Micah Marvin named Budig Outstanding MCC teacher

McCook Community College math instructor Micah Marvin has been named winner of the 2024 Gene Budig Outstanding Faculty Award. The announcement came Friday during MCC’s Commencement Ceremony at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Also at Friday’s Commencement, the Red Willow County Fair Board was presented the President’s Award for outstanding service to the college. Sophomore Tesa Nelson delivered the student commencement speech.

Marvin 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.

“Micah always gives extra effort both in and out of the classroom and makes connections with all of his students, whether they are on campus or at his many distance learning sites,” said one of several nominating letters he received.

Marvin often visits those distance learning sites where he gets to know and connect with those students.

“The extra time that he spends making connections with his on-campus students makes him one of their favorites,” said one colleague.

Marvin joined the MCC faculty in August of 2018. He received his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane where he received his B.S. in Mathematics and Physics.

It one of his nomination letters it was noted that Marvin also spends countless hours tutoring not only his own students, but for students enrolled in other classes at MPCC.

One colleague observed that Marvin acknowledges he teaches a subject that is sometimes intimidating to students.

“He encourages informal conversations and gets to know student interests and activities so he can cater classroom examples to his students and make himself more approachable so students are more comfortable to come to him for help in the course,” said one instructor.

Marvin regularly collaborates with other faculty regarding curriculum and instructional methods. He is quick to offer suggestions or help when other faculty members request it.

Support doesn't only come in the classroom for students at MCC as he can also be seen at many college events cheering on the students in various activities. He has served on numerous committees and work groups including, hiring committees, scholarship committee, Instructional Services Team, Nebraska Transfer Initiative (NTI) for math classes at MPCC and participating in adjunct faculty evaluations.

He is also a participant in the adopt a student program where his family interacts with students that have been placed with them. He is active in the community and involved with many activities and groups, including his church, the Ed Thomas YMCA as a coach and player as well as a summer baseball coach.  

“I am honored and proud to recognize Mr. Marvin,” said Kelly Rippen, Vice President of MCC and Student Affairs. “He thoroughly exhibits all the traits of a Budig winner, he is student-centered, goes above and beyond, and consistently looks for ways to serve the college and the community outside of the classroom.”

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
2024 – Micah Marvin