Five Blinn College District educators recognized with coveted excellence award
NISOD Excellence Award recognizes educators for outstanding teaching and leadership
March 1, 2018
Five Blinn College District educators recently were honored with the 2018 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award in recognition of their dedication to student success.
Radiologic Technology Instructor Debra Allbritton, Simulation Specialist Denise Guadagnino, Administrative Assistant Rocksann Marburger, Director of Simulation and Clinical Labs and Nursing Instructor Sami Rahman, and Instructional Design Specialist Linda Reed will be recognized in May at the annual NISOD conference in Austin.
NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize educators 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.
“These award recipients have demonstrated the commitment to student success and professional excellence that has made Blinn College one of the premier community colleges in the state and nation,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District.
Recipients were nominated by the heads of their divisions based on their character and integrity, effectiveness as instructors, involvement in student organizations and activities, service to Blinn, and participation in professional organizations and professional development activities.
Allbritton joined the Blinn faculty in 2004 as a clinical instructor for the Radiologic Technology Program, and in 2013 became a full-time instructor for the program. Allbritton earned her Bachelor of Science in radiologic technology from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2001, and her Master of Adult and Higher Education from the University of Houston-Victoria in 2015.
“In my experience as an educator, I have found students learn best when they are actively engaged in the task at hand,” Allbritton said. “I am continuously invested in developing opportunities for my students to engage in active learning, so they become the best version of themselves in the classroom and beyond.”
Guadagnino was hired as a simulations specialist for Blinn’s Division of Health Sciences in 2015 after successful careers with the Walt Disney Company, more than 20 years as a licensed registered nurse, and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Guadagnino earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Rio Hondo College and Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University.
“At Blinn, my passion for innovation continues to grow through collaborating with hundreds of students, faculty, and visitors who utilize the Simulations Lab at the Health Science Center,” Guadagnino said. “It is an exciting time in the field of simulation, and I have the best job. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to work with our passionate, brilliant, and dedicated Blinn family who inspire me every day.”
Marburger has been with Blinn since 1998, working in the Business Office, Accounting Department, and Office of Admissions and Records. In 2013, Marburger became the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (ANS). She earned her Associate of Arts in general business from Blinn in 1984.
“I have been with Blinn for nearly 20 years – four years with ANS – and it is never a dull moment,” Marburger said. “My greatest joy is lending students a listening ear when they have an issue, and assisting the department with whatever they need to keep moving in a positive direction. I am always moving and learning, and that is what keeps my job exciting.”
Rahman joined the Blinn faculty in 2006 after working as a registered nurse for almost 30 years. Rahman earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Baylor University in 1979, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1983, Master of Science in allied health education from the University of Houston in 1995, and Master of Science in nursing education from the University of Phoenix in 2008.
“It has been an awesome experience to not only work from within the HSC, but involve the community in the renowned healthcare programs Blinn offers,” Rahman said. “By connecting the College and its students to the community, we are able to recruit the best and brightest students, faculty, and resources available for our institution.”
Reed joined the Blinn staff in 2010 as an Instructional Design Specialist after several years as an instructional technology coordinator and education consultant. She earned her Bachelor of Science in home economics education from Baylor University in 1975, teaching certificate in special education from Tarleton State University in 1984, and Master of Education in educational technology from Texas A&M University in 2001.
“My true passion lies in using today’s technology to develop solutions for Blinn faculty,” Reed said. “I not only impact faculty instruction, but see my efforts through improved student performance. It is an honor to be recognized for my efforts.”
