Wytheville Community College (WCC) recently awarded the 2026 WCC Distinguished Teaching Award to Alicia Roberts, Associate Professor of Nursing/Simulation Coordinator.
This award recognizes a WCC full-time or part-time teaching faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching and in other areas of instruction such as the ability to inspire students to perform beyond normal expectations; responsiveness to needs within and outside the class; contributions to improve the intellectual climate of WCC; and the individual’s depth and breadth of expertise, sensitivity, enthusiasm, and dedication. Dr. Dean Sprinkle noted the student’s nomination stated, “Mrs. Roberts consistently demonstrates distinguished teaching through her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to student success. She creates a supportive learning environment where students feel respected, encouraged, and safe to ask questions.”
The WCC Distinguished Service Award and the Distinguished Teaching Award were established by Nathaniel W. Pendleton, Jr. in memory of his father, Nathaniel Willis Pendleton, Sr., to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching and service at Wytheville Community College. Nathaniel Willis Pendleton was Wythe County’s representative in the Virginia House of Delegates who, together with state Sen. D. Woodrow Bird, introduced the necessary enabling bills in the 1962 General Assembly to establish WCC and appropriate its operating funds.
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Pictured: Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President; and, Alicia Roberts, WCC Associate Professor of Nursing