Heather Thompson-BahmHeather Thompson-Bahm, DM

Instructor, Business, CC

Gifted with a passion for supporting her students, university, and community, Dr. Heather Thompson-Bahm has become recognized by many for her unmatchable dedication to serving others. For this, she is one of the recipients of this year’s Faculty Excellence Award.

Thompson-Bahm has been teaching at City College since 2015 and continues to show her willingness to put others before herself. For example, when one student found themselves caught in a medical emergency, Thompson-Bahm was there to listen, offer assistance, and help re-plan their course of study.

“Heather just has a way with people,” says a colleague. “She makes them feel calm, cared for, and understood.” After numerous surgeries, appointments, and procedures, this student has returned to MSU Billings and will graduate in the spring, thanks to Dr. Thompson-Bahm’s gracious attitude.

“She goes above and beyond in this manner for all of her students; in addition to all of the duties and responsibilities she takes on to help keep our department running smoothly,” a colleague notes.

Within her department, Thompson-Bahm devotes her time and efforts on a variety of fronts, including strengthening the educational pathway from City College to the College of Business, attending eLearning conferences to bring innovative ideas to her classrooms, serving as department assessment coordinator, serving on the Board of YVC-SHRM, and attending department meetings to discuss improvement methods and ideas.

She is always there to lend a helping hand to others, especially her students. Because she has experienced the uncertainties and difficulties of higher education, she uses her experiences to help others figure it out, as countless students leave her classroom to find victory in their time at MSU Billings.

Thompson-Bahm not only provides her students with the necessary tools to be successful but fosters confidence in her pupils that go beyond the classroom. “Dr. Thompson-Bahm’s excellent tutelage leaves one with the feeling that this is what education should look like,” a colleague remarked.