Rachel McClurg
Managing Editor
Nominated by their equals at Butler, two professors Nathan Swink, a Humanities and Social Sciences professor, and Darren Bentley, an adjunct science instructor, have been chosen to receive a national teaching award at this year’s Innovations Conference. Two professors are chosen each year by staff and faculty.
“I felt validated in my life’s work to be nominated and a bit intimidated to win,” Swink said. “We have some amazingly good teachers here at Butler.”
Bentley was also taken by surprise when he found out that he had won the award.
“I was very surprised I won,” Bentley said. “Butler Community College has exceptional professors and instructors, so it shocked me that I would have been chosen for the award.”
Swink and Bentley really enjoy seeing their students understand and ultimately succeed in their classes.
“I get my motivation from watching students excel,” Bentley said. “I am always trying to develop new methods to help the students succeed. I believe teaching is an art, as such my personal style is constantly evolving as I learn more and get a little older.”
For Swink specifically, it is the real life application factor that the students come away with after completing his class.
“That is what it is all about to me, students learning things that apply directly to their lives,” Swink said. “The hope is to help students to improve their lives.”
Swink found out that he wanted to teach when he began graduate school. He said that he has always been comfortable in that sort of environment.
“I guess I really came to understand that I wanted to teach by doing it,” Swink said. “In grad(uate) school (and a little before then), I worked in a teaching role, and I found that I really love the work. It is rewarding to bring useful knowledge to students.”
Swink also mentioned that he enjoys the schedule that professors have, which is unique compared to many other professions.
“An aspect of teaching that is not often seriously considered is the schedule, and mine fits my desire for continued personal growth,” Swink said. “I feel like I would stagnate if I did not have breaks in the summer and winter to regroup, reflect and plan.”
Swink and Bentley will receive a special medallion made of pewter in March at the Innovations Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. According to the League for Innovation on the Community College’s website, all “League Board and Alliance member colleges” can present the names of those professors that stand out and provide great “teaching and “leadership” for their students.
