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Rachel Trigg wins American Association of Community College’s Dale P. Parnell Faculty award

By Diana Fedinec

Rachel Trigg holds the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award she received at the 2024 AACC annual conference. 
Rachel Trigg holds the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished
Faculty Award she received at the 2024 AACC
annual conference. 

Congratulations to Assistant Professor for Emergency Medical Technology Rachel “Shelley” Trigg on winning the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award. The award was presented on April 9, 2024 at the AACC annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky. 

The annual award is named after former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell. It was established in 2018 as a way to recognize teaching professionals for their exceptional contributions to teaching, leadership and student success. 

“Having been nominated is an honor into itself but to be one of the recipients is humbling,” Trigg said. “I am overwhelmed at Southwest’s belief in me to bring this award home. Thank you so much.”

Trigg was chosen for her unwavering commitment to student success, her impact beyond the classroom and her extensive contributions to various committees. She is one of 36 faculty members from more than 1,200 community colleges to be a recipient of the faculty distinction recognition.

Southwest Tennessee Community College President Tracy D. Hall said Trigg’s recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgement. “Rachel is a highly regarded member of the academic community, known for her valuable contributions, innovative teaching approaches, and dedication to mentoring. We are fortunate to have her enriching our students’ experience and institution.”

At the heart of Trigg’s work is her dedication to student welfare. As a mentor in the SMARTS program, she provides invaluable guidance, emotional support, and even practical assistance, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported on their educational journey. 

Her dedication to her students extends far beyond the classroom. When she noticed a student had stopped responding to emails, she took proactive steps, involving the director of police services to conduct a wellness check. She has secured temporary access codes for students awaiting funds and incorporated thrift store finds and personal items into her Emergency Medical Services (EMS) labs to enhance the learning experience. These actions underscore Trigg's genuine concern for her students' well-being and success. 

“Every student deserves to know and to feel their importance in this world; some will not get it from their home lives, so I make sure they receive that affirmation from me. I know the student is the reason for what I do and I make sure they understand they are supported by an instructor who wants them to succeed,” Trigg said. 

Beyond her individual interactions with students, Trigg has made a lasting impact on the College through her committee contributions. She currently serves on the following committees: Paramedic to RN Curriculum, ATD-HR Redesign-Professional Career Development and Succession, Governance Council Teaching and Learning, Faculty Student Mentorship Program, Adjunct Faculty Engagement, Academic Master Plan-Enhanced Community Engagement and Collaborative Partnership for Student Success, Faculty Handbook, Faculty Awards and Reimaging Community College and Center of Excellence Framework. 

Trigg enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with faculty and staff. As an active member of the Southwest Emergency Response Team (SERT), she has conducted training sessions for its members, including Southwest police officers, in American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED techniques and has delivered numerous presentations covering topics from EMS to heart attacks and strokes.

Congratulations, Rachel!