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Alvin Community College faculty members honored Biology instructor Erin Mackenzie and Health Information Management instructor Bridget Ruth with the 2022 League of Innovation Excellence Award.

The League Excellence Award recognizes outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff. Recipients are recognized in a series of activities and promotions.

“I am delighted to see the League’s Excellence Awards recognize these outstanding ACC faculty,” President Dr. Robert J. Exley said. “The League for Innovation in the Community College was founded to specifically foster and support excellence.”

ACC administrators and faculty nominate full-time colleagues for these awards with one designated for an academic faculty and the other for technical faculty. Recipients receive commemorative medallions and certificates in recognition of the awards. Additionally, recipients attend The League’s annual conference in March to participate in professional development sessions and celebrate recognition of their Excellence Awards.

Receiving the award was a welcome surprise for Mackenzie.

“I do not necessarily feel as if I did anything special that would warrant such a prestigious award, so I was surprised to even be nominated, much less be selected,” she said “I am truly thankful.”

Mackenzie has been teaching at ACC for more than two years.

“I honestly fell into the position of teaching,” she said. “I worked as a research assistant for several years prior to applying for a job at a community college back in 2002.  After my first year of teaching, I knew this was where I wanted to be - in the classroom and helping students achieve their goals. I feel like one gets the most joy out of life by serving and helping others, so I am so lucky that I get to do that daily.”

Mackenzie was honored to receive the League of Innovation knowing that it was awarded from her peers.

“I work with so many people in my department that pour their heart and souls into what they teach, as well as doing all they can to ensure student success,” she said. “That being said, to be nominated by one of my fellow faculty members is truly an honor. I am truly blessed to be amongst so many dedicated instructors.”

Ruth felt extremely honored to be recognized by fellow faculty members.

“I am grateful to be part of this institution which recognizes its faculty members and prioritizes the needs of the students every day.,” she said. “It means so much to receive this nomination from a fellow faculty member. I was so surprised to win this award because all the faculty members on this campus work hard and are very dedicated to serving our students.”
Ruth first began her tenure at ACC two years ago to help start the Health Information Management program.

Her career as an educator was inspired by her family and the desire to make a difference in her community.

“I wanted to be part of a field that makes an impact,” Ruth said. “What I did not realize is the impact the students would have on my life.”