The Faculty Excellence Program is a cornerstone initiative of the Green River College Foundation, dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in teaching. Through this program, faculty members are empowered to develop and implement creative projects that enhance student learning and enrich the academic experience.

Each year, the Foundation invites faculty to submit proposals for projects that support instructional innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and student engagement.

Eligibility Requirements: Full-time faculty, IESL, and adjunct faculty (in the temporary employment file) may apply for funds.

Key dates and deadlines:

  • October: Annual Call for Proposals - Faculty members are invited to submit project proposals, which may be individual or cross-disciplinary.
  • Early-November: Deadline for application submission.
  • December: Application will be reviewed by the Committee.
  • Prior to December 30: Applicants will be notified if their proposal has been awarded.
  • Award recipients must complete their projects by December 2026.

Important applicant information:

  • Upon project completion, faculty members must submit their final reports to Monica Tolas in the Foundation office.
  • Final reports will be submitted to the committee for approval before processing PEN forms.
  • For any question, please contact Monica Tolas at mtolas@greenriver.edu

As a Dean, this is what you can do to help your faculty:

  • Inform your faculty members about this opportunity and encourage them to take advantage of it. Be proactive and assist them in leveraging this resource!

  • Prior to the November 5 application deadline, please review, discuss, and offer feedback on applications prepared by faculty in your department.

  • Applicants must obtain and document your approval on application prior to submitting them to the Foundation.

2025 Faculty Excellence committee members:

The 2025-26 committee is comprised of:

Five faculty members:

  • Physics - Anthony Smith.
  • Mechatronics - William Sciacca.
  • International Programs - Timothy McDaniel.
  • English - Jaeney Hoene.
  • Business and Law Department - Taliesha Garrett.

Two administrators:

  • Christie Gilliland -Dean of Instruction.
  • Lea Ann Simpson -Dean of Trades, Business & Law.

Two Foundation board members:

  • Dave Pouliot and Bruce deJong.

Past projects have included some of the following:

  • Improvements in Math and English assessments, Additions to Spanish, ELL, CCP curriculum development.
  • Funding for Global Talk Series speakers.
  • The creation of Green River Honeybee Colonies.
  • Acquisition of Japanese Gamelan Drums for the Music Department.

These projects reflect the commitment Green River College faculty have to continuous improvement and student success.