HCC Radiography program director wins Sharon Coffey Educator of the Year
By Andi Atkinson
Apr 22, 2024
Christopher Daza, Radiography and Computed Tomography program director at Houston Community College (HCC) won the 2024 Sharon Coffey Educator of the Year award at the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists conference on April 12.
This is the second straight year a professor from HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences (HCC Coleman College) receives this coveted honor.
The Sharon Coffey Educator of the Year award goes to a Texas educator who has significantly contributed to any of the radiologic technology fields. Sharon Coffey was a highly respected imaging professional and clinical instructor who upheld the highest professional standards for radiography students.
"This is a great honor. I’m truly humbled because there are so many deserving educators in Texas,” Daza said. “Sharon Coffey was an influential radiologic technologist and advocated for the rights of all radiologic technologists in Texas. She was also a faculty member at Houston Community College for over 25 years. It’s a great deal that we can keep this award at HCC one more year.”
Daza has been a radiologic technologist and computed tomography technician for 13 years and a faculty member at HCC Coleman College for 10 years. He was nominated by colleague Melanie Hail, regional program director at The College for Health Care Professions.
“Chris is a strong and knowledgeable technologist. He has a passion for the profession and for sharing his knowledge and experience with others,” Hail said. “Chris also has a knack for directly relating to students, empathizing with their struggles, and opening learning avenues for them in the clinical environment. Chris is truly a natural when working with students.”
The Houston native graduated from the HCC Radiography program in 2011 and quickly went on to earn his computed tomography certification. Daza worked at Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and St. Luke’s Community Emergency Centers for three years before returning to HCC Coleman College in 2014 as a radiography instructor.
Whether he worked as a technologist or educator, Daza never stopped pursuing his education. He earned his bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences from Midwestern State University in 2015 and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a health science focus from the University of Houston in 2020.
Daza became the program director of the HCC Radiography and Computed Tomography department in 2021. Under his leadership, retention rates have improved by 34%.
“I look at each student as if they were my patient,” Daza said. “So, like with patients in my exam room, I go the extra mile to ensure my students feel comfortable while they are in my class. Each student is different and may need something different from us. Our job as educators is to grow each day so we can serve our students to the best of our ability.”
“I have to credit my team for the success of our rad and CT programs because they fully support our student-first culture,” Daza added. “Whether it’s in the imaging room or classroom, a respectful, caring culture is the way to sustain success in any organization.”
Daza also serves on the following campus and professional organizations: HCC Coleman College Grade Appeals Panel (chair); HCC Faculty Senate (health science representative); American Society of Radiologic Technologists Professional Mentor Program (mentor); and Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (site visitor).
In his free time, this Sugar Land resident enjoys watching sports games and traveling to beachy destinations with his wife and 5-year-old daughter.