Paris Junior College is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Luminary Awards, recognizing outstanding faculty and staff members whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success exemplify excellence across the institution.
As part of this recognition, each honoree has been selected to receive a prestigious Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). The NISOD Excellence Awards celebrate faculty, staff, and administrators at community and technical colleges who make extraordinary contributions to their students, colleagues, and institutions.
The 2025 Paris Junior College Excellence Award recipients are:
· Academic Faculty Leadership: William Walker
· Workforce Faculty: Bobby Fields
· Adjunct Teaching: Mario Munguia Jr.
· Administrative & Professional Staff Leadership: Heather Unruh
· Support Staff: Dana Smock
These awards recognize individuals who consistently demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, service, and support while making a lasting impact on the lives of students and the college community.
“Paris Junior College is fortunate to have dedicated employees who go above and beyond every day to support our students and fulfill our mission,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, President of Paris Junior College. “These individuals represent the very best of PJC, and we are proud to see their hard work and commitment recognized on a national level.”
Each recipient was honored during the NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in Austin, Texas, on May 24, where they received a commemorative medallion and certificate.
The recognition highlights Paris Junior College’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and student-centered service. By celebrating outstanding employees, the college continues to encourage professional growth and inspire the high-quality work that positively impacts students and communities throughout Northeast Texas.
Please join Paris Junior College in congratulating these exceptional employees on their well-deserved recognition and thanking them for their continued dedication to student success and institutional excellence.
About Paris Junior College
Founded in 1924, Paris Junior College has proudly served Northeast Texas for more than 100 years. With campuses in Paris, Greenville, and Sulphur Springs, PJC provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for university transfer, workforce careers, and lifelong learning.
