College’s Highest Faculty Honor Recognizes Excellence in Teaching
Miami, July 28, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC) announced the selection of seven exceptional faculty members as recipients of the 2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs, the College’s highest distinction for teaching excellence. The honorees will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025.
“At Miami Dade College, our faculty are at the heart of everything we do,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “The Endowed Teaching Chairs program not only celebrates these extraordinary educators’ commitment to teaching but also empowers them to inspire and enrich the learning experiences for our students. Their passion and innovation continue to shape the future of our community.”
MDC’s Endowed Teaching Chairs program is one of the College’s most prestigious traditions, celebrating faculty who exemplify teaching excellence and unwavering dedication to student success. Each year, professors are nominated and chosen by their peers for this distinguished honor.
Since the program’s inception in 1992, more than 300 MDC faculty have been recognized across eight campuses. Endowed Teaching Chairs receive a $7,500 annual stipend for three years to support their professional growth, including the development of innovative teaching strategies, research initiatives and cutting-edge instructional tools. The Endowed Teaching Chairs program is made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations and organizations in partnership with the Miami Dade College Foundation.
2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs Honorees:
Ruth & Jack Kassewitz Endowed Teaching Chair
Eduardo Araujo-Pradere, Senior Associate Professor
Homestead Campus
Gordon Foster & Thelma Peters Endowed Teaching Chair
Wendy Goodwin, Senior Associate Professor
Homestead Campus
Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Teaching Chair
Shannon Kennedy, Senior Associate Professor
Homestead Campus
Dr. German Munoz Endowed Teaching Chair
Nayrie Smith, Senior Associate Professor
Kendall Campus
Sylvan E. Myers Endowed Teaching Chair
Sharon Plotkin, Associate Professor
North Campus
Rosenberg-McIntosh-Leigh Endowed Teaching Chair
Diego Tibaquirá, Professor
Padrón Campus
Spillis Candela & Partners, Inc. Endowed Teaching Chair
Varun Ramberran, Assistant Professor
West 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 2022-2023, MDC Foundation distributed $26.8 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.