of the Communication and Fine Arts Division. She not only leads with honesty, integrity, consideration, and trust, she demonstrates those ideals through her work ethic every day. She approaches work and communication with members of her department and the entire NIC community with creativity, innovation, and courage. I feel respected by her and I respect her immensely. Sherry is very deserving of this recognition!”
Faith Valente, Communication Instructor - Communication and Fine Arts Division
“Sherry is an engaged and present leader who is always working toward improvement of our processes. She listens and communicates effectively, responds appropriately as needs arise, and is proactive in her thinking and approach to all tasks at hand. I appreciate Sherry's ability to visualize and comprehend the larger ideas, including the potential positive outcomes and challenges, before we begin a project. She has an intelligent mind and is resourceful in seeking to be thoughtful and practical in her decisions. Additionally, her ability to refrain from reacting, rather than overreacting, is a mechanism that allows her time for thinking through and reflecting on the best course of action or decision that must be made. She is supportive and encouraging to those she works with, and her kind and good-natured spirit are inspirations to all. It is a true pleasure to work with Sherry every day!”
Betsy Conery, Health Professions Advisor - Health Professions Division
“Please accept the following message on behalf of Sherry Simkins for the May Sterling Silver Award. “Every day, Sherry demonstrates excellent leadership, empathy, compassion, and fairness. She is intelligent, kind, and an overall good person. We are lucky to have her as our Division Chair. I am lucky to call her friend and work alongside her as Assistant Division Chair. She is so deserving of this recognition.”
Audry Bourne, Associate Professor of Communication - Communication and Fine Arts Division
