COMMUNITY 39
Lois Bartsch, biology instructor Over the past decade, biology instructor Lois Bartsch has become a key member of the department. As a departmental course scheduler, she coordinates lecture and lab schedules for more than 40 sections across three campuses each quarter. She has had a key role in preparing for the College’s new biotechnology program launching in fall 2026. “Lois has done an excellent job staying on top of these changes and ensuring courses are scheduled to meet the needs of students in the program,” said adjunct instructor Bernadine Cutsor. Bartsch also serves as BIOS 2150 course coordinator, working with faculty to integrate technology and activities into labs that reinforce lectures. In her classes, students frequently use Kahoot!, a game-based learning platform, as well as lab safety escape rooms to spark curiosity and increase engagement. “She always finds a way to ensure every student can learn effectively,” Cutsor said. Stan Struble, adjunct sociology instructor For nearly two decades, Stan Struble has shared his love of sociology as an MCC adjunct instructor. Longtime colleague and sociology instructor Mary Burbach said his contributions have been essential to the department.
“She embodies the very best of Metropolitan Community College.” — Jane Franklin, MCC dean of Social Sciences
Joseph Koch, adjunct information technology instructor Information technology adjunct instructor Joseph Koch draws on his industry experience as an IT manager at Mutual Omaha to instruct students and provide curriculum feedback. Koch recently volunteered to evaluate a new software solution for documenting student work. He is also an active contributor to the Business and Industry Leadership Team, working with industry partners to ensure programs align with workforce needs. “Joe’s feedback has guided critical updates for our data center and server administration curriculum,” wrote instructors Guillermo Rosas and Lian Ti in a joint nomination. “This is unpaid, unseen labor that significantly elevates our program’s quality and ensures our graduates are marketable.” Koch also supports students by offering mock interviews and encouraging them to apply for jobs early. Student Marie Labedz said his guidance helped her develop professional skills, including résumé writing and selecting references. “I recently got the job of a lifetime, one that I would not have applied for without his guidance,” she wrote.
“We would be lost without him,” Burbach said.
Megan Han, math concurrent enrollment instructor
Former student Connie Taylor said Struble’s passion for both the subject and his students is evident in the feedback he provides. She noted that his responses to assignments often include additional resources for further exploration.
At Marian High School in Omaha, Megan Han teaches college-level mathematics for MCC concurrent enrollment students while cultivating excitement for the subject.
“It is validating for an online student to see evidence that their instructor has read and responded specifically to their papers and posts,” Taylor said.
One of her precalculus students said, “She is not only an amazing teacher but pushed me to keep going when things got hard … she is also the only teacher to ever write me a song about math!”
Franklin added that faculty members often attend Struble’s classes to observe his teaching style.
Marian High School Principal Susie Sullivan noted Han’s dedication to improving both her subject knowledge and teaching practice through professional development. Han recently completed her master’s degree in mathematics at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
“I recently got the job of a lifetime, one that I would not have applied for without his guidance.” — Marie Labedz, student
“In my 11 years at Marian, I have accumulated more complimentary emails and notes about Megan Han’s teaching ability and professionalism than any other teacher,” Sullivan wrote.