The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards provide member colleges with the opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of faculty, staff, and administrators who shape the futures of community and technical college students. This recognition validates the hard work they put in every day, but also strengthens the culture of excellence at Phoenix College and the students we serve.
Advisor Julie Humphrey-Thometz nominated her peers in the advising department to highlight their hard work and dedication. "The NISOD award nominations provided a timely opportunity to highlight their contributions to the college and our students. It's important to me that my team members feel seen and valued because what we do makes a huge impact on our community."
This year, the following Phoenix College staff were honored with a NISOD Excellence Award:
Tatiana Kona, Academic Advisor, Health Sciences
Mischaelle Maya, Academic Advisor, Computer Information and Technology | Behavioral Science and Human Services
Wendera Phung, Academic Advisor, Computer Information and Technology | Business, Entrepreneurialism, and Management
Michelle Tanner, Academic Advisor, Behavioral Science and Human Services
Cheyanna Thundercloud, Academic Advisor, STEM
Ty Welborn, Interim Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Institutional Research
Each awardee will receive a specially cast pewter medallion, and their name, title, and college will be listed on the Excellence Awards Acknowledgment page of the NISOD website. All 2026 Award recipients are recognized during a dinner and celebration at the NISOD's annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence from May 23-26, 2026.
MCCCD Academic Advising Awards
Glendale Community College hosted this year's MCCCD Academic Advisement Conference on April 10th, and Phoenix College had four award winners out of ten.
"What's so great about the nomination process is the nominations come from an advisor's peers, not just leadership," said Elaine Rostad, PC's Director of Advisement. "The advisors want to share with the broader community the work we are doing at PC to support our students. PC had thirteen nominees, with four awardees. selected by a committee of peers, who don't know the advisor's name or the campus they are from."
Daisy Rabadan, Advising Barrier Buster
Daisy goes above and beyond to remove barriers to student success, facilitates innovative connections to advising, and develops systems and structures that strengthen access to advising and improve the delivery of student support services.
Elizabeth Conway, Campus Impact
Elizabeth's work extends beyond advising to positively influence the broader campus community through leadership, initiatives, and faculty collaboration.
Julie Humphrey-Thometz, Team Builder
Julie fosters collaboration, strengthens partnerships, and contributes to a supportive and connected advising community.
LeAndria Gene, Advancing Student Empowerment
LeAndria empowers students through mentorship, campus involvement, and advocacy. She demonstrates a strong commitment to holistic student support—often through roles such as club advising or engagement in campus activities—while encouraging students to take ownership of their academic, personal, and professional growth.
Congrats to all of the award winners!
Don't know all PC's advisors? Check out Academic Advisement to see which program each advisor covers. If you're new to college, start by registering for BearTrax, our New Student Orientation. You'll learn about degree requirements, receive academic advisement, enroll in classes, print your class schedule, learn more about campus resources, and more! Stop by the Welcome Desk in the Hannelly Center or call 602.285.7777