For 17 years, Jason M. Dillon has served as a full-time U.S. probation officer. In the classrooms at Troy University’s Montgomery Campus, his students from his sociology classes know him as an instructor who is engaging and interesting and wants to see them successfully grasp the concepts he teaches.
Dillon was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award at the spring commencement ceremony on the Montgomery Campus on May 21. The award is given annually by the campus’ chapter of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and Troy University’s Montgomery Metro Alumni Chapter. Members of the honor society select the recipient from nominations made by Montgomery Campus students.
“Being nominated, let alone actually being recognized, as ‘Teacher of the Year,’ especially considering all the other deserving faculty, is a tremendous honor,” Dillon said. “I thank my students for the nomination, Gamma Beta Phi for sponsoring the award, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to teach at Troy University.”
Dillon has served the role of adjunct instructor of sociology at the Montgomery Campus for 15 years. He not only is appreciative of the opportunity to teach, but also of the support he receives from other members of the faculty.
“I would also like to thank Dr. Annette Allen and Dr. Sharon Everhardt for their continuous support and encouragement, and for always making me feel a part of the TROY family,” he said.
Prior to his current full-time position at the federal level, Dillon worked as a juvenile probation office in Montgomery County for more than six years, and also as a youth counselor.
With an undergraduate degree in Justice and Public Safety and a graduate degree in education with an emphasis in sociology, Dillon considers his educational and professional experience as having been integral and foundational to the practical experience he brings to the classroom. He has taught a variety of sociology classes, including introduction to sociology, social problems, juvenile delinquency, deviant behavior, criminology and social stratification.
One class he has taught – the sociology of rock-n-roll – even incorporates his personal love of music into the classroom.
“As an avid fan of many genres of music, I have been a singer in several bands, have led worship in various churches and have tried to share my passion for music with my family and my extended TROY family,” he said.
As Teacher of the Year, Dillon received a personal plaque and $100 made possible by the Montgomery Metro Alumni Chapter. His name will also be added to the Teacher of the Year plaque that is displayed in the lobby of Whitley Hall.
