Besse Award
The Excellence in Teaching Award in Honor of Ralph M. Besse is presented annually for up to four full-time faculty members and up to four adjunct faculty or lecturers selected for exceptional professional competence and commitment to helping students succeed. Specifically, these award winners demonstrate a commitment to academic quality, stimulation of intellectual development, and investment with students within and beyond the classroom. Students are the initial driver of the list of nominees. The award is given in honor of Ralph M. Besse, Cleveland community leader and champion of higher education, who was instrumental in founding Tri-C.
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Besse Award Winners!
Full-time Faculty Winners
- Hayley McGuirk, Assistant Professor, Art, Metropolitan Campus
- Matthew Phillips, Associate Professor, History, Metropolitan Campus
- Michael Piero, Professor, English, Westshore Campus
- Anne Marie Yunker, Associate Professor, Biology, Metropolitan Campus
Adjunct/Lecturer Winners
- Tim Davis, Adjunct Faculty, Business Administration, Western Campus
Accepted a tenure-track position for Fall 2026 - Matt Osolinski, Adjunct Faculty, Biology, Western Campus
- Dionna Stewart, Lecturer, Psychology, Metropolitan Campus
- Tasha Wilburn, Lecturer, Business Administration, Metropolitan Campus
Accepted a tenure-track position for Fall 2026