Dr. Cassandra Pfeifer named Budig Outstanding MCC teacher

Dr. Casandra Pfeifer receives the Gene Budig Award for outstanding McCook Community College faculty from Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy during MCC Commencement Friday.

 

McCook Community College awarded Dr. Cassandra Pfeifer winner of the 2025 Gene Budig Outstanding Faculty Award. The announcement came Friday during MCC’s Commencement ceremony at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Also at Friday’s Commencement, Ken Foster received the President’s Award for outstanding service to the college. Sophomore Natalie Harmata delivered the student commencement speech.

Dr. Pfeifer, who teaches English, was selected by the college’s Gene Budig Award selection committee and submitted to the Mid-Plains Community College Cabinet. Budig who was an MCC graduate, provides a $1,000 award each year to recognize and honor outstanding educators.

“In her tenure at MCC, Dr. Pfeifer has consistently shown dedication, drive, and responsiveness to students, college, and community,” said a nomination from one colleague. “She has repeatedly shown her dedication to her discipline as well as her students while at our institution.”

The nomination went on to say that Dr. Pfeifer has a knack for connecting with students to meet them where they are academically and she encourages them to meet her demanding course goals, which helps them grow academically.

Originally from Northern Illinois, Pfeifer lived in England for a year and, prior to moving to McCook from Southern Louisiana. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Rock Valley College in Rockford, Ill. in 2006; a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. in 2008; a Master of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Essex, in Colchester, England in 2010 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English and Folklore from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2019. 

At MCC, Dr. Pfeifer’s courses are known for being well developed. A folklore class she developed quickly became a favorite amongst the student body.  Her communication style is both inviting and authentic.

“I have frequent interactions with our students and often ask who their favorite instructors are,” said another nomination letter. “Dr. Pfeifer has consistently been one of the top responses since her arrival.”

The colleague asked the students why, the most common response is, “She was tough, but fair and I liked her class more than I thought I would.”

Beyond the classroom she served as a co-advisor for the International Club and sponsored the college’s international student travelers abroad. In the Fall of 2023, Dr. Pfeifer collaborated with Residence Life to host, “Friday the 13^th - Trail of Misfortune.” This interactive event connected students to the folklore surrounding Friday the 13^th. 

Beyond campus, she has become involved in the community through participation in local arts organizations.

“Dr. Pfeifer is ever-present on campus and in the community,” said Jody Tomanek, Vice President for Academic Affairs and NPCC. “She has made a lasting impression on MCC and our students.”