NISOD award

About the Award

NMC is one of more than 700 community college members of NISOD, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. Affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin, NISOD has made the teaching excellence awards to faculty at member institutions since 1989. Nominees are judged on criteria including commitment to learning, professionalism and relationships with both students and colleagues.

2020 Award WinnerS

Michael Anderson, Communications Faculty

Anderson joined the adjunct Communications faculty in 2004 and became full-time in 2013. He now serves as the chair of the department, manages the first-year writing program and teaches public speaking and English. He formerly taught the student journalism course and served as adviser to the White Pine Press student newspaper. His nomination states, "His student evaluations prove him to be an outstanding, hardworking and compassionate instructor in every course he teaches. His enthusiasm and dedication to his teaching are more reasons students opt to continue taking courses with him on the first subsequent occasion."

Lisa Dohm, World Languages Faculty/Dept. Head

In her role as World Languages department head, Dohm manages American Sign Language, French, German, and Spanish courses at NMC, working closely with adjunct instructors as they consider, design, and implement curriculum. Students state that Dohm is knowledgeable, helpful, flexible, kind, patient, passionate, and highly committed to their success. As head of World Languages, Dohm's nomination states, "Lisa performs as a role model for others. She is tireless in her efforts and endeavors to honor and bring out the best in her colleagues. Her work is always highly professional and prompt; her colleagues express their gratitude for her leadership and support."

Laura Jaquish, Biology Faculty

Jaquish's nomination states, "Laura is a great teacher who loves teaching. She works hard to create a positive learning environment for all of her students. Laura is involved in protecting and preserving the environment both at NMC and in her community."

Tony Jenkins, Math Faculty

Jenkins' nomination states, "He relates well to his students and they really like him. Tony works hard to create a learning environment that is inclusive to all students. He went out of his way to create learning experiences for a blind student last year and those experiences helped her to excel in his class."

Ben Minor, Great Lakes Maritime Academy Faculty

A 2006 GLMA engineering alumnus with more than a decade of sailing experience before joining the faculty, Minor brings his professional experience into the classroom. He is also meticulous with complex U.S. Coast Guard compliance standards and exam preparation, and sails onboard the T/S State of Michigan every summer, ensuring cadets can earn required sea time. His nomination notes his "devotion to ensuring his cadets are ready for their exams and life as a merchant marine officer after graduation," and his course evaluations "routinely note that the cadets greatly appreciate his experience sailing."

Mike O'connor, Engineering Technology Faculty

As a member of a small group teaching engineering and marine technology, every instructor fills a crucial role, and O'Connor was cited for growing to become a critical member of the team. After the academic year he traveled for continuing education and then redesigned his courses to meet additional certification standards which will make graduates more employable. His nomination states, "Mike is a driven instructor who takes his work very seriously and strives to keep learning at the center. He has started top really come into his own in terms of curriculum development and meeting the needs of industry. He will continue to grow as an instructor, providing even more of the core technical knowledge we need."

Karl Schroeder, Great Lakes Maritime Academy Faculty

A 1995 graduate of the engineering program, Schroeder, like Minor was instrumental in submitting a massive U.S. Coast Guard reapproval package and devotes half his summer to sailing onboard the T/S State of Michigan. He is also a subject matter expert in the niche field of steam propulsion, a unique advantage for GLMA that other maritime academies do not have. His nomination states, "Being a member of a team that created a 908-page document was a challenge, and Karl was an exceptional asset. Karl is a great shipmate, colleague and a pleasure to have as a teammate at GLMA."