Abels, Hernandez, Hoback and Redley-Butler Named Employees of the Year
Nathan Abels, Annette Hernandez, Brady Hoback and Sandra Redley-Butler were all honored as Arapahoe Community College’s (ACC) 2024-25 Employees of the Year during the annual Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Employee Excellence Awards luncheon and celebration on Tuesday afternoon, April 8.
Nathan (Art; Drawing and Painting Area Coordinator) has been selected as Faculty of the Year for his innovative teaching, achieving 10 years of success with the Shared Visions tactile art exhibition, and leveraging technology – particularly AI – to promote student success. His teaching career spans 18 total years, including the past 12 at ACC. Abels, who garnered Distinguished Faculty recognition at ACC in 2015-16, also taught at Red Rocks Community College from 2008-13. Since 2008, Nathan has been represented by Rule Gallery in both Denver and Marfa, Texas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Drawing/Painting from the University of St. Francis (Indiana) and his graduate degree in Painting from Savannah College of Art and Design (Georgia).
Annette (Administrative Assistant to the Associate VP for Student Affairs and the Dean of Students) has been selected as Classified Employee of the Year for going above and beyond her duties to promote inclusivity for students, employees and community members. Annette, who has been at ACC for 6 years, currently serves on the Cultural Events Planning Committee, HSI Task Force (co-lead), ALMA Latinx Committee (co-chair), Inclusive Excellence Council, and Social, Equity and Belonging Leadership Committee. She has been recognized by the ACC President's Office three times as a Shiny Penny and once as an ACC Gem. Annette, who holds an associate degree from Colorado Technical University, was also selected as NSLS Staff of the Year in 2020.
Brady has been selected as All-College Instructor of the Year for his continued innovation in course development and being a model online instructor in the Philosophy department. Brady, who has been with ACC for 3 years, also holds a full-time position as a Career Specialist in the Career Services office. He serves as chair of ACC’s LGBTQ+ Employee Affinity Group and is a member of the ATD Strategic Scheduling Committee. Brady’s teaching experience includes positions at the University of Iowa, Coe College, and Kirkwood Community College. He earned his associate degree (General Studies) at Red Rocks Community College before going on to complete his bachelor’s degree (Philosophy) from MSU Denver. Brady earned his doctorate (Philosophy) from the University of Iowa.
Sandra (Assistant Director of Financial Aid) has been selected as Administrator of the Year for her kindness and generosity towards students, leadership on FAFSA/CASFA completion events, and the compassion she exudes in her role as ACC’s designated single point of contact to serve unaccompanied homeless youth as they navigate the college-going process. She is a member of the Social Equity & Belonging ATD focus group and currently serves as APT Assembly President. Sandra’s previous experience includes positions at UMass Dartmouth, Boston University, and Suffolk University. Sandra completed credentials in Secondary Teacher Education at Utech, Jamaica. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and her graduate degree from Boston University. Sandra has worked at ACC for 5 years.