麻豆社

A math instructor remembered by former students, a wellness director expanding access to support and an administrative assistant helping future health care professionals through demanding programs are 麻豆社鈥檚 2026 NISOD Excellence Award recipients.

Shaun Roberson, Heather Bond and Michelle North were selected for their work supporting students and colleagues. Roberson is 麻豆社鈥檚 faculty recipient, Bond is the professional staff recipient and North is the classified staff recipient.

The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) is a consortium of community and technical colleges that promotes excellence in teaching, learning and leadership. Its Excellence Awards recognize faculty, staff and administrators for their contributions to students and colleagues.

Shaun Roberson

For more than 21 years, Mathematics Instructor Shaun Roberson has helped students work through a subject that can test their confidence before they ever enter the classroom.

He connects lessons to real-life examples and threads dry humor into his lectures. His colleagues say he adjusts his teaching to students鈥� needs and creates an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions.

That willingness to meet students where they are is central to his nomination. Roberson is known for making himself available and helping students build both their understanding of math and their confidence in learning it.

The effects of that approach often surface away from campus. Former students regularly recognize Roberson in the community, recalling the encouragement he offered alongside the math he taught.

鈥淲hen out in the community, he is regularly recognized by former students who recall not only the math they learned but also the encouragement and care he offered,鈥� his nomination states.

Heather Bond

Since coming to 麻豆社 in 2024, Wellness Services Director Heather Bond has focused on understanding what students need and helping the College respond.

Her team鈥檚 work includes food pantry services, connections to social service resources and drop-in hours. The department also joined Partners in Prevention, which provides support and training for wellness services.

Bond鈥檚 nominations describe a director who pairs her experience as a social worker with a willingness to learn. As she took on responsibilities involving accessibility and accommodations, she sought professional networks, training and research to deepen her knowledge.

She has shared what she learned with faculty, staff and students, helping others understand how accommodations can support success in the classroom.

Colleagues also credit Bond with making student wellness a broader campus concern, encouraging attention to students鈥� mental, emotional and physical well-being.

鈥淪he is always lifting others up and displaying a collaborative spirit, asking what she can do to ensure all faculty and staff have the resources, training, and confidence to help our students succeed,鈥� one nominator wrote.

Michelle North

For students in Nursing and Allied Health, Michelle North is often a source of reassurance as they navigate challenging coursework and personal demands.

North, the department鈥檚 administrative assistant, answers questions, supports faculty and steps in when help is needed. Her nominations describe someone whose patience and encouragement are part of the department鈥檚 daily life.

鈥淢ichelle consistently offers encouragement, reassurance, and kindness, often becoming a steady source of support when students need it most,鈥� one nominator wrote.

Colleagues praised her dependability and willingness to help beyond her assigned responsibilities. They also emphasized the way she treats people, taking time to make students feel welcome and coworkers feel supported.

鈥淲hether assisting students with questions, supporting faculty behind the scenes, or stepping in wherever help is needed, Michelle does so with grace, patience, and genuine care,鈥� a nomination states.