Awards for faculty, professional and support staff were awarded recently to five Paris Junior College employees at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in Austin.
The conference also offers learning opportunities for college faculty and staff.
“At Paris Junior College, we take pride in recognizing the outstanding work of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, PJC president. “Through a vote of their peers, the following employees were selected as this year’s PJC Luminary Award winners and were honored by NISOD with Excellence Awards.”
Receiving 2024 Excellence Awards were Math Faculty Angela Calvin, Adjunct Teaching; Institutional Research Associate Gina Cooper, Support Staff; Social Sciences Dean and Psychology Faculty Linda Miles, Academic Faculty Leadership; Emergency Medical Services Program Coordinator and Faculty Heath Thomas, Workforce Faculty; and Director of Student Life Kenneth Webb, Administrative & Professional Staff Leadership.
“This recognition not only highlights their dedication and hard work but also reinforces a culture of excellence that benefits our entire institution,” said Benson. “Honoring these individuals inspires professional growth, fosters innovation in teaching and leadership, and ultimately enhances student success.”
The awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of faculty, staff, and administrators who make a lasting impact on community and technical college students.
“I was surprised when I saw the nomination and ecstatic when I was actually chosen to receive this award,” said Calvin, who teaches dual credit courses at Paris High School and evening courses at PJC. “With all the time and effort put into my work as with so many teachers, plus all the other responsibilities that I have, this makes it all worth it. PJC has shone the light on me, and I can’t wait to shine the light on my students!”
Webb was proud to receive an award that meant he was honored by his co-workers.
“It’s always special when your co-workers recognize you for the work you do for students and the community,” Webb said. “The ceremony was packed with about 600 people, and they feature you with your name on the screen and your quote about why you do what you do. It was really nice.”
Miles says she was shocked when she found out.
“I was very surprised,” Miles said. “It’s an honor to be recognized by our faculty and staff and a very great honor to represent our faculty.”
Cooper echoed her sentiments.
“To be named a Luminary,” said Cooper, “means a great deal to me, to be recognized by my peers.”
“This recognition is both humbling and deeply affirming,” said Thomas. “I remain committed to upholding the values of excellence and dedication that this award represents.”
Former PJC horology (watchmaking) student and now program coordinator and faculty member Garrin Fraze, though not an award winner, was impressed with the conference. When he learned he could attend through the announcement of his co-workers’ Luminary Awards, he applied immediately.
“The conference was an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as an instructor, gaining valuable insight from experienced educators and administrators,” Fraze said. “The teaching and classroom management techniques I learned during the conference have already made a significant impact in the classroom, and I look forward to employing more of these new skills in the future. Thank you NISOD for your generous support of Watchmaker Education at PJC!”
The NISOD Excellence Awards honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional work and dedication on their college campuses. Since 1991, more than 30,000 educators and staff members have received this prestigious recognition. Each recipient received a medallion and certificate at the awards ceremony.
