Joel Collins, an instructor and coordinator of the computer integrated fabrication program, received the Outstanding Faculty Award.

Sara Scharf, director of regional high school partnerships, received the Outstanding Staff Award.

These awards are part of the Outstanding Community College Awards, which spotlight one faculty and one staff member from each of Iowa’s community colleges.

The awards honor leaders who advance accessible, excellent education across the state..

Collins teaches both credit and non-credit courses in various formats, including face-to-face and hybrid. His contributions span multiple campuses, regional centers, and prisons, as well as providing training for businesses and industries.

He recently transformed his program into a proficiency-based learning opportunity, allowing students to gain practical, paid work experience while earning their degrees.

Scharf has been a member of the Iowa Central Community College staff for more than 20 years. She consistently creates a supportive environment for staff, faculty, and students.

Her decision-making reflects her commitment to aligning the college’s goals with the needs of the community it serves.