Miami Dade College Announces the 2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs

Miami Dade College (MDC) proudly announces the selection of seven exceptional faculty members as recipients of the 2025 Endowed Teaching Chairs, the College’s highest distinction for teaching excellence. The honorees were formally recognized at an awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6.

The Endowed Teaching Chairs program is one of MDC’s most prestigious traditions, celebrating faculty members who exemplify teaching excellence and unwavering dedication to student success. Each year, select professors are nominated and chosen by their peers for this distinguished honor.

Since the program’s inception in 1992, more than 300 faculty members have been recognized as Endowed Teaching Chairs. Honorees receive a $7,500 annual stipend for three years to support professional growth, including the exploration of innovative teaching strategies, research initiatives, and the development of cutting-edge instructional tools. The program is made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and organizations in partnership with the Miami Dade College Foundation.

“At Miami Dade College, our faculty are the heartbeat of our institution,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “The Endowed Teaching Chairs not only celebrate our educators’ extraordinary commitment to teaching but also empower them to further enrich the learning experiences of our students. Their passion and innovation continue to shape the future of our community.”

Ruth & Jack Kassewitz Endowed Teaching Chair
Eduardo Araujo-Pradere, Senior Associate Professor

Gordon Foster & Thelma Peters Endowed Teaching Chair
Wendy Goodwin, Senior Associate Professor
Homestead Campus

Wells Fargo Bank Endowed Teaching Chair
Shannon Kennedy, Senior Associate Professor
Homestead Campus

Dr. German Munoz Endowed Teaching Chair
Nayrie Smith, Senior Associate Professor
Kendall Campus

Sylvan E. Myers Endowed Teaching Chair
Sharon Plotkin, Associate Professor
North Campus

Rosenberg-McIntosh-Leigh Endowed Teaching Chair
Diego Tibaquirá, Professor
Padrón Campus

Spillis Candela & Partners, Inc. Endowed Teaching Chair
Varun Ramberran, Assistant Professor
West Campus

Founded in 1965, Miami Dade College Foundation raises essential private funds to support scholarships, academic programs, and support services so MDC students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. MDC Foundation also supports world-class arts and cultural programming at MDC that enriches the community. In 2022-2023, MDC Foundation distributed $26.8 million to benefit the students and programs of MDC. Known as Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. Miami Dade College is the largest degree-granting institution in the nation. The college’s eight campuses offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways, including several baccalaureate degrees in biological sciences, engineering, data analytics, information systems technology, education, public safety, supervision and management, nursing, physician assistant studies, film, and others. For more information about the MDC Alumni Hall of Fame, please visit www.mdc.edu/halloffame