Bay College congratulates quarterly TORCH award winner Tammra Houseman; recipient for the March 2026-May 2026 quarter.
Tammra was hired in August 2021 as a full-time faculty member. She has been nominated by multiple colleagues for her strong dedication to the mission of Bay College and her unwavering commitment to student success.
“Tammra will help anyone out with words of encouragement and understanding, as well as with where each of her students stands. She will take time to explain what she wants from you, as she wants to see everyone succeed. I would not be graduating without an instructor like Tammra.”
“Tammra will take her own time to talk to you and help you understand what is being asked… She has brought the Early Childhood Education Program to what it is today and is expanding it higher.”
“Tammra consistently encourages [students] by reminding us that we CAN succeed, while kindly reinforcing that our success depends on personal responsibility and putting in the necessary effort. She prioritizes clear communication, transparency, and accountability, making sure students are both informed and prepared. Her dedication to education and student growth directly reflects Bay college's commitment to excellence and access to higher education.”
“Tammra is genuinely helpful to everyone she works with. She goes above and beyond to ensure students feel supported, valued, and most of all capable of succeeding, which makes a meaningful difference in our educational experience. [She] has proven herself to be responsive and dependable. She takes the time to make sure students know the next steps and feel supported. This is both true as an advisor and an instructor. Whether the concern is academic, technical, or personal, she takes the time to listen and respond thoughtfully.”
The purpose of the TORCH Award is to give personal recognition to those employees on Bay College’s campuses dedicated to the mission of the College because of their attitude, commitment, and dedication toward the higher education learning environment. TORCH stands for: Team Player; Outstanding Performance; Responsive to Others; Conscientious to Mission of Bay; Helpful to All
Nomination forms for the TORCH award can be found on Bay College's website by visiting the following link: Employee Recognition - Awards | Bay College
About Bay College
Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success, and Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings, and professional development programs which develop skillsets, enrich individuals, and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay