February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021 – Northland is proud to announce that four faculty and staff members have been selected for the 2021 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award (NISOD).
Deb Beland – Radiologic Technology Program Instructor
Dawn Eickman – Physical Therapist Assistant Program Instructor
Stacey Hron – Director of Technology
Linda Samuelson – Music Instructor
NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize men and women each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues. In 1989, in connection with a University of Texas at Austin national study of teaching excellence, NISOD hosted its first ceremony honoring NISOD Excellence Award recipients. The response to that ceremony was so positive that NISOD began what has become the largest and most inspiring gathering that recognizes the contributions and achievements of community and technical college faculty, administrators, and staff.
“This year’s awardees reflect, in some part, the challenging work of transitioning instruction in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” asserts Brian Huschle Northland’s Provost, “This is seen in the nomination of our Director of Technology, Stacey Hron. She led her department in a refocusing of efforts to meet rapidly changing technology needs throughout every area of the college. Hron has also served a central role in transitioning to our remote model of bookstore sourcing – which has benefited students with lower-cost texts, but also the ability to order and receive books without relying on coming to campus.”
Stacy Hron, expresses, “Thank you so much for selecting me for the NISOD award. It is truly an honor to be selected and work with such great employees and students at Northland Community & Technical College.”
“Each of the three instructors that have been named to this year’s awards has also been on the front end of using technology. Deb Beland has played a central role in our simulation lab while both Linda Samuelson and Dawn Eickman adopted Hyflex delivery models and adjusting lab delivery during the pandemic,” reveals Huschle.
Northland Radiologic Technology program instructor shares, “I am blessed to work with Northland students and employees who support creativity in instruction and involvement. I have held numerous roles at Northland, all of which have transformed me into a strong supporter of growth in knowledge and achievement both for myself and my students. To be recognized as a leader here means I am attaining my goal of impacting tomorrow’s professionals.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected for the NISOD Excellence Award by my peers,” declares Physical Therapist Assistant Program Instructor Dawn Eickman, “I am truly humbled and proud to represent Northland Community & Technical College. I am fortunate to work with so many talented individuals and am grateful for their ongoing guidance and support over the years. Thank you for this recognition.”
“I am flattered to have been nominated for the NISOD award,” states Northland Music Instructor Linda Samuelson, “Being recognized for my work here and for my commitment to education, encourages me to continue to look for ways to improve collegiate life and learning opportunities for my students in and out of the classroom. I am proud to be a Northland Pioneer.”
Northland recipients will be honored at the annual NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence to be held virtually April 28-30, 2021.
“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.”
“All of our faculty at Northland have risen to the challenge of instructing within restrictions resulting from the pandemic.” Huschle announces, “While it is a shame we cannot honor all of our faculty and staff for their extra efforts with this award, these awardees reflect the dedication and hard work of Northland employees.”
About NISOD
For community and technical colleges that want to make the most of their professional development dollars, NISOD provides budget-friendly, high-quality, and faculty-focused programs and resources. For over 40 years, NISOD’s customer-focused approach has helped align our wide array of benefits with the needs of our members. For more information about NISOD, visit www.nisod.org