HutchCC recognizes professor, student
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Matt Smith, an associate professor of business at Hutchinson Community College, has been selected as a finalist for the Dragon Educator of the Year award, marking his most recent recognition in 2025.
Smith has taught at HutchCC since 2014 and holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Friends University. He instructs courses in human resources, customer service, sales management, retailing and entrepreneurship.
Students consistently praise Smith's teaching approach and availability outside the classroom. One student noted his willingness to go "above and beyond for his students, always promptly replying to emails and helping explain course content if needed."
The college describes Smith as "engaging, motivational, and always willing to help" students regardless of their experience level. Faculty colleagues have highlighted his responsiveness and support for student success.
Smith has been nominated for the Dragon Educator of the Year award multiple times throughout his tenure at the community college. The recognition program honors faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student learning and engagement.
The college promotes Smith's recognition as part of its weekly "Inspiring Instructor" series, which showcases faculty achievements on social media.
Hutchinson Community College has not announced when the Dragon Educator of the Year winner will be selected. The institution serves students in south-central Kansas with academic and workforce training programs.
Smith's nomination reflects the college's emphasis on recognizing faculty who maintain high standards for student interaction and academic support.
Christian Hernandez traveled more than 8,000 miles from San Pedro in Laguna, Philippines, to pursue his education at Hutchinson Community College, where he distinguished himself both in the welding lab and the competitive gaming arena.
Hernandez recently completed an Associate of Applied Science in Welding at HutchCC, earning recognition on both the Vice President's and President's Honor Rolls. The international student also received the Superior Boiler Scholarship and the E.R. Dales Scholarship during his academic tenure.
Beyond his classroom achievements, Hernandez made his mark as a member of the HutchCC eSports team, ultimately winning a national championship in Tekken 7. His competitive approach, however, set him apart from typical gaming rivalries.
"This student is a true leader and extremely nice," his nominator wrote. "He spent a good portion of the competition time talking to the opponent and giving tips in the most friendly, non-condescending way for Tekken 7. He ended up in the finals with a friend he made along the way as his opponent and won."
Hernandez's technical skills extended beyond the virtual world. He participated in creating a giant red steel Christmas sled for the Light Up Hutch Downtown Christmas parade as part of the HutchCC Welding Technology program. The project, which featured his wife as a rider, won one of the top awards among all float entries.
The student credited multiple individuals for his success at HutchCC, including Professor Greg Siepert, Professor Courtney Cauble, his classmates and his esports teammates.
"I wouldn't have made it without her support," Hernandez said of his wife, who accompanied him during his educational journey in Kansas.
Hernandez represents part of HutchCC's summer series highlighting student excellence under the Distinguished Dragons program, which recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership and inspiration during their academic careers.