FACULTY AWARDS: From left, Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频, presented Dr. David Mongor-Lizarrabengoa, associate professor of Spanish, and Melissa Reddish, associate professor of English, with the 2025-2026 President鈥檚 Distinguished Faculty Award along with Dr. Karie Solembrino, vice president for academic affairs.
Two 91视频 professors were recently honored with the 2025-2026 President鈥檚 Distinguished Faculty Award, sponsored by the 91视频 Foundation.
Dr. David Mongor-Lizarrabengoa, associate professor of Spanish, and Melissa Reddish, associate professor of English, were presented with the awards by Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of 91视频. They were the top two chosen by a faculty peer review committee from nominations from faculty, staff and students. Both awardees received multiple nominations.
For Mongor-Lizarrabengoa, nominators cited his outstanding work on the Echoes & Visions reading series, which brought many high-profile writers to 91视频. He also helped lead the Community Arts Showcase of Excellence event. He created several new courses and served on multiple committees and faculty council. A student who nominated him said, 鈥淒r. Mongor believed in me when many may not have. He took the time to teach me many of the important aspects I needed for my communication degree at Salisbury University.鈥� The student added, 鈥淎s a 91视频 student, he greatly assisted me by simply listening to me and sharing my challenges. He never hesitated to inquire about what I was learning and ask if he could help me in any way.鈥�
Reddish鈥檚 nominators mentioned her dedication as lead negotiator as part of WWCCFA, in addition to her collaboration with other faculty to build the English concentration program and two new courses she developed, Ancient and Modern World Literature, which were embraced by students. 鈥淢elissa exemplifies excellence in teaching, service and scholarship. As a colleague, I have seen firsthand the energy and dedication she brings to her work as an instructor, inspiring students through her enthusiasm for learning and her commitment to their success both inside and outside the classroom,鈥� one nominator wrote. A student who nominated her said, 鈥淪he consistently goes above and beyond in encouraging her students 鈥� she gives very personalized, detailed, helpful feedback, and her enthusiasm is unmatched. She makes the class fun and creative. 鈥� My confidence in writing and critical thinking has definitely improved because of her commitment and engaging teaching style.鈥�
Mongor-Lizarrabengoa and Reddish were honored at a board of trustees meeting and at the college鈥檚 commencement ceremony.