Colby Community College beef program director Jori Steele is the recipient of the 2021 Tangeman Award for Teaching Excellence. The announcement was made during the college's commencement ceremony on May 14.

"I am thrilled to receive the Tangeman Award," Steele said. "It was a pleasant surprise, and I am very thankful to be a part of the CCC community. I enjoy sharing my passion for the beef industry and agriculture with future generations."

A native of Laramie, Wyo., Steele has been the beef management program director since 2017. In addition to teaching program courses, she oversees day-to-day operations in the beef unit at the CCC Agricultural Center and organizes the annual bull test sale.

In her free time, Steele enjoys elk and deer hunting, as well as competing in rodeos and team roping jackpots with her husband, Jordan. She holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and is completing a master's degree in agriculture education and communication.

The Tangeman Award was established in 1988 and named after the school's second president, Dr. James Tangeman, who served at CCC from 1972 to 1988. Each year the selection is made by a committee of previous recipients and current CCC students.