Ryan Willis named Faculty Member of the Year

Coffeyville Community College (CCC) Math/Science Division Chair, Ryan Willis, has been named the Red Raven Faculty Member of the Year.  Willis graduated from Pittsburg State University (PSU) with bachelor and master’s degrees in physics.   

“I’ve worked on various areas of condensed matter physics and applications of nuclear physics on biomedical implants,” he said.  “My current interests lie in the area of theoretical biophysics; specifically the area of the DNA mechanics of supercoiling and its role in genetic regulation.” 

He started his teaching career at PSU as a graduate teaching assistant and went on to teach as an adjunct instructor for Labette Community College (LCC).  In 2000 Willis was hired by CCC as a Math/Physics instructor.  He primarily worked with students – lecturing in class and tutoring.  In the summer of 2006 Willis was asked to add some administrative duties to his job description by becoming the chair of the Math/Science Division.  He continues to teach various math and physics courses. 

“Ryan has been an excellent role model for the students,” said one nominator.  “Throughout the years I have heard nothing but praise about Ryan.” 

Two years ago Willis started the Physics Club in the hopes it would encourage learning about sciences outside of the classroom.  In the fall of 2007, he and co-worker, Chuck Reed, agreed to bring back the Academic Challenge team and they began competing with their first group of students in the spring of 2008.  Willis enjoys the diverse faculty and student body in which he works. 

“The great thing about our college is that I’m able to interact with people in different departments that I may not otherwise be able to in a larger college or university setting,” he said. 

When asked what his most important career accomplishments have been he said the honor of faculty of the year was at the top of the list. 

“I’m honored to be surrounded by people who continually give of themselves daily so the students may have opportunities that they might not otherwise enjoy,” he said.  

“Being nominated for this award was great, but to actually win in a group of so many deserving people was astonishing.”

Willis married Michelle in 2000.  He has a daughter, Brittany, who is a junior in high school and a son, Nicholas, who is in Kindergarten and “keeps the entire family on its toes.”  In his spare time he enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking, listening to music and hanging out with friends and family. 

One thing most people do not know about Willis is his ability to bang a drum. 

“I’ve played drums since I was 3-years-old.  It’s amazing my parents didn’t go nuts with my perpetual banging,” he said.  “I’ve played professionally in music ranging from heavy metal to jazz and rhythm and blues.  I even spent some time playing country with players from Brooks and Dunn, Clint Black and probably the most notable, Joe Don Rooney from Rascal Flatts.” 

The faculty member of the year is nominated by faculty and staff at CCC and chosen by a committee of employees from all areas on campus.