Miami Dade College Names Eight Exceptional Professors 2023 Endowed Teaching Chairs

Miami, Nov. 30, 2023 – At a ceremony held last night at the Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College (MDC) awarded eight faculty members with the College’s highest honor, the 2023 Endowed Teaching Chairs.  MDC alumna and WSVN 7 News Anchor and award-winning journalist Alex de Armas served as master of ceremonies.

The Endowed Teaching Chair Program is a faculty honor and one of MDC’s most prestigious and valued traditions. Each year, faculty are selected by their peers for this special award, demonstrating excellence in teaching and commitment to MDC’s mission.

To date, more than 300 MDC faculty members have been recognized since the Endowed Teaching Chair Program began in 1992. Endowed Teaching Chairs receive a stipend of $7,500 per year for three years to explore new teaching methods, develop projects and enhance their technological expertise. The program is generously funded by individuals, corporations and organizations through the ongoing work of the Miami Dade College Foundation.

Meet the 2023 Endowed Teaching Chairs:

Rosenberg-McIntosh-Leigh Foundations Endowed Teaching Chair
Marisol Varela, Professor
Kendall Campus

Citibank of Florida Endowed Teaching Chair in Arts
Susan Epstein Garcia, Professor
New World School of the Arts – Wolfson Campus

Anthony Burns/Ryder System Endowed Teaching Chair
Nelly Delessy, Associate Professor, Senior
North Campus

Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Teaching Chair
Sandra Torres, Professor
North Campus

The Spillis Candela & Partners, Inc. Endowed Teaching Chair
Billy Oliver, Associate Professor, Senior
North Campus

Squire Sanders Endowed Teaching Chair
Omar Figueras, Assistant Professor
Padrón Campus

AT&T II Endowed Teaching Chair
Taurie Gittings, Associate Professor
West Campus

Dr. John Cordrey Endowed Teaching Chair in Economics
Robert Foran, Professor
Wolfson Campus

About the Miami Dade College Foundation
Founded in 1965, Miami Dade College Foundation raises essential private funds to support scholarships, academic programs, and support services so MDC students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. MDC Foundation also supports world-class arts and cultural programming at MDC that enriches the community. In 2020-2021, MDC Foundation distributed $30.5 million to benefit the students and programs of MDC. Known as Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. Miami Dade College is the largest degree-granting institution in the nation. The college’s eight campuses offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways, including several baccalaureate degrees in biological sciences, engineering, data analytics, information systems technology, education, public safety, supervision and management, nursing, physician assistant studies, film, and others. For more information about the MDC Alumni Hall of Fame, please visit www.mdc.edu/halloffame.

MDC Foundation Contact: Dr. Stephanie Zapata, Director of Communication and Digital Engagement, 305-237-3240, szapata1@mdc.edu.