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Nunez Community College faculty and staff began the Fall 2023 semester Aug. 8 with the college’s annual Convocation program. From left are Teaching and Learning GEM winner Samantha DaLuz, Student-Centered GEM winner Brittney Zaffuto, Excellence In Teaching winner Dr. Alaa Khalil, Outstanding Support Staff winner Megan Trainor, Nunez Chancellor Dr. Tinney, Outstanding Professional Staff winner Reggie Poché, Integrity GEM winner Dr. April Lavergne, Innovation GEM winner Jerry Graves, Outstanding Retiree Josie Dietz and Chancellor's Vision Award winner William Hyland. Inset are Care GEM winner Clara Johnson and Chalmette Refining Manager Jared Wimberly and Community Relations Manager Elizabeth Ellison-Frost representing Community Partner Award winner Chalmette Refining-PBF Energy.
Nunez Community College faculty and staff kicked off the 2023-24 Academic Year on Aug. 8 at the college’s annual Convocation.
The theme for Convocation 2023 was “Doors Open,” which mirrors Nunez’s ongoing advertising campaign for the fall semester. The day-long program included the annual State of the College address from Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney, a keynote address from featured speaker Dr. Belle Wheelan, President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the college’s annual award presentations.
Dr. Tinney presented two Chancellor’s awards to valued essential partners. The Chancellor’s Vision Award was presented to St. Bernard Parish Historian William Hyland. The Community Partner Award was presented to Chalmette Refining and was accepted by Chalmette Refining Manager Jared Wimberly and Community Relations Manager Elizabeth Ellison Frost.
“Each year at Convocation we recognize outstanding members of our broader college community who exemplify our core values and college mission,” said Dr. Tinney. “This year’s Chancellor’s Vision Award honors an individual who has demonstrated commitment to moving our college forward and the Community Partner Award is presented to a legacy partner with more than two decades of history with Nunez.”
Nunez also recognized excellent faculty and staff who will represent the college at the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) Annual Conference this September in New Orleans.
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Alaa Khalil was announced as the winner of the Excellence In Teaching Award winner in May during Nunez’s Commencement ceremony. She was recognized again during Convocation. The Excellence In Teaching Award is voted on by Nunez faculty.
Dean of Instruction Reggie Poché was announced as the Outstanding Professional Staff Award winner. Student Success Coach Megan Trainor was announced as the Outstanding Professional Support Staff winner. And former executive assistant Josie Dietz was announced as the Outstanding Retiree.
All of the previous awards are voted on by Nunez faculty and staff.
Nunez also recognized five GEM (Genuine Employee Moment) Award winners whose day-to-day work exemplifies one of Nunez’s five core values.
The Student-Centered GEM Award was presented to Nursing Director Brittney Zaffuto. The Teaching and Learning GEM Award was presented to Coordinator of Instruction Samantha DaLuz. The Caring GEM Award was presented to Custodian Clara Johnson. The Integrity GEM Award was presented to Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. April Lavergne. The Innovation GEM Award was presented to Grants Director Jerry Graves.
Breakout sessions scheduled throughout the day were hosted by staff to update all employees on the latest progress and priorities in areas including IT, purchasing and travel, SACSCOC compliance, and campus security.
Registration is currently open for Mini-Session B, which begins Oct. 11. Students can register online at Nunez.edu. Students who require assistance are welcome to call 504-278-6467, email admissions@nunez.edu, or use the Live Chat feature at Nunez.edu.
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.
