Two members of the Northern Essex Community College faculty were recently named recipients of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Awards for Excellence. This national honor recognizes outstanding faculty and staff at the country’s community colleges.

Dean Jody Carson, Prof. Sheila Muller, Dean Carolyn Knoepfler, Prof. Habib Maagoul, Assist. Provost Sharon McDermot, President Lane Glenn

Associate Professor Sheila Muller is in her seventh year as a full-time faculty member in the Business Department at NECC. Before becoming full-time, Muller served as an adjunct faculty member. Muller has taken on a number of leadership roles at the college, serving as both the chair of the Business Department and Chair of the All-College Assembly. She recently led the creation and implementation of two new business programs and is involved in developing a competency-based degree option in Business Management. Nominator Dean of Business and Professional Studies Jody Carson wrote: “She is responsive to requests, checks in on others to make sure they are doing well, and helps whenever needed. Sheila goes above and beyond each day and somehow gets everything done!”

Professor of Mathematics Habib Maagoul has also undertaken many leadership roles outside of the classroom. He is currently the Mathematics Department chair and chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Maagoul has been instrumental in enhancing student preparedness for college mathematics by working directly with local high schools and back-mapping courses. Additionally, he worked on developing an assessment for Early College students outside of the Accuplacer exam called Guided Placement. Nominator Dean of STEM Carolyn Knoepfler wrote: “Habib has been a mentor to many and is always willing to help anyone in any capacity.”

Since 1978, NISOD has been dedicated to the professional development of faculty, administrators, and staff, and the continued improvement of teaching and learning, with the ultimate goal of student success. NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize college employees each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to students and colleagues. Excellence Award recipients are recognized during NISOD’s annual international conference, which will be held in Austin, Texas, May 24-27.