Sterling Silver Award
Becky Cochran
Program Coordinator
TRIO Student Support Services
Math Instructor
Math, Computer Science and Engineering Division
Employee of the Month
“Becky is TRIO’s rock! She has dedicated her entire career at NIC, over 16 years, to TRIO. She has made a significant difference in the lives of many of our students. Becky is dependable, consistently present at work and is one of those people who never seems to have a bad day. When Becky is at work, she is here to serve students. Becky emulates customer services best practices. She treats everyone with the utmost respect, students, staff and faculty alike. It is hard to think of someone who is more patient than Becky.
Over her career, she has spent countless hours tutoring students in math. Many of those students say they would not have completed their math class or their degree at NIC if it weren’t for Becky’s knowledge and commitment to seeing them through and I think they are right. In addition, Becky’s initiative and leadership have lead the TRIO tutoring program to be very successful. Initiating difficult conversations is a regular part of running a quality tutoring program. Whether it is coaching a tutor or having a discussion about consequences of too many no shows for a tutee Becky is quick to address these issues directly but with compassion and respect. Becky is not only talented when working with students, the TRIO team also counts on her when it comes to crucial tasks in the office.
We are required to submit an Annual Performance Report or APR as our accountability report to the Federal Department of Education--it is one of the most important tasks we are responsible for in TRIO. Becky takes the lead on the APR and is meticulous about the details. We can count on Becky to get it done correctly and on time. In addition, Becky is always looking ahead and anticipating the next project or task. She has a very good understanding of the processes and cycling of workflow in the office. She helps keep, not only her own projects, but shared projects moving forward and always looks for ways to 'pitch in.’
Becky, I appreciate you so much. Your positivity, hard work, true student centeredness, and respect of all people you come in contact with are just some of your strengths. I enjoy laughing with you and depend on you for problem solving, support and teamwork. For all of these reasons and more you are Sterling Silver!!!”
Holly Edwards, Director - TRIO Student Support Services
“Becky is such a great advisor and co-worker! She goes the extra mile for all of her students to make sure that they are engaged in learning and doing well. Becky balances advising, teaching and coordinating TRIO tutors with ease and she always has a smile on her face! TRIO wouldn't be TRIO without Becky!”
Kim Sumners, P/T Senior Administrative Assistant - TRIO Student Support Services
“Becky does an excellent job as an advisor. On top of advising, she runs the TRIO tutoring program and individually tutors students as well. Going above and beyond just helping with getting my semester classes lined out and a goal of what I'm working towards, she has put me in contact with many opportunities and resources which I would not have been able to stay in school with otherwise. Her well rounded approach at what it will take for each individual student to succeed is not something just anyone has the ability to put together, and I am very grateful for her help.”
Justin Abraham, former NIC Student
“Becky is and always has been a tireless supporter of student learning. She has unequivocally stressed that TRIO tutors in order to be the most effective help to the students, must establish an ongoing relationship with the students' instructors. I have experienced just how effective it is when the tutor makes every effort to communicate to the student the expectations of the instructor. Because of Becky, TRIO tutors accept this mandate as a top priority and thus students who are in this program tend to have the highest success rate of any programs at NIC. Thank you Becky!”
John Klassen, Math Instructor - Math, Computer Science and, Engineering Division
“Becky has literally been the best part of NIC for me. I have been a student at NIC for 3 years and with Trio nearly since day one. Becky has been there fighting for me the whole time. She helped me plan all my classes, apply for scholarships, nominated me for scholarships, written letters of recommendation, encouraged me to go for Ambassador, spoke to Professors on my behalf, and so much more. When I was ready to give up she talked me down and has encouraged me every step of the way. I have been eternally blessed to have her as my Advisor.”
Jeanette Marie Duncan, NIC Student and Registrar Ambassador
“Becky is a steady rock of support for NIC students involved in TRIO. Â Her consistent, calm, focused manner and sincere concern for their development resonates with our students and has contributed greatly to TRIO's outstanding success. Because of her continued contribution to so many at NIC, I would like to nominate her for the Sterling Silver Award.”
Kristina Klassen, Psychology Instructor - Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
“I have worked alongside Becky for several years, right down the hall and have been able to witness how she interacts with students and colleagues. She is a caring person who operates with good character and high integrity. Her students get the very best of attention and support. I am happy to support her nomination for Sterling Silver award. NIC is lucky to have her.”
Kelly Nolan, Career and Technical Advisor - Career and Technical Education and Business and Professional Programs Division
“She has been my life saver. She continually goes above and beyond the call of duty. I can't think of anyone who deserves this award more than she.”
Salina Lee, NIC Student
“If I were to give Becky Cochran a nickname, it would be “THE TERMINATOR.” But this terminator isn’t the one you see on TV with loud, destructive tendencies or cheap one-liners like “I’ll be back” or “Hasta la vista, baby.” This T-2.0 Terminator Cochran stands out among her peers as a nice terminator who personifies all of the good qualities one looks for in an educator, but who never stops-EVER. This T-2.0 Cochran works quietly in the background terminating poor study techniques among her students. T-2.0 Cochran exemplifies terminator-like perseverance and dedication to student support services both in her role as a TRIO Advisor, and in her role as a math Instructor. She continually looks for new and emerging best practices and student success research to guide the services she provides. In her spare time, she reads books and works to improve her communication skills for the benefit those around her students, staff, and instructors alike. And unlike her T-1000 terminator counterpart- this terminator operates quietly in the background. T-2.0 Cochran chooses to avoid public displays of terminator performance by bringing unity, support, and collaboration to everything she does. She never seeks recognition or embellishment, even though she deserves to be recognize for the terminator-like perseverance and tenacity she displays. Becky is the quintessential educator: caring more for her students and fellow employees than she does for her own personal gain. T-2.0 Cochran stands out as one of the most amazing, empathetic, hardworking, skilled, and qualified terminators I have ever known. Please consider Becky Cochran for the Sterling Silver award. Thank you!”
Chris Green, Academic and Career Counselor/Advisor - TRIO Student Support Services
