Paradise Valley Community College is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award: Tracy Brooks (Nursing), Lester Peterson (Business), and Katharine Elizabeth Stuff (Chemistry). These exceptional educators have gone above and beyond in their classrooms, departments, and communities, exemplifying PVCC’s mission to empower students and foster a vibrant learning environment.
Selected through a rigorous nomination process, the award celebrates adjunct faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching practices, student engagement, professional development, and community involvement. All three honorees were recognized alongside fellow district awardees at the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Awards Dinner in earlier this month.
“We are proud to recognize three of our exceptional adjunct faculty members as PVCC’s Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award winners,” said Eddie Lamperez, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. “These dedicated educators go above and beyond in the classroom, creating supportive, engaging, and academically rigorous environments that help our students thrive. Their commitment to student success, innovative teaching practices, and contributions to our learning community embody the very best of PVCC.”
With a passion for shaping the next generation of healthcare providers, Brooks brings enthusiasm, empathy, and a student-centered approach to her work in the Nursing department. “I truly feel so fortunate that I can positively impact the next generation of nurses!” Brooks shared. “The nursing department has so much positive energy that it does not matter how little sleep I may have had. Every day on that campus, I learn something new and feel better than when I first arrived!”
Known for her supportive mentorship and dedication to student growth, Brooks creates a collaborative learning environment where students feel seen, challenged, and inspired. Her work contributes directly to the strength and spirit of PVCC’s acclaimed nursing program.
Secondly, a seasoned business strategist and former four-term Mayor of Carefree, Arizona, Peterson brings a lifetime of real-world experience into the classroom. “Being recognized as one of PVCC’s outstanding adjunct faculty is extremely meaningful to me,” said Peterson. “It confirms to me that PVCC’s leadership agrees with my viewpoint that sharing actual market experience and perspective with students is an important and necessary component of their education.”
Peterson began his career with Procter & Gamble and went on to advise over 180 major companies in marketing and business planning. His extensive professional network has brought a dynamic lineup of guest speakers to PVCC, including a U.S. Navy submarine captain, a United Airlines senior executive, and the VP of the Arizona Biltmore Resort. His dedication to bridging academic knowledge with practical application makes a lasting impact on students pursuing careers in business and beyond.
And lastly, known for her engaging and accessible approach to teaching science, Stuff brings chemistry to life for her students, whether in-person, hybrid, or online. “Teaching is one of the greatest and most fulfilling callings one can strive for,” she said, sharing that her innovative methods and consistent support foster confidence and curiosity, helping students overcome barriers and achieve academic success.
“It was truly amazing to see how these particular adjuncts reflected a commitment to PVCC and the surrounding community in so many areas in outstanding ways,” said Lee Chivers, who oversees adjunct faculty at PVCC. “Their efforts don’t just enhance the classroom—they elevate the entire college experience for our students.”