Frazier named Coahoma’s 2022 Humanities Teacher of the Year

For 2022 Humanities Teacher of the Year recipient Shanelle D. Frazier, oral communication, best known to the CCC campus community as public speaking, is "not just a subject matter" but also a life skill.

Guiding college students in successful communication brings her much joy as it is an opportunity to give back to students braving the same position she once was.

"I had instructors that did the same for me," she commented.

Frazier has accelerated to four years of service as an adjunct Public Speaking instructor for Coahoma Community College. Also serving as Student Employment Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid, she escapes the rush of routine instructing Zumba classes and re-energizes with the lively workout style and Step Aerobics when off-duty.

"We only get one life to live; I hope that we live that life loving God, ourselves, and others," Frazier said, expressing her philosophy.

She is co-author of the book "The Frazier Chronicles: Finding Peace after Pain" and delights in being a member of the boy mom club thanks to her handsome, healthy toddler, Tyler Johnson.

Uniquely carrying teaching experience attained at her dear alma mater Mississippi Valley State, Frazier possesses an associate degree in computer science from Coahoma Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication, and a Master of Science in mass communication from Arkansas State University.

Frazier says of the elite Humanities Teacher of the Year naming, "I feel honored, excited and very grateful for the opportunity. I love teaching and aspire to teach full-time one day, so I believe that I am on my way to even greater heights." Additionally, she anticipates continuing the tradition of accepting the honor through an oral presentation, remarking, "I believe that it will impact administrators, faculty, staff, and students on college campuses."

It motivates her to know that she gets to aid another in communicating more effectively.

While speaking and writing are tools employed in communicating daily, Frazier wishes to make students aware that effective communication is critical to their future as it can determine how milestone occurrences pan out.

"My students who may be timid or shy or who just naturally fear public speaking, I love seeing them progress and coming out of that "shell," she said. "That is a great feeling."

In terms of Coahoma Community College, she expresses high adoration for the institution. Coahoma is where she received a chunk of her education and now serves.

"CCC is a "home away from home" opportunity for anyone who wants to be here. You are able to be educated, and get a college experience like you would if you were somewhere else. I have enjoyed seeing students learn, thrive, and graduate," Frazier sentiments.

Referencing one of her main influences, CCC stands as part of Frazier's full-circle story about instructor Cynthia Williams-Roberson, whom she admires for remaining devoted to her ideologies.

"Mrs. Roberson was my instructor, my supervisor for a number of years, became my mentor and is now the chair of her department and serves as my supervisor again. She is a lover of God, English, and "doing the right thing," and I have always looked up to and respected her for that," said Frazier.