Cisco Networking Academy recognizes MCC faculty expertise

Stephen J. Bowes, MBA, MS MESA, Arizona – June 15, 2020 – Three outstanding Mesa Community College Computer Information Systems (CIS) faculty, Steve Bowes, Bob Samson and J.B. Files receive recognition from the Cisco Networking Academy.

Bowes and Samson are Cisco Experts (top 10 % of instructors worldwide) and Files is an Advanced Level Instructor (top 25% of instructors worldwide) based on student feedback.

These faculty received outstanding feedback from student survey questions concerning instructor presentation ability, participation encouragement and how confidently the students would recommend the class to another peer.

"It was a great honor to be recognized by Cisco. It is both satisfying and rewarding to be awarded based on feedback from our students; to know that we are doing the right things to educate current and future generations of potential employees for the digital workforce," Bowes said.

Each receives a certificate of recognition, a personalized icon available for use on their email signatures and award acknowledgements on the Cisco website.

Bob Samson, MCC Network Academy Program Director This is the second such honor for Samson, who was first selected by the institution in 2017 with a Cisco Network Academy Above and Beyond Award for his continued efforts creating sustainable and positive impacts in his community.

“I love teaching and seeing the difference that it makes in the lives of our students and their families,” said Samson. “They motivate me to do my best and not let them down. It is an honor to share these recognitions with two such talented and dedicated individuals as Steve Bowes and J.B. Files.”

In partnership with 26,500 educators at 12,100 academies, the Cisco Networking Academy is one of the most prestigious global academic corporate partnerships. In addition to global recognition, each recipient will receive discounted certification exams to continue their accreditation and training as compliments from the organization.

Files, who certifies upper level Cisco Networking Academy instructors and earned Expert and Advanced awards five times prior, speaks a word of advice to anyone looking to earn an Excellence Award for themselves.

JB Files, CCNP Instructor Trainer “It takes dedication to earn these awards each year while keeping up with the ever changing requirements of the industry. For instructors that strive toward the Instructor Excellence awards, there is no one silver bullet,” Files said. “ But, instructors that shine take the time to know the material inside and out. In this way, they can present a topic in different ways and from different perspectives.”

Cisco technology courses are available at MCC under the guidance of these recognized instructors and other highly qualified staff. Learn more about the MCC Network Academy, and fall course availability and course pathways at mesacc.edu/programs/networking-security and mesacc.edu/programs/fields-of-interest/computer-information-technology.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning throughout its 50-year history. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming the ways it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment or advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and more than 50% of its students are the first in their family to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and more than 30 out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC),hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Source Details

Publication Date: 
Monday, June 15, 2020