Chris Holland is the August 2021 Staff Employee of the Month
Chris Holland is the August 2021 Staff Employee of the Month
August 30, 2021 Robert Lane
Fort Pierce resident Chris Holland is the Indian River State College August 2021 Staff Employee of the Month. Chris joined the IRSC family in July 2018 to work as the Biological Sciences Laboratory Manager and serves in this role today.
Chris finds motivation from his desire to provide IRSC students the best educational experience possible. His recent work to revamp the laboratories on the Fort Pierce campus includes updates to general biology, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology labs—work complemented by the introduction of new technologies into IRSC labs. Chris also takes diligent action to help build relationships in the community, assisting with USDA and Smithsonian Marine Institute partnerships and the IRSC Biology department’s participation in the annual Indian River Lagoon Festival.
Chris was a tremendous asset to the Biological Sciences team throughout the response to COVID-19. His work ensured that Biology department labs transitioned to an online format to keep courses running throughout the pandemic. Chris coordinated with faculty, lab managers, and department staff to record, produce, and finish high-quality lab videos that allowed students to complete online versions of their courses and still gain the experience found in the lab. These resources will remain indispensable learning tools as the department returns to in-person instruction.
Colleagues who work with Chris share how he embodies the values and mission of IRSC. One co-worker says, “Chris is always willing to help students with laboratory issues, research projects, and open lab access for additional study time.” Another adds, “Chris works to help us build relationships with local research institutions and is always on board for supporting new projects.” Finally, another teammate states, “Chris goes all out to support our students in the classroom, in clubs, and in the labs that he so expertly maintains.” They continue, “He volunteers this extortionary level help because of his genuine interest in the research as well the devotion he shares to further the education and training of our students.”
About the Staff Employee of the Month Award
The Staff Employee of the Month Award recognizes a non-instructional employee. Nominations are evaluated by the Employee Recognition Committee, which is comprised of IRSC staff members, faculty and administrators. For more information, contact Committee Chair Sera Phillips at 772-462-7258.
