Chipola College 2024 Employees of the Year
Chipola College recently announced Thomas Schaefer as Faculty/Administrator/Other Professional of the Year and Debra Bragg as Career Employee of the Year for 2024 at the end of year luncheon back on May 1st.
Thomas Schaefer was recognized as the Faculty/Administrator/Other Professional of the Year. Schaefer serves as an Assistant Professor in the school of Business and has worked at the college since 2020.
Schaefer is an extremely present and active faculty member at Chipola. He places focus on his students and the college and often leads by example to ensure success.
“Tom goes out of his way, on his own time, to help students and faculty.” Says Sherry Klanjac, his colleague. “I hear firsthand from my students that Dr. Schaefer provides the best feedback.”
Theresa Pavone, another colleague, also said “Dr Schaefer has helped me to ensure my courses are set up correctly and that all of the content is always loaded as well. He is so supportive and really cares about his faculty and the Chipola community.”
Debra Bragg was chosen as Career Employee of the Year. Bragg servers as a custodian in the Facilities and Campus Operations department and has worked at the college since 2022.
Bragg works tirelessly in the administration building to make sure it is clean, orderly and presentable to everyone who enters the building. She comes in early at least one day a week to vacuum all of the carpet in the entire Administration building so she doesn’t interfere with anyone working.
One colleague said, “Debra is always conscientious, helpful and friendly to anyone she encounters. She often goes out of her way to do the little things that go unnoticed by many.”
The Employee of the Year award recognizes the exceptional work of Chipola's employees. Candidates are nominated by fellow employees for exhibiting courtesy, motivation and professionalism. Annual winners receive a $1,000 bonus, reserved parking for a year, a one-year membership in AFC, and a $100 gift certificate from the college Book Store.