Skip navigation

Faculty & Staff Profiles

Penny Chase on Norfolk Campus.
“I enjoy working on this team, as everyone works together to get the job done.” — Penny Chase

Penny Chase is TCC’s Wage Employee of the Year. As a trade technician on the Virginia Beach Campus, Chase is known for going the extra mile in her position. “Penny comes in every day and gets in her golf cart and does what is asked of her, plus more,” said Regina Simmons, custodial supervisor at […]

Thomas Armstrong, Classified Employee of the Year.
“One thing I always try to do is treat people fairly and work hard.” — Tommy Armstrong

Thomas “Tommy” Armstrong was recognized by the college’s Classified Association for his innovative leadership as facilities manager for Trades Services on the Virginia Beach Campus. Armstrong’s department covers the physical maintenance of the campus, which includes 126 acres of land and 13 buildings. Armstrong and his team oversee the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other system […]

Alison Napier, Outstanding Adjunct Faculty.
“I love showing students that art is all around us.” — Alison Napier

Alison Napier is the recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award. She is an art historian recognized for her significant contributions to course development and her focus on student success.  Her passion for Art History comes from her curious nature and investigative spirit. “Art History is fascinating because you look at history, what’s happening in the […]

Judy Gill, Faculty Special Achievement.
“It’s wonderful to see students grow in their knowledge of this emerging field.” — Judy Gill

Judy Gill, director of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations and associate professor of mathematics, was honored by the Faculty Senate with the Faculty Special Achievement award for her development of the Drone Pilot Program at TCC. Gill, who joined the college full-time in 2004 teaches UAS and developmental and college-level math. “I am honored to be recognized by my peers […]

Heather Boone, Professor of the Year.
“TCC is more than a college. It’s a place that changes lives.” — Heather Boone

Heather Boone is the Professor of the Year, chosen by the Faculty Senate. Professor Boone has taught Graphic Design at the college since 2008 and is being honored for her dedication to student success and engagement. Boone, a Virginia Beach resident, teaches typography, publication design, interaction design and systems design in online, in-person and hybrid formats. […]

Ed Sivells in the CMVE
TCC staffer pays it forward at the CMVE

Meet Ed Sivells. He is a proud Navy veteran who is paying it forward at TCC. Sivells is one of the certifying officials for the Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE). Last week, he submitted the 1 millionth application to certify a military-related student for educational benefits through the Veterans Administration’s new enrollment management […]

Professor Antonio Passaro on TCC's Norfolk Campus.
TCC professor writes book about school safety

Antonio Passaro Jr., Ph.D., started as a TCC student and is now the department chair and professor of TCC’s Criminal Justice program. He is also a published author who recently celebrated a book release. Passaro was a first-generation college student who started his education at TCC and credits the school as being the reason for […]

Andrea Palmisano at the Virginia Beach Campus.
Making a difference for students at home and in the nation

Psychology Professor Andrea Palmisano has been teaching at TCC since 2010. When she is not in the classroom, Palmisano serves as a general and family mediator with the Supreme Court of Virginia. She also has her own mediation business. In May, Palmisano will help the Tangipahoa Parish School System which is under a desegregation order […]

Khadijah Peak-Brown on Norfolk Campus
TCC staffer shines at national conference

Tidewater Community College Coordinator Khadijah Peak-Brown is part of the Emerging Leaders for NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. Peak-Brown recently presented at NACADA’s (National Academic Advising Association) national convention held in Portland, Oregon. She facilitated two workshops, one on “Understanding Double Consciousness: The Path to True Inclusive Advising.” The other was on “Academic […]

Professor Peter Shaw on TCC's Norfolk Campus.
A $10K gift that keeps giving

It seems a little quieter around Tidewater Community College’s Norfolk Campus now that Business Professor Peter Shaw has retired from teaching. Shaw was often seen in front of a TV camera doing interviews with local TV reporters about business issues of the day. Interestingly, Shaw completed more than 100 interviews over the last decade. Shaw […]