Science instructor John Shultz is SIC's 2018 Outstanding Teacher
HARRISBURG - For the second time in his 29-year career at Southeastern Illinois College, science instructor John Shultz has been chosen the Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year, by a vote of his peers.
Shultz began as a full-time faculty member at SIC in 1989, and will retire May 31, 2018. Besides biology he has taught chemistry and math. He developed the environmental science and microbiology classes and has taught both continuously since their inception in 1995.
In his time at SIC, Shultz has taught approximately 5,000 students.
"I've always tried to encourage students to more completely develop study habits and a professional work ethic," said Shultz. "A solid, traditional work ethic will help students as they continue with their academic programs and as they transition into their careers."
Not only is Shultz a standout instructor he is a true team player, serving on many SIC and statewide committees, panels and organizations. He also co-sponsored the SIC Math and Science Club from 1989-1992.
Shultz received an associate degree in science in 1976 at Lincoln Land Community College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology at Sangamon State (now U of I Springfield). He worked for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Champaign, and then completed his master's of Science degree in zoology at South Dakota State University.
In 1999 he was awarded the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development Award of Excellence; and in 2003 he won his first Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year at SIC and was nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Faculty Member Award.
"I greatly appreciate receiving this honor (the 2017-18 award) from my faculty colleagues," said Shultz. "It's a nice way to wrap up my career. I have always been proud to be associated with such a fine group of dedicated professionals and to be part of a college that literally transforms the lives of its students."
SIC President Jonah Rice called Shultz a "true gentleman scholar, someone who is professional and personable to all.
"He has a great heart for students and his colleagues, Rice added. "I consider John a real friend and SIC will be losing a pillar among the faculty."
The selection of Shultz as SIC's outstanding faculty member for 2017-18 also makes him eligible for the 2018 Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Outstanding Faculty Member Award.
Lorna Dallas-Brown, who lives in New York and England, and the late Ellen Wiggins, daughters of the late Loren P. and Velma Dallas of Carrier Mills, established the Loren and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher Award in 1996 in honor of their parents.
Their father, a founding member of the SIC board, was passionate about education. Loren and Velma Dallas gave tirelessly to young people and wanted to provide opportunities for higher education in southern Illinois.
Each year the Dallas endowment through the SIC Foundation awards $500 to the Outstanding Teacher of the Year.