PUEBLO – Two members of the Pueblo Community College emergency medical services program will be recognized next month for their efforts in EMS education.
The Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado recently announced that Dawnelle Mathis, chair of PCC's EMS program, will receive the CJ Shanaberger Lifetime Achievement Award. Carter Smith, coordinator of EMS education at PCC Southwest in Mancos, was named the Dr. Gerald Gordon EMS Instructor of the Year.
"We are incredibly proud of Dawn and Carter for receiving these honors," said Andrew Miller, dean of PCC's Health Professions and Public Safety Division. "Dawn’s lifetime of service and leadership, along with Carter’s dedication to developing the next generation of EMS professionals, reflects the very best of PCC and their lasting impact on EMS education across Colorado."
Mathis became the EMS department chair in 2005 and has guided the department's tremendous growth over two decades. She prioritized making EMS education available in the many rural communities throughout PCC's service area and in 2020, she oversaw the creation of the department's bachelor-degree program in advanced paramedic practice.
She was appointed by the governor to two state advisory councils, chaired the statewide EMS education discipline team from 2008-2013, and volunteers as a site visitor for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in addition to serving on other boards and committees related to EMS education. She worked as an emergency medical technician, ER technician, and paramedic in communities throughout Colorado.
"I'm really humbled," Mathis said. "This award belongs to everyone in the EMS department because it's a group effort. We have such an amazing, strong team."
Smith joined PCC in 2017, working at the main campus in Pueblo before transferring to PCC's Southwest campus in Mancos. He has played a critical role in expanding EMS education in the region's rural areas.
"It is an honor to serve Colorado’s EMS community by educating both EMS providers and the educators who prepare them," said Smith. "I am grateful for the support of PCC and my family, who have given me opportunities to grow, present and educate across the state."
Smith serves on the State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council and is president-elect of the Colorado EMS Educators Association. He has more than 20 years of experience as an EMS professional, including more than a decade with AMR in various roles.
Mathis and Smith will be honored at the EMSAC statewide conference in November.
