PIQUA — The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recently awarded Edison State Community College professor David Barth with an inaugural Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation at the annual AACC national convention in Dallas.

He was one of 50 honorees, nationwide.

Barth, of Troy, is an associate professor of electronics engineering technology. He also serves as the coordinator of the Electronics Engineering Technology program. Barth holds a Master of Science in electronic engineering from Michigan Technical University.

Named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, the association established the designation to recognize individuals making a difference in the classroom. Nominees had to demonstrate passion for the students and the classroom; show a willingness to support students, inside and outside of the classroom; be inclined to participate in college committees; and go above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.

Outside of instructing, Barth is consistently looking for ways to improve the Electronics Engineering Technology program at Edison State. In the last year and a half, he has developed a number of new certificate options for students, completed transfer agreements with university and vocational school partners and revised the program’s curriculum to align with the Guided Pathways approach to promoting student success and completion. Additionally, he has served on a number of committees and taken on responsibilities to ensure new initiatives are successful.

The AACC recognized award recipients with commemorative medals at a private reception with author Jeanette Walls (“The Glass Castle”). Recipients’ names will be showcased on a new AACC Faculty Wall of Distinction.