FTCC instructor Anthony Cameron has been recognized as with the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty medal. [FTCC photo by Brad Losh]
Anthony Cameron of Fayetteville Technical Community College has been awarded the designation of Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty for 2020 by the American Association of Community Colleges.
Cameron teaches and also serves as the department chair for the College’s Computer Programming & Development program, which falls under the Computer Information Technology curriculum. In his nomination letter, FTCC President Dr. J. Larry Keen described Cameron as someone who “constantly demonstrates passion and commitment to both the College and to the students in his division.”
Cameron said the recognition is “a big honor.”
“It’s a tremendous award,” he said. “I have a great supporting staff and faculty members, and I have a lot of support from my administrative members, my dean [Tenette Prevatte] and Dr. Keen.”
The AACC, which is celebrating its centennial, chose 55 instructors and professors from institutions across the nation to receive the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation. The recipients were selected based on four criteria:
- Demonstration of passion for students and the classroom
- Showing willingness to support students both inside and outside of the classroom
- Participating in college committees
- Going above and beyond what is required to ensure that students succeed in their academics
Cameron has worked at FTCC since 1999. He received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in information systems from East Carolina University. Cameron said his teaching methods are rooted in providing his students with the best experience possible. With the support of Dr. Keen, he said, his department has a computer lab with Apple MacBook Pros. Cameron said the new technology and software allow his students to be more creative, creating apps for iPads and iPhones.
“One thing I’ve tried to do in my department is be innovative and get new technology to expose our students to,” Cameron said. “I know they are here to better their lives and get a new job that will support them and their families. My main goal in the classroom is to give the best I can.”
Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty medal
The AACC named the annual award after the late Dale P. Parnell, the organization’s former president and CEO. Parnell is credited with establishing the foundational concepts of community colleges seen today such as defining and creating the associate degree, helping the institutions be recognized for their role in workforce development and the “2+2” model (two years of high school leading to two years of postsecondary education), according to an article by the Community College Daily.
Cameron has previously been acknowledged a number of times for his work at FTCC. He received the College’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016-17, was recognized by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) in 2018, and earned the John E. and Suanne D. Roueche Excellence Award by The League for Innovation in Community Colleges in 2019. In 2018, Cameron was the mace barrier for the College’s 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony in the Crown Coliseum.
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