Spoon River College faculty member Sarah Etter is this year’s recipient of the H. Truman Standard Award, presented for teaching excellence, meritorious service to the institution, and adherence to the SRC core values of Caring, Respect, Integrity, Fairness, and Responsibility.
Etter joined Spoon River College in January 2024 as a full-time faculty member within the Nursing Department, and has taught many Nursing and Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses on the Macomb Campus. She is known for going above and beyond to connect with students both academically and personally, taking her time to offer individualized support and providing guidance not only for academic success but also for professional growth. She plays a vital role in promoting student success through initiatives such as mentoring at-risk students and demonstrates a commitment to preparing future nurses who are well-prepared to make a difference in healthcare.
According to her students, Etter “pushes students to their best abilities, stands by us, praises us when we do well, and gives some amazing corrective criticism.” One student said, “Her dynamic teaching style, paired with real-world experiences, makes nursing both fascinating and relevant. She has the unique ability to inspire students to engage deeply within the subject matter, motivating us to continually strive for excellence in our studies.”
The award was presented during an employee appreciation luncheon, and was announced at the college’s 64th Commencement on May 8 at the Canton Campus.
