Ranger College named science building in honor of professor

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Special to The Flash from Tommy Wells

Ranger College Public Information Officer/Sports Information Director

RANGER – When Dr. Jerry Glidewell first stepped onto campus as a young professor at Ranger College, he never dreamed of having his name in lights or a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was just happy to go to the science building every day to teach and educate anyone willing to learn.

Thirty-one years later, Dr. Glidewell still followed his same routine … only this time the trip to the science building will be a little different. Mainly because Dr. Jerry Glidewell was now heading to the ‘Dr. Jerry Glidewell Science Building.’

On Dec. 10, 2015, Ranger College President William J. Campion, along with members of the Ranger College Board of Regents, honored the longtime educator for his years of service to the college by naming the building in which he has spent the better part of three decades working in his honor. At the 2015 Ranger College Christmas Banquet, Campion unveiled the new naming details in front of a standing-room-only crowd.

Dr. Jerry Glidewell looks on as Ranger College President Dr. William J. Campion announces the college’s Board of Regents had named the science building in his honor. Glidewell has worked at the college for the past 31 years.

“We’ve been truly blessed to have Dr. Glidewell for the past 31 years,” said Campion. “We, as a college, feel honored to recognize him for all he has done for the students and college since he has been here by naming the building in his honor. He has been a great friend and asset to this community and this college.”

Glidewell, who serves as the Math and Science Division chairman, joined the faculty at the college – which was then known as Ranger Junior College – in August 1984.

Glidewell, a longtime resident of Ranger, earned his bachelor’s degree in 1972 and a master’s in biology two years later, both from the University of Texas at Arlington. He holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of North Texas. In addition to teaching at RC, Dr. Glidewell has also conducted extensive research projects in other area, research on neo-tropical amphibians in Costa Rica.

In 2013, Dr. Glidewell was among five Ranger College educators who were awarded Teaching Excellence Medals in Austin at the Convention Center during the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) convention.

Others honored at the banquet included former State Rep. Jim Keffer, who was presented with the OPatron Saint Award for his support of the college while serving in the state legislature, and Paul Waldrop, who was given the Distinguished Service Award for his efforts ti helping Ranger College. Also, Evonne Cherry, Sylvia Hampton and Karen Lyon shared the Employee of the Year accolades, while Andrew Boyer and Alyssa Cothran were named the Adjunct Faculty Members of the Year. Emily Constancio was named the Faculty Member of the Year.

2015 Ranger College Awards

5-Year awards: Mike Bonney, Robert Culverhouse, Jonathan Roach.

15-Year award: Cindy Stringer.

25-Year award: Steve Lewis.

Special Recognition Awards

Patron Saint Award: Jim Keffer

Distinguished Service Award: Paul Waldrop

Employees of the Year: Evonne Cherry, Sylvia Hampton, Karen Lyon

Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year: Andrew Boyer, Alyssa Cothran

Faculty Member of the Year: Emily Constancio

Ambassador Award: Crystal Rose

People’s Choice Award: Ben Carroll