Cochise College is proud to announce its recipients of the annual National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. 2018 honorees include Karen Emmer, director of financial aid, and Angela Garcia, math department chair and faculty.
NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize men and women each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues. Excellence Award recipients are invited to attend the NISOD’s annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence next month, in Austin, Texas.Each Excellence Award recipient receives a specially cast, pewter medallion hung on a burnt-orange ribbon. The names, titles, and colleges of all Excellence Award recipients are included in a special booklet. In addition, Cochise College hosted a celebratory reception at the Sierra Vista Campus and the Douglas Campus.
Karen Emmer
Emmer has been working in higher education for over 20 years working in admissions, recruiting and financial aid. Over the years, she has implemented many programs that have helped students, the college and the community. Among her many accomplishments, most recently, Emmer developed a mentoring program. This program not only helped students but also decreased the default rate at the college. “I initiated the program; however, it was the entire college and the students who made it successful. I was amazed to be nominated and selected to receive this award. My mission as a professional is to help students and others to understand financial aid. I enjoy working hard and going above and beyond to help students attain better advantages,” Emmer said.
Angela Garcia
Garcia became a full-time faculty member at the college in 2011 but has been teaching as associate faculty since 2006. “I have great respect for my colleagues. I feel extremely honored to be nominated and selected for the NISOD award by them,” Garcia said. After graduating from high school, Garcia served active duty in the US Army in addition to a myriad of other jobs. “Around my 29th birthday, a chance encounter encouraged me to go back to school and pursue mathematics,” recalled Garcia. She attended Cochise College and earned an associate degree. Soon after, she continued at the University of Arizona South and completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. While finishing her masters, Garcia was the coordinator of the math tutoring lab at Cochise College for a year and taught at Buena High School. “It humbles me every day. I am fortunate to teach with all of my mentors and as the department chair, enhance the math program. I love telling my students that I am an alumnus. I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for Cochise College and the amazing people who work here.”
“The NISOD award is a significant recognition of Cochise College employees who provide a wide range of valued services to students, their respective department, the college, and the community. I congratulate each recipient and know that it’s faculty and staff like these that make Cochise College a place where students succeed. We are proud to have these exceptional educators as part of the Cochise College family,” Dr. Verlyn Fick, executive vice president of provost said.
“Recognizing those individuals who have contributed to student success and their colleges’ mission is something we look forward to doing each year,” said Dr. Edward J. Leach, NISOD’s executive director. “The extraordinary work of these men and women includes not only what they do for their students and colleagues, but what they do for the communities in which they live and work. We’re honored to be able to play a part in celebrating their achievements.”
Angela Garcia
Karen Emmer