Wildwood College Professor Gets Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching

Layla Goushey, a professor at the St. Louis Community College-Wildwood, just received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

Goushey chairs the campus' English, Reading, Foreign Languages and Interdisciplinary Studies Department.

The award, which was presented by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) at a ceremony in Jefferson City this month, is given to the top community college teachers in the state each year. 

"I was very honored to receive the Missouri Community College Association Governor's award, because I was nominated and selected by my fellow faculty members, who I work with every day," said Goushey.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime honor."

She said the MCCA award luncheon also recognized Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students and presented scholarship awards to them. "One of the scholarship recipients is in one of my courses. I mentioned her achievement during my class on Thursday, and her fellow students applauded for her. She then told them that I had received an award, too, and they also applauded."

Goushey said the best part of the event was listening to the stories of Phi Theta Kappa students from community colleges around the state, including students from other St. Louis Community College campuses, and knowing their hard work has resulted in scholarships and in recognition of their achievements.

"With all areas of education under challenge due to budget cuts, we can't forget the benefit community colleges bring to individuals in the community. Whether those individuals ultimately intend to transfer their community college associate of arts degree to a four-year school to continue in higher education, or just need to complete a few courses or a certificate to professionally develop in their chosen career, community colleges offer a quality experience," she said.

Goushey said her fellow faculty members bring a commitment to excellence as teachers, experts in their professions and in specific research areas. "They all deserve to be recognized because everyone brings enthusiasm to helping students develop their potential."

"I am a believer in the opportunities community colleges' offer to individuals to change their lives for the better. This experience just motivates me to work harder to support the goals of students who want to improve their lives," she said.