HARRISBURG (SIC) – Southeastern Illinois College has announced that Paul Cummins, Chair of the Humanities Division, has been bestowed with the prestigious Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for the 2023-2024 academic year. This honor, awarded by a vote of his peers, recognizes Cummins’ exceptional contributions to education and his commitment to the success of his students.
The Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award is reserved for individuals who exemplify excellence in teaching, demonstrate dedication to their field, and exhibit a profound impact on the academic and personal development of their students. Cummins, with over three decades of teaching experience, embodies these qualities and more.
Cummins has a long history with the college graduating from the now Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study in 1977. He went on to graduate from Carrier Mills High School, and became a 1992 graduate of SIC. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in Communication Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and studied additional graduate courses in Social Justice and Pedagogy. Cummins began teaching and coaching forensics at Mt. Vernon High School for five years before coming to Southeastern in 2000.
“Throughout his tenure at Southeastern Illinois College, Paul has not only imparted knowledge but has also inspired and mentored countless students,” said SIC President Dr. Jonah Rice. “His dedication extends beyond the confines of the classroom, as evidenced by his leadership roles and active involvement in various academic and professional organizations.”
Cummins teaches a number of communications classes such as public speaking, business and professional communication, and a variety of competitive forensics courses. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Cummins served as the Director of Forensics for 17 years, guiding the Forensic Falcons to numerous successes and championships. His leadership extends beyond the campus, as he actively participates in regional and national forensic associations as Executive Director of the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association and Board of Directors and Comptroller for the Phi Rho Pi National Forensics Association. He is also an active member of the National Communication Association and Illinois Communication and Theatre Association.
“Paul is an unbelievable presence on the SIC campus, and his contributions are too many to count,” said Dr. Tyler Billman, SIC Executive Dean of Academic Services. “I have had Paul as a teacher, a speech coach, a friend and a colleague – and he has been exceptional in each of those roles.”
Outside of higher education, Cummins is a child court advocate for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Southeastern Illinois, a volunteer for Friends of Saline County Animals, and a member of the Harrisburg Elks Club.
Reflecting on his career, Cummins remarked, “If you tell a student they are something long enough, they will believe it and proceed through education accordingly. Why not tell them that they are outstanding?”
This philosophy underscores his belief in the transformative power of education and his commitment to nurturing the potential of every student.
The Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award not only celebrates Cummins’ exceptional achievements but also honors the legacy of Loren and Velma Dallas, whose passion for education and dedication to Southern Illinois continue to inspire future generations. Established in 1996 by Lorna Dallas-Brown and the late Ellen Wiggins, daughters of Loren and Velma Dallas, this award recognizes individuals who embody the Dallas family’s commitment to fostering excellence in education. Each year the Dallas endowment through the SIC Foundation awards $500 to the Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
As the recipient of this esteemed award, Cummins joins a select group of educators who have made a lasting impact on the lives of students and the community. He is also eligible for the 2024 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Faculty Member Award, as well.
