ACTC professor wins Gussler Award

May 20, 2018   

     Dr. Alan C. Alley, associate professor of anatomy and physiology at Ashland Community and Technical College, has received the annual Gussler Family Endowed Chair in Science and Mathematics Award. The award was announced at ACTC’s graduation ceremony on May 4.
     This is the first time Dr. Alley has received the prestigious award, established by Dr. C. Gordon Gussler and his wife Dixie Gussler in 2007 to recognize full-time math and science faculty who foster in their students a desire to learn and reach their maximum potential.
     “I'm very thankful for God's favor; I would rather have that over fortune,” Dr. Alley said. “I am very appreciative for the humble and gracious gift the Gussler's bestowed on the college. I appreciate whoever nominated me because I do not speak of this in my classes and I'm also thankful that I work with such an outstanding group of people. It is very humbling to receive such an award.”
     Recipients are nominated by students, fellow faculty or college staff for empowering and motivating students to succeed beyond their experiences.
     Dr. Alley graduated from Shawnee State University in 1991 with a B.S. in natural sciences. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 1998 from Palmer Chiropractic College. He spent the next 13 years in clinical chiropractic practice, during which time he was recommended to teach anatomy and physiology for an adult education program at the Cincinnati School of Medical Massage. He also taught anatomy and physiology as an adjunct instructor at Shawnee State University.
     Eventually he applied for a position at ACTC and began as an instructor in 2006. Since then he has been promoted twice, to assistant professor, then associate professor. He has taught six different courses including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and kinesiology and health.