Elgin Community College Announces 2026 NISOD Award Winners

Tags: Accomplishment | Announcement
Published 11/13/2025
Top row from left to right: Brian Bohr, Instructor of Communication Studies; Kathleen DeMars, Assistant Professor I of Adult Basic Education; John Mravik, Professor I of English. Bottom row from left to right: Brittany Mylott, Academic Advisor; Justin Robertson, Dean of Communications & Behavioral Sciences; Cathy Taylor, Dean of Sustainability, Business, and Career Technologies

Top row from left to right: Brian Bohr, Instructor of Communication Studies; Kathleen DeMars, Assistant Professor I of Adult Basic Education; John Mravik, Professor I of English. Bottom row from left to right: Brittany Mylott, Academic Advisor; Justin Robertson, Dean of Communications & Behavioral Sciences; Cathy Taylor, Dean of Sustainability, Business, and Career Technologies

Elgin Community College (ECC) has selected six employees to receive the 2026 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The award recognizes outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators of community and technical colleges.

“The NISOD Excellence Awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their students, colleagues, and the mission of higher education,” said Annamarie Schopen, EdD, Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Student Development. “The 2026 ECC award recipients represent a remarkable group of faculty, staff, and administrators who exemplify excellence, compassion, and a deep dedication to student success and the college community. The many nominations we received this year highlight the exceptional work taking place across our campus and the profound impact our employees have every day.”

ECC also submits its NISOD recipients for the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award from the League for Innovation, which celebrates outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff.

The following award winners will be invited to represent ECC next year at either the NISOD or League for Innovation Conference:

  • Brian Bohr, Instructor of Communication Studies
  • Kathleen DeMars, Assistant Professor I of Adult Basic Education
  • John Mravik, Professor I of English
  • Brittany Mylott, Academic Advisor
  • Justin Robertson, Dean of Communications & Behavioral Sciences
  • Cathy Taylor, PhD, Dean of Sustainability, Business, and Career Technologies

The NISOD Conference: Advancing Community College Student Engagement will take place May 23 to 26, 2026, in Austin, Texas. The League for Innovation in the Community College will present the 29th annual Innovations Conference from March 15 to 18, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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