Instructor, Student Honored at Regional Conference

CCPE picked up two of eight awards at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association’s regional conference, thanks to an outstanding instructor and graduate. Tim Sanders and Megan Harpine were honored for their achievements at the UPCEA South annual awards luncheon on Oct. 12 in Richmond, VA.

UPCEA South represents 12 states and Puerto Rico. Nominations include letters of support from staff and students. Liz Fillman, UPCEA South, said, “It’s a pleasure to recognize award winners in the South region.”

Tim won the Professional Continuing Educator Award, which honors leadership through innovative programming. The now-retired pharmacist developed our Pharmacy Technician Certificate program and has been teaching over a 15-year period. In recent years, he’s led the Pharmacology portion of our Medical Assisting Certificate program.

Andrea Cochran, program director, said, “Dr. Sanders has taught hundreds of students during his time with our college. He brings his years of industry experience from working in the pharmacy and shares that knowledge with the students he teaches.”

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Wendy Tartaglia, graduate, said Tim was instrumental in her education and employment. This 40-year-old wife and mother was admittedly nervous returning to school after a 16-year hiatus but said Tim put her at ease.

“From the beginning, Tim was a breath of fresh air. He offered encouragement and hope,” she said. “Two weeks after class, he contacted me with a job opportunity. As a result, I am gainfully employed as a pharmacy technician. The same week I was hired, I took my Pharmacy Technician Certification board exam. I passed the test and one of my first calls to share the good news was a call to Tim.”

He said, “My goal is to always help students obtain their goals. They never cease to amaze my appreciation and what they are able to accomplish when they apply themselves.”

Megan Harpine, Paralegal Certificate graduate, received the Continuing Education Student Award. She was honored for her determination to complete the program while balancing extraordinary circumstances.

Jennifer Henderson, Paralegal program manager, said, “Megan said she wanted to become financially independent and that her interest in the legal field could help her achieve that goal. While maintaining high grades in her classes, she was able to work and advocate her for special-needs son where she would spend time researching laws and speaking with school administrators.”

David Currie, attorney and instructor, said, “She was an exemplary student! I know Megan will do well in her career and will be a superb representative of KSU and the paralegal program.”

Her diligence was well worth it – Megan accepted a job offer at a district attorney’s office. Of her award, she said, “I’m honored KSU recognized the hard work I’ve put into completing the Paralegal program. I did it!”

Featured photo: Our winners, Paralegal graduate Megan Harpine and Pharmacy Technician instructor Tim Sanders, pose for a photo with Liz Fillman, UPCEA South conference chair, after the Oct. 12 awards ceremony.