NMCC Students Honor Trena Soucy as Instructor of the Year

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) is thrilled to announce that Trena Soucy, Life Sciences Instructor, has been named the student-voted Instructor of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year. This honor reflects the strong connections she builds with her students and her passionate, engaging approach to teaching science.

Trena, who has taught microbiology and anatomy at NMCC for eight years, was recognized by students for her dedication to their success and her ability to make challenging material accessible and engaging. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Maine and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, Trena’s background in both industry and academia has shaped her dynamic teaching style.

“I’ve always had a love for science, and teaching allows me to share that passion with my students,” said Trena. “I strive to create a learning environment where students feel supported and empowered to succeed. Being recognized by them is truly an honor.”

Trena’s teaching philosophy centers on being authentic and connecting the material to real-life experiences. She believes that when students see the relevance of what they are learning, they are more likely to engage and succeed. This approach has earned her the admiration of students, many of whom credit her with making difficult science concepts easier to understand.

One memorable moment that stands out for Trena was when a student came to her during a particularly challenging summer Anatomy class. “She was going through a tough personal situation and didn’t know how to move forward. I didn’t offer specific advice, but I listened and offered support,” Trena explained. “It was a difficult time for her, but seeing her overcome the challenges and eventually achieve her goals was incredibly rewarding.”

Trena is also known for her supportive approach to students who are struggling with the material. “Science can be intimidating for some students, and I always remind them that success comes from hard work, not innate intelligence,” she said. “Learning is like walking through an overgrown field—you might not see a clear path at first, but with repeated effort, you’ll create a trail that makes it easier to navigate.”

In addition to her dedication to academic excellence, Trena hopes to make a lasting impact on her students beyond the classroom. “Success isn’t just about passing exams,” she shared. “It’s about helping students gain confidence and the skills they need to face life’s challenges.”

Outside of her work at NMCC, Trena enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling. She is also an active participant in sports, having played competitive tennis for many years before shifting her focus to pickleball. She even had the opportunity to perform as a singer throughout Europe during her college years, an experience that remains a cherished part of her life.

The Instructor of the Year award is a testament to Trena Soucy’s exceptional teaching and unwavering commitment to her students. NMCC is proud to recognize her contributions to the college and the lasting impact she has had on so many lives.