PCI's Rudibaugh awarded Instructor of the Year

Published: November 1, 2011
Related to: Southeast Central eTeam

Mike Rudibaugh, the director of mapping and analysis at Partnership for a Connected Illinois, was awarded Instructor of the Year by the the Illinois Community College Faculty Association.

From the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier:

MATTOON - Lake Land College's Mike Rudibaugh is honored to be the Illinois Community College Faculty Association's Instructor of the Year and appreciates that this has brought more attention to his field - geospatial technology.

Rudibaugh said rural communities can use satellite-based computerized maps and other geospatial technology to respond to trends in population movement, high-speed Internet access, job creation and other issues that are essential to their economic development.

"I think I am right in the crosshairs of one of the hugest challenges in our region," said Rudibaugh, adding that geospatial technology will likely guide the state's ongoing debate on school district consolidation. He has taught geography and earth science courses at Lake Land since 1995.

Rudibaugh started his career as a faculty member instructing Earth Science and Geographic Information Systems courses at Lake Land College in 1996.  He has served (2008-2011) as the Co-PI for the National Science Foundation Geospatial Technology Center (GEOTECH). The GEOTECH Center is the lead organization representing curriculum/ professional development, recruitment, and career pathway development in geospatial technology for the nation’s community college system. Rudibaugh holds a B.A. from Eastern Illinois University (Psychology) and a M.A. (1996) and Ph.D. (2006) from Indiana State University in Economic Geography. His dissertation research focused on assessing the impact of location (urban vs. rural) and resulting influence on strategic planning issues impacting community colleges and their role within local economies.

Click here to read the full article in the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier.