Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE)

January - May 2023

Jay Stencel has been a faculty member at SCC for 15 years. He built two programs from scratch (Civil Engineering Technology & Pre-Engineering), was awarded the Brian Fazio Business Education Partnership Award from Greater Mankato Growth, and received $256,000 from Bolton + Menk for Innovative Classroom Improvement. Jay is tuned into his students' learning preferences, designing learning opportunities around them. You will see Jay’s surveying class outdoors whenever it's nice enough, using equipment in real situations. Jay’s impact is evident to all, he was selected as the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year in 2022.

Invested in students and community, Jay understands the need to fill the job market with qualified candidates. In addition to quality teaching, he supports students by assisting with resumes, mock interviewing, and being a reference. Further connecting with industry partners, Jay also worked with the Department of Transportation and the Aggregate Ready-Mix Association of Minnesota to offer certifications in his classroom, allowing students to come out of the classroom certified to be Head Inspectors immediately – something that would typically take a season of employment and additional classes. This partnership was the first in the state at any college.

Jay enjoys farming (cash crops, chickens, goats) and mission work. He has traveled to Belize 10 times (6 missions) doing construction work in Belize City for those in need, building housing, and fixing things to improve the lives of children. Jay and his wife have three children and an adopted daughter from Belize that attends SCC.