Bodart Wins Kirkland Award

MARIANNA—Professor Jeff Bodart was chosen by his peers to receive the Kirkland Award for Excellence in Teaching at the 2023 Chipola College Commencement Ceremony. Pictured from left is: Chipola College President, Dr. Sarah Clemmons and Jeff Bodart.

            Professor Jeff Bodart has worked at Chipola since 1995 teaching Astronomy, Physics and Physical Science. He has a strong reputation held by students and faculty. He teaches effectively, engages with his students, is passionate about what he does and prepares students to move on to major universities. It is not uncommon to see former students returning to visit Dr. Bodart to thank him for the role he played in their educational and professional careers.

            Bodart is a sponsor of the Student Scientists Association (formerly known as Science Club). He truly cares about this organization and the experience it provides for our students. Dr. Bodart has brought to life the love of science for students all across campus by sponsoring SSA.  SSA hosts Science in the Park the first Friday of the month along with movie nights, field trips and guest speakers.

            Bodart earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a Master of Arts degree from Washington University, and a Ph.D. from Washington University.

            The Kirkland Award was established by brothers, J.R. Kirkland and David Kirkland, in honor of their parents, the late Willis and Carolyn Kirkland of Marianna. The award provides a $1,000 bonus to the annual recipient.

            Previous winners include: Terolyn Lay, Stan Young, Dr. Irma Cruz-White,  Dr. Amanda Clark, Dr. Rachel West, Kurt McInnis, Amie Myers, Glenda Bethel, Casey Dowgul, Joy Ree (Georgia) Ashmore, Vikki Milton, Dr. Gina McAllister, Robert Ivey, Dr. David Hilton, John Gardner, Richard Hinson, JoAnn Everett, Dr. Rose Cavin, Dr. Lou Cleveland, Nancy Burns, Geraldine DeFelix, Mary McClendon, Dr. Stephen Shimmel, Lee Shook, Kathryn Roberts, Brenda Alford, Paul Huang, Peggy Register, Charlene Lord, Lonnie Keene, Dr. Cherry Ward, Jean Taylor, Dr. Robert Dunkle, and faculty-emeriti: Donald Holley, Dr. Bill Brievogel, and Don Adams.

            For more information, visit www.chipola.edu