Dr. Scott Haskell, Yuba College’s Veterinary Technology Instructor, is the recipient of the 2010/2011 Hayward Award for Excellence In Education. This award is named for former California Community College Chancellor, Gerald C. Hayward, and is given to a mere four professors per year in the state of California, each representing different districts. Candidates, along with showing excellence in teaching, must also show high levels of commitment and dedication and have a record of outstanding performance and participation in professional activities on campus. Dr. Haskell was nominated by Yuba College’s Academic Senate President, Timothy May.
Haskell grew up on a ranch in California and has always had a strong love for animals. Before becoming a professor, he was a veterinarian for almost 20 years and once owned 5 Veterinary Hospitals. He now has both a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Science, and two Doctorates; one in Philosophy and one in Veterinary Medicine.
In his 32 years of teaching, he has been an instructor at the University of Maine, the University of Minnesota, the University of California, and California Polytechnic State University. He has only been at Yuba College for 5 years but confesses that he has more of a connection with students here than anywhere else. He enjoys seeing students overcome challenges and problems while showing a true passion for learning what they love to do.
He has published several textbooks and articles and participates in numerous committees and programs, on and off campus and exclaims that he was “Very pleased and quite surprised” when he was notified that he had won this honorable award. He received a $1,250 cash reward and a plaque and is now eligible to be a nominee for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Professor of the Year Award.
He says that although Yuba College’s Vet Tech program is well known, well respected, and draws students from near and far, there is much more to it. “Receiving this award is a reflection of the quality of education here at Yuba. The faculty and staff all do a wonderful job.
For students to get through the Vet Tech program, they must also exceed in many other classes so it is more of a result of the combined efforts of everyone involved.”When asked what makes our Vet Tech and Vet Tech Assistant programs differ from others, Haskell explained that Yuba offers a very diverse grouping of courses beyond the norm for the state of California including shelter, medicine, public health, lab diagnostics, and large animals, all which are taught by exceptionally good teachers that have actual experience in the field.
“It’s the best job I’ve ever had and I plan on staying here until I retire, which will be at least another 10 years. I really enjoy making an impact and changing lives, while at the same time having my life changed in the process.” He also affectionately refers to our school as “The little campus that could.”
Heather Meunier, current Print Editor of The Prospector, is a 4th semester Journalism student, and 3rd semester English tutor who also freelances for the Yuba-Sutter Community magazine. She has a passion for reading, writing, photography, and travel and plans to one day have a full time writing career or be a publicist. She prefers to write positive stories about inspiring people doing beneficial things in the community. You can reach her at prospector.hmeunier@gmail.com if you have comments or suggestions.
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