April 10, 2018
Sharon LeJeune Fisher of Meridian, biological sciences instructor, was selected East Central Community College’s “Instructor of the Year” for 2018 and will be recognized during the college’s Administration, Faculty and Staff Association (AFSA) end-of-the-year luncheon in May.
Fisher began her tenure at East Central in 2002, having previously served as a science instructor at Meridian High School from 1990-2002. She also taught as an adjunct instructor for ECCC from 1996 to 2002, and taught four years at Kate Griffin Junior High School in Meridian. She was a developmental chemist for Vanity Fair in Monroeville, Ala., for five years prior to her teaching career.
When students describe Fisher’s classes and her teaching style, they use words like energy and excitement. They say she always keeps class interesting. So how does one keep that level of high energy and excitement after so many years in the classroom?
“The students are my major motivator,” Fisher said. “It is so great to work with them each day and hopefully help them learn and prepare for their future careers. It is a joy to teach such wonderful students. They are my source of energy!”
In her 32 years as a classroom instructor, Fisher has received various awards included being named HEADWAE (Higher Education Appreciation Day: Working Toward Academic Excellence) Instructor of the Year, an honor presented by the Mississippi Legislature, in 2003 and 2017; selected a Lamplighter in 1999, which recognized outstanding community and junior college faculty across the state; and she was previously selected ECCC Instructor of the Year in 2004.
Although she has been recognized many times for outstanding teaching, she is quick to count among her greatest memories the time she has spent with students.
“After 32 years, there are so many! But they always involve working with students and colleagues. Whether it’s an animal story memory, an Environmental Club memory, or one of the many memories our science faculty have, they always involve our students!”
When asked her best advice for students, Fisher said, “Study, study, study! Always read the chapters! Always go to class! You will set yourself up to succeed! Manage your time well and you will have time for the other activities that are such fun and together will make for such wonderful memories of EC!”
Fisher received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and her educational specialist degree from the University of West Alabama (previously Livingston University). She also holds the associate’s degree from East Mississippi Community College.
She is a member of Kappa Kappa Iota, National Science Teachers Association, Association of Southeastern Biologists and Mississippi Science Teachers Association. She is a past president and vice president of AFSA and participates in Relay for Life.
