North Island College employees are once again being recognized on an international stage for outstanding contributions to their campuses and communities.
In May, instructors Laurie Fisher and Patricia Corbett-Labatt, and Library Technician Diane Newman will be honoured at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development’s (NISOD) annual Excellence Awards.
NISOD is a consortium of community colleges committed to teaching excellence and student success. The Excellence Awards, held at the University of Texas in Austin, are an opportunity for institutions to recognize outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators.
More than 1,800 professionals from over 400 community college and other institutions of higher learning worldwide will gather at the International Conference from May 25-28, to learn about new strategies and tools currently available to support learning and teaching excellence.
NIC’s President John Bowman says, “The Excellence Awards are an annual recognition of what is good about community colleges – an opportunity to celebrate those who have contributed to student success and our college’s mission. Excellence is a quality or talent which surpasses ordinary standards and North Island College is extremely proud of this year’s NIC recipients – Laurie, Pat and Diane.”
Laurie Fisher, Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor, is a strong advocate for students and works hard to ensure their success. She is deeply involved in all aspects of child and youth care throughout the North Island College region, as well as with the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.
“Laurie bounds with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to children, North Island communities, to our ECCE programs, and to NIC as an institution,” states Jocelyne Van Neste-Kenny, Dean, School of Health and Human Services.
Patricia Corbett-Labatt, Instructor, Mathematics, has been a leader at the North Island College Mt. Waddington Regional campus for over 28 years. She has embraced the growing demands of teaching in a post-secondary environment and has been a pioneer of distance teaching methods at the College. She is committed to the success of students taking her math courses from around the world, and has a special passion for Indigenous education.
“While Pat’s teaching is exemplary, so is her role as a leader,” says Caitlin Hartnett, Adult Basic Education Department Chair. “She is a mentor to her fellow faculty and an irreplaceable asset to our communities.”
Diane Newman, Library Technician, has been the pillar of NIC’s Campbell River campus library for the last 11 years. Prior to that, she served the NIC community at its Port Hardy centre. She provides a welcoming space for students and demonstrates her dedication to student success by volunteering for campus events and taking a hands-on approach to service excellence.
Whether working with an individual student or with groups, Diane demonstrates the best in service – patience, knowledge, and open-mindedness.
“Diane is a valued resource for all students and staff, as well as the community of Campbell River,” writes Mary Anne Guenther, Coordinator, Library Services. “She also serves as a role model to team members within the division through her collaborative consultation and commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.”
For further information about North Island College programs, services and events, please visit www.nic.bc.ca.