Honoring Faculty and Staff
Computer Science Professor Named 2024 Distinguished Educator
One of Eastern Florida State College ’ s annual honors is the naming of the Distinguished Educator . Nominations for the honor are made by faculty , staff , and currently enrolled students . It includes a $ 1,500 award provided by the EFSC Foundation . Associate Professor Karen Peterson was named EFSC ’ s 2024 Distinguished Educator .
Peterson teaches computer science on the EFSC Melbourne Campus . Her nominator , Martha Upton , described her as an “ incredible teacher , deeply committed to her students , and an asset to the college .” The nomination expounded on her classroom techniques that “ set students up to succeed from the start .”
“ Sometimes I look at the computer code I have written and am amazed at how far I have come in just a few semesters ,” said Upton . “ I do not believe that would have been possible without Ms . Peterson ’ s expert teaching , genuine goodwill , and cheerful support .”
Peterson is also key to an annual EFSC programming competition that brings together students from many Florida colleges to show off their talents . In 2023 , this extremely popular event drew a record number of competitors .
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“ I feel very honored that someone took the time to nominate me for the Distinguished Educator Award and that the commitment I feel for my students , the college , my fellow faculty and staff , and professional area of expertise is apparent to others ,” said Peterson . “ Computer science is ever-changing . It is imperative to be current in my instruction so that my students ’ learning is also up to date . I am still a practicing engineer , and I believe this gives them more confidence that they are truly learning the skills they need to be successful in their future careers .”
Dr . Phil Simpson , EFSC ’ s Chief Learning Officer , announced the honor at the faculty Welcome Back event held at the King Center for Performing Arts .
“ The positive impact Karen has on her students is truly inspirational and sets an amazing example for others . She has dedicated herself to the use of best practices that build confidence and ensure academic success , as well as giving so much of herself in the process . We are pleased to recognize her in this way .”
EFSC President , Dr . James Richey , added , “ We are all very proud of the impact Associate Professor Peterson has had on our students . She is one of the many outstanding faculty we have who make EFSC the very special college that it is .”