Business faculty member wins regional award
Citrus College office technology instructor Dr. Rhoda Ann-Michaux James was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Educator, Postsecondary Award, at the 2018 Western Business Education Association (WBEA) annual conference held last month in Boise, Idaho.
The Outstanding Educator, Postsecondary Award, is presented to a WBEA member who has contributed to business education through scholarship and teaching over many years, and whose contributions are significant and impactful.
"I congratulate Dr. James for being honored for her long career of excellence and outstanding teaching methods," said the college superintendent/president. "Dr. James has excelled within her profession and paved the way for future generations. Her warmth, knowledge and practical teaching style has left an impression on her students and peers."
Dr. James was nominated and selected through a competitive process by her peers in the association. Her noteworthy academic accomplishments propelled her to the top of the list. Dona Orr, WBEA president, said the organization was delighted to recognize Dr. James with this award, noting that she serves as a model instructor to the young professionals in the association.
Earning a B.A. in business education from Chicago State University, Dr. James went on to obtain her master's degree in business and office systems from California State University, Los Angeles, in 1989. That same year, she began teaching at Citrus College. She became a full-time faculty member in 1995, and later received her doctorate in education in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne.
In her time at Citrus College, Dr. James has served as the Academic Senate treasurer and was an active participant in many committees, including distance education, Academic Senate (treasurer), mission statement, advisory council for career and technical education, business advisory and staff development.
"Redesigning my classroom and curriculum to model a real-life business office is what makes me most proud," said Dr. James. "The new design has enabled scores of students to feel prepared and to succeed in the competitive business world."
This article originally appeared in the May 2018 edition of the Citrus View.