Linda Hartman, an instructor in Southeast Community College’s Business Administration program, recently received the 2013 Teaching Excellence Award for the Midwestern Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Hartman received the award, announced by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, for Region 5 of ACBSP. As a regional recipient, Hartman will now be considered for the 2013 ACBSP International Teaching Excellence Award, to be announced in June.
Tim Mittan, director of SCC’s Entrepreneurship Center, and Nancy Krumland, chair of the Lincoln Campus Business Administration program, nominated Hartman.
“I am honored to receive such accolades from the ACBSP,” Hartman said. “The organization has such high standards for business schools and programs that to be recognized as an outstanding educator by them is extremely gratifying. I am excited to be representing the region at its annual conference this summer.”
Hartman will be honored at the 2013 ACBSP Annual Conference, June 21-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She will receive a medallion and a $100 check.
Hartman has taught business courses at SCC since October 2000. She also has worked in SCC’s Entrepreneurship Center as an education specialist and recruiter since June 2007. Krumland said students enjoy Hartman and seek to enroll in her courses each quarter.
“Linda is a highly sought-after choice of instructor by our students,” Krumland said. “The students gravitate to her classes due to her interesting and exciting way of communicating with them. Her positive feedback, enthusiasm and student-centered approach to teaching make her an extremely valuable teacher.”
In her classroom, Hartman creates a safe haven for idea generation and innovation by promoting strategic and creative thinking.
“I try to bring creativity and innovation to the classroom, along with a healthy dose of reality,” Hartman said. “I want students to see opportunities rather than problems and to be innovative in their approach to their current job and/or business that they are creating through our BSAD entrepreneurship focus.”
Mittan praised Hartman for the work she’s done for SCC.
“SCC’s Business Administration program and Entrepreneurship Center are privileged to have a dedicated expert like Linda share her passion for education and entrepreneurship with anyone fortunate enough to work with her,” he said. “She is a favorite instructor among the students and valued business coach to entrepreneurs. We are very happy to have her as part of our team.”
Hartman is a native of Curtis who holds a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College (now the University of Nebraska-Kearney). She also holds an associate degree from McCook Community College.
She serves on a number of committees and teams at SCC to enhance the educational experience for all students.
Hartman said the award means a lot to her.
“This award is a direct reflection on what I love about my job,” she said. “Every day I have an opportunity to help students realize their potential, and at the same time have an opportunity to continue to develop and utilize my own strengths.”
The ACBSP recognizes individuals annually from each of its 10 regions who exemplify teaching excellence in the classroom. The Associate Degree Commission of ACBSP established the International Teaching Excellence Award in 1995 to recognize outstanding classroom teachers. ACBSP is the only specialized accrediting body for business schools that presents an award recognizing excellence in teaching, open to application by the entire membership. ACBSP has more than 1,171 member campuses in 52 countries and 10 regions.