Seven Broward College professors received special recognition for their excellence in the classroom as part of the 2024-2025 Endowed Teaching Chair Awards program. Interim President Dr. Donald Astrab and College Provost and Senior Vice President Dr. Jeffrey Nasse surprised the faculty members in their classrooms on Wednesday, April 17. The winners were selected by an external committee chaired by Dr. Stanley Marks. The committee consisted of members of the Broward College Foundation Board and friends of the College. Selected through a rigorous process, each recipient will receive a one-year grant of $13,500, with $8,500 as an honorarium and $5,000 for professional development and classroom improvement projects. The winners will receive a one-year grant of $13,500, which includes an $8,500 honorarium and $5,000 for professional development and projects to improve classroom excellence and efficiency.
2024-2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs
		Rosena Beniste, associate professor, communications at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, received the Dr. Wanda E. Thomas Endowed Teaching Chair. Professor Beniste has taught at Broward College for 10 years, during which she has received multiple nominations for the Central Campus Professor of the Year Awards. Fluent in both English and Haitian Creole, she holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science in Mass Communication from Florida International University. In addition to teaching, Professor Beniste serves as the Learning Community (LC) Co-Coordinator whose initiatives are designed to foster stronger relationships among students and faculty, create a sense of belonging, and boost student persistence, retention, and success. She also is the creator of BC Talks, an initiative she began in Spring 2017 to promote public speaking among students.
		Dr. Savena Budhu-Barajas, associate professor, English at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, received the Margaret and Cato Roach Endowed Teaching Chair. She has a PhD in Comparative Studies from Florida Atlantic University, where she also graduated summa cum laude in English. Dr. Budhu-Barajas has taught at Broward College for 19 years. Dedicated to creating a welcoming classroom environment for all students Dr. Budhu-Barajas themes many of her classes around popular culture, including contemporary movies and classic fairy tales. A student of the craft, she has continued to develop her teaching by completing the Certificate in Effective College Instruction from ACUE, demonstrating her dedication to teaching by going above and beyond the college’s professional development requirement.
		Dina Durand, associate professor, business administration at the North Campus, received the Gene A. Whiddon Endowed Teaching Chair. Professor Durand has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and a Bachelor of Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from Walsh College. She also has certifications in Six Sigma Black Belt, Dale Carnegie and in Entrepreneurial Mindset. Professor Durand shares, “I am proud that many of my students receive promotions and significantly improve their careers, which is the highest goal we, as educators, strive for.”
		Broward College alumna Marjetta Geerling, associate professor, English at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, received the International Education Endowed Teaching Chair. Professor Geerling has taught at Broward College for 13 years. She holds a Master of Fine Arts with a specialization in Writing for Children from Spalding University. Professor Geerling is involved in various essential college programs, including serving as the LC Co-Coordinator, chief negotiator for the college’s chapter of the United Faculty of Florida; and the permanent advisor for P’an Ku, the college literary and arts magazine, as it entered its sixtieth anniversary year.
		Joshua Kimber, associate professor, philosophy, at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, received the Truist Financial Corporation Endowed Teaching Chair. He holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, both from Boston College. Professor Kimber states, “I aim to spark a love for learning by structuring learning activities in a way that inspires and encourages students to engage their own thinking more fully while appreciating the value of listening to diverse perspectives.” Outside of the classroom, Professor Kimber is involved in the College Assessment Team for Student Success and the college’s committee for the Quality Enhancement Plan.
		Dr. Lilian Muñiz Alvarez, associate professor, mathematics at the Judson A. Samuels South Campus, received the Southeast Banking Corporation Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair. She has taught at Broward College for eight years and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics from the University Paul Sabatier of Toulouse in France. Dr. Muñiz Alvarez also holds a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, both from the University of Havana. Her teaching methodology includes using videos, animation, mathematical software and other media to stimulate learning.
		Broward College alumna Dr. Cathileen Montesarchio, associate professor, business administration at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, received the Causeway Lumber Company Endowed Teaching Chair. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership from Lynn University, and a Master of Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Accounting, both from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Montesarchio shares that she enjoys engaging her students in real-life experiences, as well as current events unfolding in the corporate world and portrayed through the media. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA) Collegiate Division.

To view photos of the 2024-2025 Endowed Teaching Chair surprise visits, click here.