WEST PLAINS, Mo. – James J. (Jim) Hart, assistant professor of computer information systems/computer graphics and programming, recently was honored by Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens with the Missouri Council on Public Higher Education’s Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education.
The 15 recipients of this year’s award were recognized during a luncheon in their honor on Wednesday, April 5, at the Scruggs University Center on the campus of Lincoln University in Jefferson City. The annual award honors outstanding faculty from post-secondary public schools, colleges and universities within the state. The recipients were selected by their respective institutions for effective teaching, innovation in course design and delivery, effective advising, service to the institution’s community, and commitment to high standards of excellence.
“Jim is an outstanding asset to our faculty. His work, especially in assisting with the establishment of the Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (GOCAT), is greatly appreciated. I was extremely proud to accompany him as he received this well-deserved award,” Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett said.
In nominating Hart for the award, his peers noted he was instrumental in the development of the university’s Associate of Applied Science in Technology degree and has been responsible for much of the equipment selection for (GOCAT), a partnership between the university, South Central Career Center (SCCC) and the City of West Plains to bring advanced technological training to area residents. They also pointed out he contributed significantly to the implementation of programs funded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant, which was awarded to the university in 2013.
Hart’s peers also pointed out that alternative energy programs are among his many interests, and he has conducted extensive research into biomass fuels. “Jim constructed a wood gasification reactor system that generates electricity, has given demonstrations and presentations at the annual Woodgas Workshops, and is president of Ozarks Green Energy Development (OGED),” they said.
In addition to his teaching duties, Hart serves as chair of both the Technology Department and Computer Information System Department, advises students, mentors faculty, and is a resource for faculty and students using Chalk & Wire and MyITLab software systems. In addition, Hart has served as the Portfolio Committee chair and as a member of the Divisional Personnel Committee, Assessment Committee and Sustainability Committee, and he has participated in numerous recruitment activities.
Hart also maintains his license as a fireworks display operator and certification as an advanced pyrotechnician. In addition to leading a home church, he also lends his support to homeschool families in the area.
Hart received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems in May 1995 from Columbia College in Columbia, an Associate of Arts in Pre-Engineering in May 1987 from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, and his electrical operator certification for electrical and reactor plant technology from the Naval Nuclear Power School in June 1980.
For more information about the degree offerings at Missouri State-West Plains and how you can apply, visit the campus’ website or call the admissions office at 417-255-7955.
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