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Three Montcalm Community College instructors were recognized during the Centurion Awards Banquet on June 24 on the college’s Sidney campus.

MCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Wagenmaker recognized the award recipients, including two full-time and one part-time faculty member in recognition of their achievements and service at MCC.

“It is an honor to recognize these three outstanding individuals for their unwavering dedication, excellence in education, and profound impact on student success,” Wagenmaker said. “These individuals represent the very best of what MCC stands for — passion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing learning and growth.”

The Leslie K. Morford Faculty Recognition Award, named for MCC emeritus instructor Morford, was presented to Economics Instructor Dr. Elizabeth Klooster, of Muskegon.

Dr. Klooster joined MCC in 2017. She has attended many colleges and earned multiple degrees, holding an MBA from Baker College, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics from Georgia State University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from University of Phoenix.

“Dr. Klooster exemplifies the spirit of faculty leadership and innovation at MCC,” Wagenmaker said.

She currently serves as the chair of the college’s Assessment Commitment Team (ACT), where she leads institution-wide efforts to ensure meaningful, data-informed improvement in teaching and learning. She is also a founding voice in the Adjunct Advocacy group, a cross-functional team focused on enhancing support and inclusion for our adjunct instructors. In addition, Dr. Klooster plays a key role on the Instructional Development Committee (IDC), providing input for professional learning for faculty across the college. 

“She has been an early leader in integrating artificial intelligence into her teaching and is continuously exploring ways to enhance the student experience with new tools and approaches,” Wagenmaker said. “Her impact is also felt in our strategic planning work, especially around expanding credentialing opportunities to help students gain workforce-relevant skills.

“Dr. Klooster brings a growth mindset to everything she does, setting an example for students and colleagues alike,” Wagenmaker added.

In nominating Dr. Klooster, her students expressed their gratitude for the impacts she has had on their educational journey.

One student said, “As one of my favorite instructors, she has had a profound impact on my education through her dedication, knowledge, and unwavering support for students.”

Another added, “Dr. Klooster goes out of her way to make sure her students have all the resources they need to succeed in her classes. She creates a personal relationship with each student and makes each student feel important.”

Adjunct Instructor and CIS Lab Supervisor Lori Cook, of Greenville, received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award.

“Lori has been a valued member of the MCC family since 1992, and over the years, she has earned a reputation for being consistent, dependable, and remarkably adaptable — always going above and beyond to support our students and programs in and out of the classroom,” Wagenmaker said.

In addition to managing daily operations in the CIS Lab, Cook has taught a variety of classes such as Computer Literacy, Document Processing, Microsoft Office courses, and Voice Transcription, among others.

In nominating Lori, her students expressed their gratitude for the impacts she has had on their educational journey.

One student said, “She is amazing, kind, professional, and always willing to help everyone around her.”

Another student added that “Lori has helped me through college numerous times. I have used the computer labs frequently during my time at MCC.”

“Mrs. Cook goes beyond helping,” another student said. “She has grace and cares and understands us. I couldn’t believe that a professor would care and understand. Mrs. Cook has impacted me to continue my education.”

“We couldn’t agree more! Wagenmaker said. “Thank you, Lori, your 33 years of dedication and excellence!”

Social Sciences Instructor Andrea Martin, of Greenville, was recognized for achieving tenure during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Martin grew up in Pierson and graduated from Tri County High School in 2007. At Tri County, she began her connection with MCC as a dual-enrolled student.

Upon earning her associate degree from MCC, Martin transferred to Central Michigan University (CMU) where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology with minors in Museum Studies and History, as well as a master’s degree in Cultural Resource Management with a focus on museum studies, and she cross-trained in archeology public history.  

Realizing there was not much in the area in relation to working with museums, Andrea started working for MCC as an adjunct faculty member in 2019 and fell in love with teaching.  In 2022, she moved into her full-time position as Social Sciences Instructor.

“From day one, Andrea has brought passion, creativity, and compassion into the classroom,” Wagenmaker said. “Students praise her ability to make challenging material approachable, and colleagues admire her collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to MCC and our students.

“Tenure is not just a recognition of past excellence — it’s an investment in the future. It’s a statement that says we believe in the lasting impact Andrea will continue to make on this institution and our community,” Wagenmaker said. “Tonight, we celebrate not only your tenure, but all the lives you’ve touched along the way — and the many more still to come.”

“Montcalm Community College is very fortunate to have such outstanding instructors on our staff, and we are proud to recognize them with these awards,” Wagenmaker said.