Southeastern Community College Honors Gary Nealy with Fall 2025 Faculty/Instructional Staff Meritorious Service Award

Southeastern Community College (SCC) proudly recognized Gary Nealy, Chemistry Instructor, as the recipient of the Fall 2025 Faculty/Instructional Staff Meritorious Service Award during a recent campus ceremony honoring excellence in teaching and service.

This award celebrates an instructor whose dedication to students, instructional excellence, and commitment to the mission of SCC truly set them apart. Nealy is known for creating an engaging and supportive learning environment where students feel confident, motivated, and inspired to succeed. Approachable and deeply knowledgeable, he focuses not only on academic achievement but also on helping students grow as individuals.

Nealy consistently goes above and beyond in his instructional role, often spending evenings and weekends on campus preparing labs and hands-on experiments that bring complex concepts to life. His innovative teaching strategies—including the effective use of technology and interactive tools—help students connect theory to real-world applications and develop a deeper understanding of chemistry.

Teaching a challenging discipline, Nealy has a remarkable ability to help students believe they can do hard things. Through clear instruction, enthusiasm, and genuine care, he creates a classroom environment where students rise to the challenge and succeed. His impact extends beyond SCC’s campus through the development of hybrid courses, coordination of laboratory experiences at local high schools, and strong partnerships that expand access to college-level learning across the community.

In addition to carrying a full teaching load, Nealy actively supports students inside and outside the classroom and participates in campus-wide initiatives and recruitment efforts. His consistent excellence, unselfish devotion to duty, and positive attitude reflect a deep commitment to student success and the mission of Southeastern Community College.

“Gary Nealy embodies the very best of what it means to be an educator at Southeastern Community College,” said Dr. Brandon Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer. “His passion for teaching, service to students, and dedication to our college make a lasting impact on everyone he serves.”

Southeastern Community College is honored to recognize Gary Nealy as the Fall 2025 Faculty/Instructional Staff Meritorious Service Award recipient and thanks him for the meaningful difference he continues to make in the lives of students and the greater Columbus County community.