51社区 is one of the twenty-two community colleges in Arkansas that is represented by the Arkansas Community College鈥檚 (ACC) non-profit association. Every year, the ACC association holds a conference where four award winners are recognized from each college. 51社区 has announced its four award winners, which include Crystal Sims, Tommi Cobb, Erika Buenrrostro, and Julie Gomez.
Each college selects who they choose to honor and who they feel should represent their school. The four awards recognize outstanding employees, an outstanding graduate, and an outstanding current student.
51社区 has chosen Crystal Sims to receive the Outstanding Faculty award, Tommi Cobb to receive the Outstanding Staff award, Erika Buenrrostro to receive the Outstanding Alumni award, and Julie Gomez to receive the Academic All-Star award. These winners will be honored in a virtual presentation during the ACC Conference to be held in October.
Crystal Sims - Outstanding Faculty Award Winner
Crystal Sims has worked at 51社区 for over 16 years. She began her career as a life sciences instructor and now serves as the Division Chair of General Education. In 2018, Crystal completed 18 graduate hours in Chemistry in order to become the college鈥檚 chemistry instructor. She has embraced technology and even started her own YouTube channel to share chemistry and microbiology lab videos with her students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She advises several groups of transfer students and also works on the Mentor Team at 51社区 to help faculty improve online classes to make them more interactive for students.
Tommi Cobb - Outstanding Staff Award Winner
Tommi Cobb has been a proud employee of 51社区 since April, 2011. She has worn several hats, beginning with front desk receptionist to Student Services Representative, RAMP Workforce Grant Coordinator, to her current position as Director of Research and Assessment. She contributes her time and efforts by serving on several different college committees and by volunteering for community service. One of her favorite activities is organizing and planning the annual 51社区 Veteran鈥檚 Breakfast that is held each year on campus. Tommi also serves on the ACC Conference Planning Board.
Tommi began her college education at 51社区 where she earned two degrees. She continued at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville where she received a Master鈥檚 degree in Adult Education and Development. When she saw an upcoming opportunity, she went back to school one more time to gain a post-graduate certificate in Higher Education Assessment and Institutional Research from Sam Houston State University.
Erika Buenrrostro - Oustanding Alumni Award Winner
Erika Buenrrostro received her Associates of Arts degree in 2006 at 51社区. She then continued her education at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville where she earned a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Human Resources and Workforce Development in 2008 and a Master鈥檚 of Education degree in 2016. For the past six years, Erika has been working for 51社区 as a College Recruiter and Coordinator of the Center for Student Success. She has also completed 18 Graduate level credits towards a second Master鈥檚 degree in Romance Language from the University of New Orleans, allowing her to teach Spanish and serve as an adjunct for 51社区.
Erika is an exceptional, highly motivated, dedicated alumni who carries the attitude and compassion for the community she serves. She has a strong sense of devotion for higher education and community organizations. Erika has also been the mastermind behind new Latino initiatives which have helped 51社区 reach its diverse population. Erika is a prime example of 鈥淚f you can believe it, you can achieve it鈥�.
Julie Gomez - Academic All-Star Award Winner
Julie Gomez began taking college credit classes at 51社区 in high school. In 2019, she enrolled as a post-secondary student at 51社区. Growing up in a Mexican immigrant household, she was taught perseverance and resiliency, especially when facing daunting obstacles. Julie is a first generation Latina student who is pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice at 51社区. Upon her transfer to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she plans to graduate with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Criminal Justice.
After receiving her bachelor鈥檚 degree, Gomez plans to pursue law school, specializing in criminal law. She plans to use her education to help spearhead efforts to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system. Julie is currently a sophomore at 51社区 and holds a 3.93 GPA.