Dedicated and passionate were two words her fellow faculty members continually used in describing Dr. Judy Mirick. Dedication to her students and their learning. Passion for her field of science and passing it along to another generation.

These traits are why her colleagues chose her to receive the 2021 Archie Vernon and Margaret Wannamaker Huff Faculty Award at Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC). The award recognizes an SMC faculty member who exemplifies outstanding professional qualifications and teaching ability.

“When I heard my name called, I was quite surprised,” Dr. Mirick said. “It caught me off guard and I couldn’t stop smiling.”

The award is presented annually, as a surprise, during the college’s spring commencement ceremony.

Dr. Mirick has made a quick impression on her students and fellow faculty, under challenging circumstances, during her brief two-years at SMC. She started teaching physics and physical science at SMC in August 2019, just a little more than a semester before the pandemic changed the college dynamic. Her passion was still able to shine through, even though she barely had in-person time to get to know her students and colleagues.

“Judy is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is committed to her craft and her students,” said Dr. Kirk Hansen, SMC history professor and chair of the faculty steering committee. “I am thrilled that Judy’s hard work has been recognized with this year’s Huff Award.”

Prior to SMC, Dr. Mirick spent 11 years teaching science at the Marlborough School in Los Angeles and was an associate professor of science and mathematics at Andrew College before that. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in physics and her Doctor of Philosophy all from Clemson University. She is honored to be recognized by her colleagues.

“It is a wonderful feeling and I’m so appreciative of everyone for their confidence in me,” Dr. Mirick said. “It confirms to me that I made the right decision in coming to SMC. I feel I have finally found the right fit that I have been looking for throughout my years of teaching.”

The Huff Faculty Award was endowed in 1970 by Dr. A.V. Huff, Jr., a former SMC Board of Trustees member, and his wife, Kate, in memory of his parents, Archie Vernon and Margaret Wannamaker Huff.