BCCEA Selects Janice Akao for Master Teacher Award

Written by: Caleb Sanderson

Janice Akao, Department Chair of Accounting, Business Administration and Data Analytics, was named the 2024 Master Teacher by the Butler Community College Education Association (BCCEA). 

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Master Teacher award,” Akao said. “I sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of my efforts in the field of education, including the countless hours, dedication and love I have poured into my work.” 

BCCEA has recognized an outstanding faculty member since 1973 to showcase instructors who exemplify the qualities of student engagement, scholarship, excellent teaching skills and service to both the college and BCCEA. 

“As a Butler representative, Janice ‘walks her talk’ among students, colleagues, administration, employers and the community served,” Terry Sader, BCCEA President, said. “In other words, she leads by example. She is consistently energetic with an infectious smile, very passionate about her convictions and tends to insist on following established rules to create a level playing field.” 

The Butler Community College Foundation will host a public, on-campus event on May 1 at 2 p.m., in the 800 Building, room 806. Akao will receive a one-time bonus from the endowed fund and an award from BCCEA, which is also paid for by the endowed fund. The Master Teacher reception award and honorarium are provided by the Marjorie Gilroy Knowles Teaching Excellence fund. 

As an active member of the Butler community, Akao is Vice President of finance for Kansas Council of Workforce Education (KCWE), represents Butler as a member of the Kansas Data Science Consortium, serves as the Chair of the Butler Faculty Curriculum Team and is the state advisor for Butler’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter. For FBLA, Akao assists chapter fundraising, oversees conference travel and is an active supporter of student members. 

“Janice is not only my colleague and mentor, but she was my Butler accounting 2 instructor in the spring of 1998,” said Associate Professor of Business and Accounting Rhonda Thomas. “Following her well-planned, systematic approach to the complex subject of accounting with no prior knowledge of the subject, opened a whole new world of career possibilities for me. I am proud to be a living attestation of Janice Akao’s ability to influence, inspire and motivate. Her work has prompted me to ‘pay it forward’ myself as a professor to my own students.” 

Akao is deeply invested in her students and their successes. “Teaching has always been more than just a profession for me; it's a passion and a calling,” Akao expressed. “I want to extend my gratitude to the selection committee for their time and consideration. I am humbled to be in the company of such esteemed colleagues who share the same commitment to excellence in education.” 

A Wichita native, Akao is a Certified Public Accountant with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arizona and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Grand Canyon University. 

Akao’s award also includes recognition at the 2024 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) conference in Austin, Texas in May. 

“This award motivates me to continue striving for the highest standards and to inspire and empower my students to reach their full potential,” said Akao.