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Palo Alto College is celebrating the outstanding contributions of its faculty and staff, who make this institution a beacon of hope for the Southside community. Each year, employees at Palo Alto College can nominate their colleagues for the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. Established in 1991, these awards honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional work on their campuses. Employees submit nominations for those who exemplify excellence in various categories. Then, past NISOD award winners evaluate the nominees. This year, faculty and staff members were recognized for their excellence in five specific areas.Excellence in Teaching  Dr. Alba De Leon, Fine Arts “I am honored to receive the NISOD Excellence Award and to be in the company of my esteemed colleagues—gracias! I have had the privilege of serving as Professor of Art at Palo Alto College and as International Education Liaison to the Alamo Colleges District’s Office of International Programs, where I guide students in discovering their artistic voices and unique visual expressions while encouraging them to explore culture both locally and abroad. Celebrating the arts on campus is a true joy, and I’m always seeking opportunities for students to engage with the arts.” Brad Chandler, Biology “I have proudly served as a Professor of Biology in the Sciences and Kinesiology Department at Palo Alto College for over 29 years. The most rewarding aspect of my position is to see my former Students enter Graduate or Professional School and become a contributor to the Central Texas community.  I have received three NISOD Awards, and this will be my fourth. This recognition validates my teaching methods and the successes of my students.” Cecilia Sublette-English, World Languages & INRW “I am honored to be a recipient of this year’s NISOD Award for Teaching Excellence and to be recognized for my work in higher education at the community college—the best opportunity for sustained democracy. I’ve been teaching English full-time at the community college level for 14 years, and I joined the English department at Palo Alto College three years ago, where I found a wonderful community of students and supportive colleagues across campus. Since arriving at Palo Alto, I’ve completed the Compassionate USA training with Dr. Eric Castillo and remain committed to helping faculty and students collaborate in developing compassionate policies and syllabi in the classroom. While I continue to teach English, I also now serve as Chair of Behavioral Sciences, where I see myself as a faculty advocate dedicated to supporting student success both during and beyond their college journey.”   Excellence in Teaching by an Adjunct Instructor Ronnie L. Brannon, Logistics and Supply Chain “Over the past fifteen and a half years leading this program, the most rewarding part of my role has been introducing individuals to the world of logistics—often before they’ve even chosen it as a career path. I take pride in demystifying logistics and supply chain concepts for students in their very first class, helping them connect with the field in a meaningful way. Being recognized for the passion I bring to this work is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.” James Rogers, Biology (Arts & Sciences) “I started working at Palo Alto College as an adjunct biology faculty member in the Sciences & Kinesiology department about eleven years ago. I especially want to acknowledge and thank my department chair at Palo Alto College, Sara Wilkins, and my lead instructor, Brad Chandler, for all the years of support and guidance they provided me. The NISOD Excellence Award is the first proper teaching award I have ever received in my life, so I am very appreciative of this accolade.  I will continue to do my best to exceed the expectations of my peers and keep striving for an amazing teaching experience for all of my students.” Isabel Fales, Business Management, BAT, CIS, Computer Science & Cybersecurity “I have served as an adjunct instructor in the Project Access Program at Alamo Colleges since 2019. I take great pride in teaching students with disabilities. The Project Access program is made up of students who cannot take traditional courses due to their disability; therefore, I challenge myself to take each student from day one and do all I can to help them succeed as best they can. At the end of the day, when a student sends me an email before they graduate, telling me, "Your dedication and passion for teaching have truly made a lasting impact on me, not just academically but personally as well.", my heart is filled with joy! I know this is where I am meant to be! It is truly an honor to receive the NISOD award, and I am forever grateful to my counterpart who recommended me.” Excellence for Service to the College Vincent Bosquez, Veterans Affairs “I’m honored to receive the NISOD Excellence Award and want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my team in Veteran Affairs and the Advising Services team. This recognition reflects the collective effort, dedication, and collaboration we share in supporting our student veterans. I’m proud to work alongside such passionate colleagues who go above and beyond to help our students succeed.” Juan Sandoval, Tech Support Supervisor “I'm inspired by the impact technology has on student success. Knowing that my work at Tech Support Supervisor helps create reliable, innovative solutions that support learning and access motivates me daily. Supporting our students behind the scenes drives my passion and ensures they have what they need to thrive.” Lorissa Ortiz, College Services Facilitator “As a College Facilitator for College Operations, I’ve had the privilege of supporting a wide range of campus enhancements—from collaborating on Capital Improvement Projects to coordinating complex, multi-departmental relocations—all to foster an environment that supports learning, collaboration, and student success. I’m incredibly fortunate to work with a talented, dedicated, and hardworking team whose commitment and collaboration make everything we do possible; their support and shared drive are a constant source of motivation. Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is a true honor, and I proudly share this recognition with the outstanding team that brings each project and initiative to life.” Excellence by Staff or Administrator Jessica Dominguez, Executive Assistant to the President “I have been at Palo Alto College for almost two years, serving as Executive Assistant to the President, and it has been a rewarding experience to be part of the Alamo Colleges District. I find great fulfillment in supporting students, faculty, and staff in ways that contribute to their success and well-being. Throughout my time here, I have developed my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while deepening my commitment to service through pursuing a Social Work degree at Our Lady of the Lake University to further enhance my impact. Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is a true honor, and I am grateful to be recognized for work I am passionate about within such an inspiring community.” Bobbie Jean Munoz, Administrative Service Specialist – Fine & Performing Arts "I'm truly honored to receive the NISOD Excellence Award. It's been a joy to support the Fine & Performing Arts, and I'm grateful to be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and student success." Barbara Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant to the President “I’ve proudly served the Alamo Colleges District for over eight years, bringing more than two decades of experience in higher education to my role as Administrative Assistant to the President. For me, the most rewarding part of my work is being part of a dedicated team and a mission-driven organization that continually strives to change lives and expand opportunities for the students we serve. Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is a significant honor in my career, and I see it as a reflection of the incredible colleagues and mentors who have supported and contributed to my professional growth over the years.” Excellence by Student Success Staff Marilyn Hernandez, Administrative Service Specialist – S.H.A.R.E. Center “I’ve had the privilege of being part of the PAC community for over a decade—first as a student in 2013 and then as a full-time staff member since 2016. In my current role at the S.H.A.R.E. Center and Mental Health Counseling Department, I support students through both their academic and personal journeys, and help students in distress through outreach events, and expanding access to advocacy resources for mental health and student advocacy. Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award is an incredible honor, and I am truly humbled to be recognized for doing work I care so deeply about. It motivates me to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students every day.  My motto to continue this journey at PAC is to lead with compassion and listen with care – always remaining PACProud!” Rafael Sayago, Certified Advisor  “As a certified advisor, it is a sincere privilege to be in a position where I help students navigate their academic journey. I feel fortunate that through my employment with ACD, I have experienced outstanding leadership that has always supported the personal and professional growth of their staff. Working under great leadership has allowed me to find a career and job that I look forward to doing every day. Upon learning that I was a recipient of the NISOD Excellence Award, I was surprised and elated to have been selected for such an honor. However, receiving this distinction would not have been possible without the incredible support from my amazing team and the faculty and staff I work with daily.”       Tracy Quiroz, Data Analyst for Student Success “I have worked for the Alamo Colleges for nearly 5 years,  Palo Alto College for 4 years, and recently, I have transitioned to the Alamo Colleges District as a lead systems analyst. Serving as a data analyst in higher education has been professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. One of the most gratifying parts of my work is the ability to transform complex data into actionable insights that advance student achievement and drive institutional progress. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my efforts support informed decision-making across the college—impacting students and programs alike. Being selected for the NISOD Excellence Award is a true honor. It affirms the value of the work happening behind the scenes and reminds me that data plays a vital role in shaping our shared mission. I’m genuinely thankful for this recognition, which strengthens my dedication to quality, innovation, and service in the academic community.” Delilah Marquez, VP of Student Success “I began my career with PAC in 2016 and have learned and gained so much from colleagues and mentors along the way. Now as Vice President of Student Success, the most rewarding experience is to see students who have earned their degree/award/ certificate walk the stage at graduation and their families, who are so proud to celebrate their success.  Knowing that PAC/ACD continues to create change in the community and open doors of opportunity is no greater feeling. I am thankful to be recognized as a NISOD recipient.” Jennifer Flores, Interim Dean for Student Success “I'm humbled by the opportunity to serve the PAC community as Dean for Student Success at Palo Alto College and work alongside dedicated colleagues and students for the past 8 years. Advocating for students in my roles as Caring Campus and Parenting Student Liaison is deeply rewarding. I'm grateful for the support of my leadership team and husband, who help me be my best self.” Excellence by Academic Support Services Staff Tyler Archer, Dean for Student Success “I have been able to serve Palo Alto College for 9 years and previously served at San Antonio College for 4 years at the start of my career. Before taking on the Dean position, I worked in various areas of Student Affairs/Student Success, including student conduct, residence life, university programming, student activities, risk management, student organization development, and compliance administration. My favorite parts of working in higher education are the beginning and the end of a student's journey. I love new student orientation, where students are so excited to join our college, and then as they walk the stage at graduation when they're ready to go out into the world. It's great to see students grow, learn, and take their next steps. It's an honor to receive this NISOD award because our college nominates us, and it's always great to be recognized by your peers and community.” Andrew Rivera, Lead Librarian “I have been a part of Alamo Colleges for nearly four years, with just over two of those years dedicated to Palo Alto College, serving as the Access Services Librarian with the Ozuna Library. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is supporting students in achieving their academic goals. I assist students in recognizing the value of information and how to locate reliable sources while also mentoring work-study students within our department. My focus is on helping them enhance their skills, build confidence in their roles, and gain valuable experience in a professional setting. I am thrilled to receive the NISOD Excellence Award, which further inspires me to continue empowering students on their path to success.”The recipients then can attend the annual NISOD conference, where they learn about resources, ideas, and solutions that drive excellence and are recognized for their achievement during the Excellence Awards Dinner and Celebration. The recognition of these employees is just a small token of appreciation for all their hard work at the College and serves as motivation for them to continue their excellence and reach new heights.

Palo Alto College dancer Ariana Martinez is making history as the first PAC graduate to join the Texas A&M University–San Antonio Jaguarettes Dance Team, marking a significant milestone in the program's five-year history. The celebration took place during a signing ceremony on Friday, May 16, where Ariana was surrounded by proud instructors, classmates, and family members to honor her achievement and cheer on her next chapter. Ariana first connected with the Jaguarettes through a recruitment camp hosted at TAMUSA. It was there that she became familiar with the team’s dynamic and built a strong rapport with Head Dance and Cheer Coach Courtney Bobb-Meilinger. That early connection helped pave the way for her recruitment and ultimately influenced her decision to accept and commit to the Jaguarettes. "What's really interesting is that we have never had anyone on our team from Palo Alto College, and we are neighbors,” said Bobb-Meilinger. “So it's very interesting that it never happened, but now it is a great opportunity to unite the schools. We are all on the same path for education and share a passion for dance, and this is going to be a door that opens and allows for more communication and collaboration." The moment was especially meaningful for Ariana’s family. “I am so excited for her, she is first generation, so it means a lot,” her mother shared. “It’s beautiful to see her continue something that she loves to do. She has a passion for dance and is so good at it. She shines, not just because she’s my daughter, but because she’s got something special, and I can’t wait to see it grow.” Ariana’s achievement represents more than a personal milestone; it signals the beginning of a stronger bridge between Palo Alto College and Texas A&M–San Antonio. As she takes the floor with the Jaguarettes, she opens the door for future PAC students to explore similar pathways in dance and higher education, expanding opportunities and strengthening the bond between two neighboring institutions.

Class of 1998: Grad Story: Veronica Arnold Do you have a 30 Year story to share? Please send a short summary of your story idea to NVC-News@alamo.edu. We will contact you for more information. VISIT NVC'S 30 YEAR CELEBRATION WEBPAGE

A Significant Milestone on a Journey Janell Casias has long held the dream of a college education. As she steps onto the commencement stage on May 22, 2025, she carries with her a history of challenges that have fueled her resolve. The Distinguished Graduate Award, sponsored by GM Financial, recognizes students for their campus and community involvement, leadership, and dedication to Northwest Vista College. This year, it honors Janell Casias, a student whose journey to this milestone is marked by remarkable resilience and lifelong pursuit of education. Currently a medical assistant and office manager for a pulmonary care group in San Antonio, Janell plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing at St. Philip’s College with a focus on critical care. Looking ahead, she also hopes to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting pregnant teens with mental health resources and other essential services. Janell understands the challenges faced by teen moms. At the age of 14, she became a mother. By 16, she endured the loss of her own mother and navigated early adulthood largely on her own. Demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness, Janell used her savings to buy a foreclosed home with cash at the age of 20. While the remodeling process was lengthy, her four-bedroom, two-bathroom house eventually became the home she envisioned. Janell, who eventually became a mother of four, always knew that college was necessary, yet she prioritized her children and never wanted them to feel like they were an obstacle to her ambitions. Ten years ago, she said she attempted to attend classes, but the demands of raising young children and being in a difficult marriage created significant barriers. The shift towards online learning following COVID provided Janell with a renewed opportunity. With her children now more independent and free from a marriage that stifled her aspirations, she re-enrolled in college. Balancing full-time work with online classes proved to be the key to achieving her long-held educational goal. Reflecting on her journey, Janell has learned a valuable lesson she shares with others: “You have to believe in yourself and make that first step.” For Janell, earning her associate’s degree is a powerful fulfillment of a promise made to her 13-year-old self, a significant milestone on a journey that she confidently knows will continue with pursuing a master's degree. Click Here to Visit the NVC Commencement Webpage

Dr. Francisco Solis, who served as interim president since March 2024, was approved unanimously by the Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, May 20. An experienced higher education administrator with more than 25 years of service to San Antonio College, he is the first openly LGBTQ president in the college’s 100-year history. “After a quarter century of service to SAC, Dr. Solis brings an impressive breadth of academic and administrative experience to the presidency, as well as an abiding passion for the shared mission and vision of Alamo Colleges,” said Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores, whose leadership spans the district’s family of five community colleges. “I’m deeply honored to be named president at such an exciting time in our college’s history,” Solis said. “We have achieved an enrollment of more than 20,000 students, we continue to develop new cutting-edge course and degree offerings, we will soon complete the next three-year strategic plan, and in September we will launch a year-long centennial celebration both honoring our rich history and looking ahead to our next century of service to the community.” Solis is an alumnus of SAC, having earned an associate of applied science in mortuary science degree in 1995. His tenure at the college began in 1999. Since then, he has served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles. He began as a professor and coordinator in the mortuary science program. Other roles included dean for performance excellence and director of learning assessment and review, where he collaborated closely with college leadership to design and implement the institution’s strategic plan. Notably, Dr. Solis contributed to SAC's accreditation report to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and played a significant role in applications that led to major recognition for the college, including the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the Seal of Excelencia, the Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. He retired from SAC in May 2023. Later, at the request of the chancellor, Solis came out of retirement in March 2024 to serve as interim president. In addition to his career at San Antonio College, Solis has been president of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, chair of the Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color, and president of the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE). He continues to teach as a faculty lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program. Solis is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, St. Edward’s University, San Antonio College, and Central Catholic High School. - SAC - 

The 2025 Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to four deserving current NVC students: Holly Cripps, Jackeline Grimaldo, Robert Ortega, and Ghadeer Ramadan. Tragically passing away in July 2023 in a fatal car accident, Tailar Kai Matthews’ presence was back on campus on May 7 with a scholarship celebration honoring her presence. Dr. Don Lucas and Tailar's mother, Portia Matthews, formed the Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship in the fall of 2023. The Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship is awarded every spring semester on April 23 (World Book and Copyright Day).  Matthews graduated from Northwest Vista College as a psychology major in May of 2018. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2020, and three years later, her master’s degree in social work, both degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Matthews' passion for her academic journey always included being helpful, giving, and being a voracious reader. The Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship honors these three things. Tailar Matthews’ mother, Portia Matthews, said to the winners, “From this day forward, a part of Tailar is with you on your academic journeys.” Scholarship winner, Ghadeer Ramadan, who was with her husband and two daughters, said, “I am committed to honoring the legacy of Tailar through hard work and achievement. Thank you again for your generosity. Your support is not only helping me reach my goals but also inspiring me to give back to others in the future.” Others in attendance at the celebration included NVC President Dr. Amy Bosley, and NVC Social Sciences chair Paul Northway. “It was heartwarming to see the love and lives Tailar touched during her journey at NVC and at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a journey that now continues through the Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship,” said Northway. Also, in attendance was UTSA’s Assistant Professor of Social Work, Jelena Todic, and NVC’s Professor of Psychology and Psychology Department coordinator Dr. Don Lucas. “Being an expert in your content area of specialization certainly is a part of being a good professor,” said Dr. Lucas. “But, by far, the greatest part of being a good professor is disseminating content in a fashion that allows students to grow and flourish from making the content their own. This growth and flourishing creates unique bonds between students and teachers. Some of these bonds are never forgotten. Tailar and I have one of these bonds.” Scholarship winner, Jackeline Grimaldo, expressed her thanks to those attending the celebration by noting that within a year, she will be among the first to graduate from NVC with a Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Cloud Computing, a feat she credited to scholarship opportunities such as the Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship. Another scholarship winner, Holly Cripps, said she’s graduating next year with an associate degree and majoring in psychology.  “This scholarship is especially meaningful to me because I have always had a deep love for reading — something I know was important to Tailar,” Cripps added. “Books have been my refuge, my inspiration, and my source of knowledge throughout life. It feels incredibly special to receive a scholarship that honors someone who shared that same love for reading. I hope to honor Tailar’s memory by continuing to learn, grow, and give back to my community.” Representatives of the newly formed nonprofit organization, The Tailar Way Inc. — Mykala Castille, Gladys Cisneros, Joselyne Gonzales, and Lisa Griffin — donated $2,500 to the Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship fund at the ceremony. Sofia Ongay and Molly Wilkes from the Alamo Colleges Foundation officially accepted this generous contribution. The new scholarship winners are now forever linked to the inscription on the Tailar Kai Matthews Memorial Scholarship plaque in the NVC psychology department that reads:  “The greatest gift you’ll leave behind in this world is your book of life. Fill its pages with unapologetic love, roaring laughter, intentional friendships, and a relentless pursuit of the most incredible adventures imaginable.” For application details on the scholarship, contact Dr. Lucas at dlucas@alamo.edu.  

Through her professional career, a deep love for knowledge and service has guided Tosca Gonsalves, E-Resources Librarian at Palo Alto College.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and a master’s in Spanish, Tosca’s journey took her abroad to Colombia, where she began teaching English while navigating the challenge of her degrees not being transferred. Eventually, she and her husband moved back to the United States so he could pursue his PhD, and it was during this time that Tosca decided to follow her curiosity into library science. “I loved research and books,” she says, “which any librarian would tell you is not a good enough reason to study library science, but I did it anyway, and I found my passion in it.” That passion led her first to the public library system, where she gained valuable hands-on experience. After a period as a stay-at-home mom, she slowly re-entered the field by volunteering in a school library. When Tosca and her family settled back in the States, she landed her position at Palo Alto College, and she’s been here ever since. This September marks Tosca’s 14th year at PAC. In her role, she wears many hats: overseeing technical services like eBook platforms and streaming resources such as Kanopy, managing the library’s materials budget, supporting faculty in identifying subject-specific resources as part of the curriculum committee, and leading information literacy classes for English courses both online and in-person. “There’s so much more to being a librarian than most people realize,” Tosca shares. She also works directly with students through the reference desk, online chat, and Book-a-Librarian appointments, and she frequently collaborates with faculty and other departments across campus.  At the root of Tosca’s work is a strong investment in helping more students, faculty, and staff alike realize just how expansive the library’s resources are. Tosca is especially proud of the San Antonio Poetry Archives and PAC’s own archives, both housed within the library, as well as the children’s library for parenting students.  “There are a fair amount of hidden gems in our library,” she says. “It would be nice if people were more aware that all they have to do is ask, and we do our best to help them.” Beyond academics, Tosca loves the human moments that happen in the library—like when students or colleagues stop to leave a note of thanks. “It warms our hearts and motivates us in the day-to-day chaos,” she says, noting that the team has started collecting these appreciation notes as reminders of the impact they have.  As Tosca looks ahead, she hopes to continue building a library experience that is responsive, inclusive, and accessible, even beyond regular hours. “I want the library to always have something to offer, no matter who you are or where you are on your journey.” Tosca Gonsalves is an example of the spirit and talent that defines Palo Alto College, one of collaboration, community, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Her story reminds us that libraries and the people behind them are more vital than ever.