Two Cochise College instructors have received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) award.

This award supports excellence in teaching and leadership. As recipients, they will attend the NISOD conference at the University of Texas in Austin later this spring.

The recipients were nominated by colleagues for their service to students, their department, the college and their communities.

The recipients are Melesa Ashline, instructor of nursing, and Steve Roark, instructor of mathematics.

Cochise College President Dr. J.D. Rottweiler said, “Steve Roark and Melesa Ashline have demonstrated the ability to create an environment where innovation thrives. They provide the type of leadership that makes Cochise College successful, and we are proud to have these exceptional educators as part of the Cochise College family.”

Melesa Ashline has been a registered nurse since 1997 and part of the nursing faculty since 2003. Currently, she teaches hands-on skills by functioning as the lab and simulation coordinator.  

“I love working side-by-side with the students in the skills and simulation labs.  It allows the student a chance to hone their nursing skills so that one day, they can serve the community they will be employed in,” Ashline explained.

Polly Gosa, the director of nursing at Cochise College, said, “Melesa is an ideal example of a mentor, coach, counselor and so much more…  She displays enthusiasm and commitment to the nursing program and overall success of each student.  Basically, she takes the time to meet with students personally… She spends countless off hours speaking to troubled students and advising their actions.”

In addition to working for the college, Melesa serves as a home health nurse. She’s involved in the Student Nurses Association and travels with a simulation manikin to area schools for demonstration and training.

Steve Roark has been part of the Cochise College community for almost ten years and has led as chair of the math department for the past five years.

During his time serving as chair, Roark helped the math department revamp the courses offered at Cochise College. This included reworking the developmental math program and modifying math learning pathways, which helped students achieve success in college-level mathematics.

“I’ve only heard good things about what was being accomplished in the department,” said fellow colleague, Edmund Priddis. “I have to admit that I was often jealous at how well the math department worked together and how much it was able to accomplish. The whole process involved many hours both as a department and individually.”

Before his teaching career, Roark was an aircraft mechanic for ten years.

“Now, I draw off that experience to make the math relevant to students working on a degree – I hope at the end they can see the practical use in their field but also have a sense of how math is used beyond the scope of the degree they are working on,” said Roark.

Cochise College was ranked as the #1 nursing school in Arizona by accredited schools online.  The Cochise College Nursing Program offers expert instruction, modern learning laboratories and a wide variety of clinical experience in hospitals and health care agencies. Cochise College’s nursing program teaches both theory and practical skills, along with hands-on experience through a combination of lectures, labs and clinical assignments. Students are from all parts of Cochise, Pima and Santa Cruz counties. Cochise College is now accepting nursing applications until April 1, 2017.

Cochise College mathematics department develops analytical and problem-solving skills that can be used in a variety of occupations. Cochise College offers Mathematics Associate of Science degree, which prepares students for transfer to a university program in mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences. To ensure a seamless transfer, students must develop their specific program of study in close coordination with a Cochise College advisor. If you love mathematics and want to pursue a career where you can use math every day, then an associate of science offers a great foundation for many different career fields.

To find out more about a degree in mathematics or nursing visit www.cochise.edu.