Faculty Excellence Program

Geographic Scope: Green River College (Auburn, WA, US)

Purpose: 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.

Funding

• Funding Body: Green River College Foundation
• Total Funding Available: Up to $68,000 for 2025-2026
• Project Completion Deadline: December 2026

Eligibility

• Full-time faculty
• IESL (Intensive English as Second Language) faculty
• Adjunct faculty (in the temporary employment file)

Project Types

• Individual faculty projects
• Cross-disciplinary collaborative projects
• Projects that support instructional innovation
• Projects that support student engagement
• Projects focusing on curriculum development

Focus Areas (Examples of Past Projects)

• Improvements in Math and English assessments
• Additions to Spanish, ELL, CCP curriculum development
• Global education initiatives (Global Talk Series speakers)
• Equipment acquisitions (Japanese Gamelan Drums for Music Department)
• Innovative student learning projects (Green River Honeybee Colonies)

Key Dates

• October: Annual Call for Proposals issued
• December: Applications reviewed by committee
• Prior to December 30: Applicants notified of awards
• By December 2026: All projects must be completed

Post-Award Requirements

• Faculty must submit final reports to Monica Tolas in the Foundation office
• Final reports reviewed by committee for approval
• PEN forms processed after approval

2025-2026 Review Committee

Faculty Members:

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

Administrators:

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

Foundation Board Members:

• Dave Pouliot
• Bruce deJong

Administrative Support

• Deans should review and provide feedback on applications from their departments prior to submission
• Applicants must obtain documented dean approval before submitting to Foundation
• Contact: Monica Tolas at mtolas@greenriver.edu

Timeline

• October: Call for Proposals announced
• Early November: Deadline for application submission
• November 5, 2025 at 4 PM (PST): Application deadline (for 2025-26 cycle)
• December: Committee review period
• Prior to December 30: Award notifications sent

Required Steps

1. Dean Approval
   • Discuss project with your department dean
   • Obtain documented approval from dean before submission
   • Include approval documentation with application
2. Complete Application Form
   • Submit via official application form
   • Include all required project information
3. Submit by Deadline
   • Submit to Foundation office
   • Meet early November deadline

Post-Award Requirements

1. Project Completion
   • Complete project by December 2026
2. Final Report
   • Submit final report to Monica Tolas
   • Foundation office address: Green River College Foundation
   • Reports reviewed by committee for approval
   • PEN forms processed after committee approval

Contact Information

• For Questions: Monica Tolas
• Email: mtolas@greenriver.edu
• Address: Green River College Foundation, 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092