Bob Samson, 2017 Cisco Network Academy Above and Beyond Award recipient MESA, Ariz. – April 30, 2018 – Bob Samson, the program director and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) lead instructor at the Mesa Community College Networking Academy, was recognized with the 2017 Cisco Network Academy Above and Beyond Award. This award recognizes instructors who make a sustainable and positive impact in the classroom and in their communities.

Each year, instructors are nominated from their regions based on how they demonstrate leadership and innovation, promote student engagement and make a sustainable impact in the community. Examples include volunteering, organizing or helping students prepare for competitions, localizing and translating Networking Academy courses, and other activities that serve the vision of Cisco Networking Academy.

“Bob’s dedication to his students and profession make him very qualified for this noteworthy award,” said Dr. Linda Collins, chair, MCC Department of Business and Information Systems. “His expertise and passion enrich our students and community. Our college is extremely fortunate to have him contribute his experience to the Networking Academy.”

Out of several thousand North American instructors, Samson is one of only four to be recognized with the award.

Samson has been a Cisco instructor at MCC for 15 years, teaching security, CCNA, and CompTIA A+. He also does 'train-the-trainer' classes and has taught over 400 other instructors in the CCNA curriculum. Samson has developed several Packet Tracer lab activities that have been shared nationally among Cisco Networking Academies. He sponsors student teams in local technology competitions and also serves as vice-president of the board of directors for Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT).

For more information on the Networking Academy, visit https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/business-information-systems/network-academy.

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Media contacts: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community Collegeis nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to higher education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Renowned faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and nationally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of 10 colleges comprising the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.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.

The Maricopa County Community College District 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 http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.