FDTC Honors Faculty Excellence at ACUE Award Ceremony
Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) celebrated a major milestone in faculty development and instructional excellence during a special ACUE Award Ceremony held on Thursday, June 19 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT).
The event honored the hard work and dedication of faculty and staff who completed a rigorous yearlong certification through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).
“Our faculty’s commitment to excellence directly impacts the success of our students,” FDTC President Dr. Jermaine Ford said. “This certification not only elevates the quality of instruction but ensures that every student at FDTC receives a high-impact learning experience.”
During the evening ceremony, 91 certifications were awarded to FDTC faculty and staff who completed ACUE’s Effective Teaching Practices course. The nationally recognized program equips college educators with evidence-based strategies proven to increase student persistence, engagement, and academic success.
This year’s cohort was even more special as Dr. Ford and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Luegina Mounfield participated alongside the faculty, which according to ACUE, is the first time where senior leadership completed the certification alongside faculty.
“When our faculty committed to completing the ACUE certification, they did far more than check a box, they embraced a culture of excellence that transforms the way we teach and the way our students learn,” Dr. Mounfield said. “This level of professional dedication sends a clear message: at Florence-Darlington Technical College, we believe our students deserve nothing less than intentional, evidence-based instruction that inspires persistence, critical thinking, and lifelong success.”
ACUE’s Effective Teaching Practice Framework, endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE), includes more than 200 research-backed teaching strategies focused on course design, active learning, inclusive instruction, and student engagement.
FDTC’s partnership with ACUE will continue into the 2025–2026 academic year, with more faculty and staff members set to begin the certification course this fall.
