Criminal Justice Program Chair Receives Prestigious Teaching Award
Rick Basile, program chair of criminal justice at Edgecombe Community College, is this year’s recipient of the Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair. As part of his award, he received a chair with an engraved brass nameplate.
Rick Basile, program chair of criminal justice at Edgecombe Community College, has been awarded the 2019-2020 Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair.
The chair was endowed by Keihin Carolina System Technology (KCST) through a $100,000 gift in 2007, and it rewards excellence in teaching.
“I can’t imagine a more rewarding career than teaching, and I am immensely honored by this recognition,” Basile said in accepting the award during a recent ceremony. “KCST does so much for Edgecombe Community College, and a college and a community could not ask for a better neighbor.”
Basile has been a member of the ECC faculty for eight years. In addition to his role as a program chair and instructor, he advises the Criminal Justice Club and SkillsUSA. He also serves on a number of College committees, including the Distance Learning Committee, New Student Orientation Committee, Diversity and Global Connections Committee, Safety and Security Committee, and Quality Enhancement Plan Committee.
Basile’s work at ECC follows a thirty-year career in law enforcement, which culminated in his service as chief of police in Ellenville, NY, for five years, and in Ithaca, NY, for five years, where he retired.
“He is an exceptional and innovative instructor, has a servant’s heart with a contagious personality, and is fully committed to ECC and to our students,” said Lynwood Roberson, executive director of the ECC Foundation, in making the presentation. “Rick takes a personal interest in his students’ success and well-being and engages with students in the community.”
Basile holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY; a master’s degree in public administration from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY; and a certificate of advanced graduate studies from Bay Path College, MA.
The Keihin Endowed Faculty Chair is the highest distinction the College can bestow on a member of its faculty. As the Keihin chair holder, Basile receives $2,500 and a chair with an engraved brass nameplate.
Basile was selected by a committee of ECC personnel and KCST officials from a pool of four nominees who submitted a performance portfolio, a philosophy of teaching, and an essay.
Other nominees were Teresa Howell, English instructor and coordinator of the Curriculum Learning Center; Laura Otrimski, psychology instructor; and Suzi Shippen, surgical technology program chair.
Basile is the thirteenth Keihin Chair holder at the College. Previous recipients are instructors Stephen Herring, 2018: Carole Mehle, 2017; Jennifer Derby, 2016; Dr. Johnica Ellis-Kiser, 2015; Rebecca Stamilio-Ehret, 2014; Ann Kent, 2013; Tim King, 2012; Pam Morgan, 2011; Ralph Webb, 2010; Bruce Panneton, 2009; J.H. Koonce, 2008; and Monika Fleming, 2007.