Renelle Mooney, named Budig Outstanding Instructor at McCook Community College

Renelle Mooney, a McCook Community College business instructor, has been named winner of the Gene Budig Outstanding Faculty Award. The announcement came Friday during MCC’s Commencement Ceremony at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Mooney was selected by the college’s Gene Budig Award selection committee and submitted to the Mid-Plains Community College Cabinet. Budig who was an MCC graduate, provides a $1,000 award each year to recognize and honor outstanding educators.

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving for the Budig award. Renelle always puts her best foot forward and strives to not only teach students, but connect with them, and help them connect with the material and concepts,” said a letter of nomination.

Around campus Mooney is known as dedicated and passionate about all things business and strives to make MCC a great place to learn. 

“Students’ success is a priority for Renelle and it shows,” said one colleague. “When students take one class with Renelle, they always seem to want to enroll in more the next semester.”

In addition to her commitment to her students in the classroom, Mooney is also a co-sponsor for Phi Beta Lambda. Those students have always done well at state, regional, and national competitions – in large part because of the support, encouragement, and commitment to excellence that she instills in them. 

“She is an incredible asset to our college and community,” said a nomination letter. “Renelle is the definition of an outstanding faculty member and well deserving of this award.  

Renelle Mooney started at MCC in 2015 after spending eight years at Ruppenthal Middle School in Russell, Kansas, teaching business and computer classes, coaching volleyball and basketball. Four years prior to that, she taught business classes at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas.

“Her journey to MCC proves that no matter what path you think you are on, being open to new opportunities and challenges may lead you down an adventurous path that leads to greatness! She was taught a variety of classes to a variety of age groups,” said one staff member.

Mooney started at MCC in 2015 after spending eight years at Ruppenthal Middle School in Russell, Kansas, teaching business and computer classes, coaching volleyball and basketball. Four years prior to that, she taught business classes at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas.

Gene Budig

Award Winners

2008 – Loretta Hauxwell

2009 – Sue Watts

2010 – (No winner)

2011 – Megan Friesen

2012 – Janet Stalder

2013 – Becky Meyers

2014 – Rob Bogardus

2015 – Jim Hall

2016 – Lorrie Mowry

2017 – Tyler Esch

2018 – Susi Curl

2019 – Clay Grizzle

2020 – Rick Johnson

2021 – Lisa Beans

2022 – Sheri Hink-Wagner

2023 – Renelle Mooney