PUEBLO – Pueblo Community College recently announced the four individuals who were selected as 2023 employees of the year.
Winners were selected in four categories – administrative/professional/technical, classified, faculty and part-time instructor. The recipients are James Cordova (faculty), Lorna Jackson (classified), Aaron Lucero (APT) and Maurie Lucero (part-time instructor). All are employees at PCC’s Pueblo campus.
The group will be recognized as part of PCC’s Spring Kickoff and employee appreciation breakfast Jan. 11.
“PCC has a very dynamic group of talented faculty and staff who work tirelessly on behalf of student success, so to be recognized by colleagues and students as employee of the year is something special,” said PCC President Patty Erjavec. “And this year’s recipients are indeed special! We are grateful and humbled to consider them outstanding contemporaries.”
Cordova has been the leader of the automotive technology program since 2013, but his involvement with the college dates to his time as a student in the same department. He is known for his commitment to creating a family environment for students that extends beyond the classroom.
Under Cordova’s leadership, the automotive program has received state, regional and national recognition. In recent years, the department was selected to be part of Subaru University and the Ford Automotive Career Exploration program, enabling students to earn valuable industry certifications while attending PCC.
Jackson, an administrative assistant, is the face of PCC’s dental hygiene program. Students, colleagues and visitors can rely on her for a friendly greeting and help with anything they need. She has worked in the department since 2020 and previously spent several years working with the PCC Foundation.
A native of Vieques, Puerto Rico, Jackson is an Air Force veteran. She is also a current student at PCC and will earn her business degree in 2024.
Aaron Lucero is an engagement coach with TRIO Student Support Services, working with students who are first generation, low income and/or have documented disabilities. He started working at PCC in 2015.
In addition to his strong commitment to helping students succeed at the college, he has worked with several PCC, community and statewide committees and organizations. Lucero helped form PCC’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee and served as its chair.
Maurie Lucero joined PCC in 2017 as an instructor with the health information technology program. She has nearly two decades of experience in several areas of the health care industry.
Lucero earned praise from colleagues and students for holding office hours multiple times each week – in person or online, according to a student’s preference – to work through course material. The practice had a significant positive impact on students’ development.
PCC’s winners also will be recognized in the spring at a statewide event for employees of the year from all 13 colleges in the Colorado Community College System.
