2022 Sherrie & Daryl Parker Faculty Award | Michele Coville
Yakima Valley College selected Radiologic Sciences Instructor Michele Coville as the 2022 recipient of the Sherrie & Daryl Parker Faculty Award.
Coville was born and raised in the Yakima Valley. After graduating high school, she attended YVC earning an associate of applied science degree in radiologic technology and associate in arts and sciences degree. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences from Pima Medical Institute and a master’s in business administration – healthcare management from Western Governors University.
She worked as a registered technologist in radiography, mammography and computed tomography for 18 years, including 15 years at Yakima Memorial Hospital, prior to joining YVC’s faculty full-time. She started teaching part-time at YVC in 2007 for the Computed Tomography (CT) and Radiologic Sciences Program and transitioned to a full-time position in 2015.
She currently teaches radiation biology, physics, image production, sectional anatomy and pathology, digital imaging, CT advance procedures and clinic practicum.
“After working in the community at a hospital for several years with radiology students in the clinical environment, I realized my passion for teaching,” Coville said. “I realized the work was meaningful, fulfilling and made a difference. That is when I decided to continue my education so that I could, hopefully, someday become an educator. With strong mentorship from the YVC faculty while I was a part-time faculty member, I was able to fulfill that dream.”
She is known by her students for providing support and compassion when they are struggling. Student Casondra Macias was especially grateful for Coville’s support when she noticed Macias was struggling due to an invisible disability.
“She was able to see this because she is very observing and asks all the students in her classes to ensure we all understand the material,” Macias said. “She is welcoming, kind and patient. I honestly feel like Michele is a huge part of why students succeed from this program. The world needs more instructors that love what they do and that are dedicated to all of their students success!”
The award provides recognition to a full-time faculty member who, through extraordinary interactions and personal influence, motivates students toward greater academic and personal achievement. The selection is made by a committee from nominations submitted by students. Established by longtime supporters of the college, Sherrie and Daryl Parker, this is a $2,500 unrestricted monetary award.
